Summer is around the corner so it's time to prepare your AC. Keep reading for 5 ways to prepare your air conditioner for summer.

Spring is a busy time for homeowners. There's the winter clean up and gardening, not to mention that the grass is probably already a few inches tall. But, there's one thing you might have forgotten and it's the most important of all the chores you have lined up.

You simply cannot forget to prepare your air conditioner for summer. Failure to do so could result in malfunctions during the hottest months of the year which can also add up to costly repairs. Save yourself some time and money up front and add this to your to-do list right away if you haven't already.

In the meantime, if you're wondering what you need to do, you're in the right place. Here, we'll discuss a few things you need to know in order to perform this annual maintenance. Keep reading to learn more.

Servicing an air conditioner is kind of like servicing your car or truck. Your truck is easy, right? So is this. 

Follow these steps to get your air conditioner up and running for summer without any issues.

You can start by opening your air conditioner vents. This is actually an important step. Leaving vents closed can increase pressure in your ductwork and cause leaks.

One of the easiest tasks you need to perform is simply changing your air filter. Don't forget! The air filter traps dust and pollen and suffocates your system when you don't change it.

If you don't know how to clean your air conditioner, it's actually pretty simple. Just clear away debris and wash the outside unit down with a garden hose sprayer on the low setting. The benefits of cleaning your air conditioner are less work on your system and energy efficiency. 

Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck debris from the drain line that leads from your indoor AC unit to the outside. A clogged line can cause leaks and malfunction so make sure the line is clear before you turn the AC on.

Getting an AC tune up is the smartest thing you can do to prepare for summer. An HVAC specialist can look at your unit to make sure it's in the best running condition after sitting for so many months. Many homeowners report saving up to 15% on energy bills when they have their AC serviced.

When it comes time to prepare your air conditioner for summer, don't wait until summer to do it. Service technicians are especially busy at the start of summer with emergency calls for people whose units are not working at all. Take the time in advance to schedule your air conditioner tune-up so you don't become one of those emergency calls. 

We hope you found this post helpful. Before you go, check out the rest of our home & design section to see how else you can improve your home and get ready for summer.