For many Ontario homeowners, air conditioners are an essential home comfort system for the summer so they don’t have to suffer through the heat and humidity.

Some people assume that they can simply turn on their air conditioner as soon as the warm weather hits, but following these important steps can help you ensure that your air conditioner will be in good working order when you need it most.

1. Check your air filter

If you didn’t check or replace your air filter last fall, it’s important to do so now. You should replace your air filter at least once a season, or more if you have pets or a particularly dusty home. A clean air filter will help your air conditioner work efficiently while keeping the air in your home clean.

2. Take the cover off the outside unit

Air conditioners have an outside unit, which are generally covered over the winter to protect from snow, ice and debris. Before you turn your air conditioner on, make sure to remove the outside cover. Leaving it on can prevent your air conditioner from being able to take in the air it needs, and could cause your unit to overheat. You can also take this opportunity to give the unit a rinse with a garden hose.

3. Check the air vents

If you have a central air conditioning unit, you will have several air vents throughout your home. These vents help to distribute the air evenly so your whole home stays cool during the summer. Ensure that none of the vents are blocked by furniture or upholstery, and clean the vents of dust and other debris if necessary.

4. Check that the power is on

Many air conditioners have a power switch that looks just like a light switch, so it’s common for them to be turned off by accident. Always ensure that your unit’s power is turned on before you attempt to power up the air conditioner. Check the breaker and disconnect switch as well.

5. Set and test your thermostat

Your thermostat is an essential part of your air conditioning unit — think of it as the brain of your home comfort systems. Without a properly functioning thermostat, your air conditioner won’t function properly either. Set your thermostat to your desired temperature and make sure it’s running correctly. You can test the various functions as well.

6. Schedule your annual maintenance

It’s essential that you have regular annual maintenance on your air conditioning system. Annual maintenance can help to prevent major issues and breakdowns that aren’t just costly, but could shorten the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. An air conditioner technician can help to identify problems before they arise. Having annual maintenance performed to ensure that your unit is running as efficiently as possible can also help to save you money on your utility bills.

At Bryan’s Fuel, we can help prevent air conditioner problems and save you money with annual tune-ups and cleaning. Call us now to book your annual maintenance!