In Southern Ontario, our summers can get so hot and humid that the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to break down suddenly. And while you might think you won’t need your air conditioner for many months, having it ready for spring can help prevent disasters and save you some money.

Here’s how to get your air conditioner ready for spring.

1) Get your system maintained before you need it

If you wait until the dead of summer to get your air conditioner maintained, it might be too late. Instead, start getting your air conditioner ready in early or mid-spring. Test your system by turning it to “cool” and make sure it’s running properly. Listen to be sure it turns on as usual and doesn’t make any unusual sounds. Check here for some common air conditioner problems to look out for. If anything seems unusual, consider scheduling a repair visit from your HVAC technician, rather than a regular maintenance visit.

2) Do what you can to maintain your system yourself

The bulk of your air conditioner’s maintenance will need to be done by a professional, but there are a few things you can do yourself to get your system up and running efficiently:

• Check the filter, and clean or replace if necessary
• Clean the area around the unit, both indoors and outdoors, and make sure it’s clear or dust and debris
• Vacuum the supply and return vents leading to your ductwork

3) Make your seasonal maintenance appointment

Whether your air conditioning unit is one year old or ten years old, seasonal maintenance appointments are essential for keeping your unit in great working condition. Making your maintenance appointment early won’t just let you miss the summer rush, but it will give you peace of mind that your air conditioner will be working when the temperatures start to soar.

4) Replace your system with a high efficiency unit

If your air conditioner is on its last legs, make sure your replacement is a highly energy efficient model. Look for the Energy Star symbol on any potential replacements, and talk to your air conditioning installer for any recommendations for making your unit even more energy (and cost) efficient. If you’re not sure whether your air conditioner needs to be replaced, find out here.

At Bryan’s Fuel in Orangeville, Shelburne, Collingwood, Caledon and Owen Sound, we have a team of licensed professionals who can inspect, repair and install your air conditioning unit to make sure you and your family stay cool all summer long. Contact us today to learn more or book your appointment.