Summer is always an amazing time of the year. Many spend most of this amazing season outdoors on the beach and in swimming pools on weekends.

Our homes serve us when we are not outdoors and thus the need to make them comfortable to shelter us from the sweltering heat of summer. You have to ensure that your air conditioner is working optimally to enjoy your home’s comfort without spending so much on utility bills. Below are some of the best ways to get your AC in tiptop shape.

Replace the Air Filters

This is one of the most important steps in getting your air conditioning system ready for summer. Clogged filters obstruct the airflow causing your AC to work extra hard to cool your home. This not only sucks up loads of energy but also lowers the quality of air in your indoor space. Depending on the type of air filter you have, you can either replace or clean and boost the efficiency of your AC.

Clean the Condenser Coils

An AC’s condenser unit is usually located outside. The compressor unit has a fan placed inside a metal box that helps to move air across the condenser coils. If dirt, leaves, and other debris accumulate on this part, they obstruct flow of air thus lowering the overall efficiency of the air conditioner.

It’s thus important to ensure the condenser coils are professionally cleaned at the beginning of summer. This will enable you to enjoy the comfort of your home with family without worrying about skyrocketing utility bills. Additionally, you will have peace of mind knowing the condenser coils won’t fail halfway through the summertime.

Inspect the Coolant Lines

The refrigerant tubes that run from the evaporator inside to the condenser outside are covered with foam coolant line insulation. This serves the purpose of preventing energy loss.

Checking the coolant lines as the summer season begins enables you to fix any missing or frayed insulation. This will go a long way in boosting the efficiency of your air conditioning unit.

Evaluate the Thermostat

It’s crucial that your AC’s thermostat is working properly. Check the settings and its operation to confirm all is in good working condition. If you have the conventional thermostat, it will be a great idea at this time to replace it with a programmable thermostat.

The best thing about programmable thermostats is that they are designed with comfort and energy efficiency in mind. They allow you to zone your home and set your schedule to fit your specific needs. The U.S. Department of Energy highly recommends programmable thermostats to property owners to enable them to lower their power bills as well as save energy.

Test the Unit

After ensuring the condenser coils, filters, and other parts of the air conditioning system are working properly, it’s time to test the unit. If the AC runs perfectly well, you know you are all set for an exciting summertime.

However, if you experience any problem, it will be a great idea to call a professional and reputable AC contractor to inspect the unit and fix the problem.