While it may not feel like it here in Western New York, spring is right around the corner - and once spring gets here, the cooling season isn’t far behind! If you’re like most people, you probably turned off your air conditioner for the last time in September or maybe October and haven’t thought about it since. But now that spring is here, it’s time to wake your AC system up from hibernation.

The good news is that Domes Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. We’ve created this handy checklist for you to go through as you get your air conditioner ready for the warm months ahead. Check it out below.

Step 1: Change your home’s HVAC filters.

Clean, unclogged filters are essential if you want an HVAC system that runs well. We recommend replacing the filters once a month, but if this chore got pushed to the wayside in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the change of seasons is a great time to get back on track.

Step 2: Make sure the area around the outdoor unit is clear.

You don’t want your air conditioner choked by weeds and surrounded by a jungle of landscaping. Make sure the area around the unit is clean and clear. You can even gently rinse off the coils with a garden hose to remove dirt and debris.

Step 3: Have your ducts professionally inspected and cleaned.

Faulty ducts mean that the air you’re paying to cool might never make its way to you. Call a professional to have your ducts fully inspected and if necessary, cleaned. Spring is a great time to schedule this service.

Step 4: Fire up the AC before you need it.

When do you want to find out there’s a problem with your air conditioner - when the mercury is boiling over, or well before then, so you can get the problem fixed before you really need the system? We’re guessing it’s the latter. Pick a day when it’s not too cold and switch the AC system on so you can make sure all systems are ready before the warm weather arrives. If you notice anything off, call us right away.

Step 5: Call us for a professional AC inspection.

Even if you follow all the steps above, your AC system still might have a problem you couldn’t detect. That’s why it’s so important to have your AC inspected by a qualified air conditioning contractor once a year, typically before the cooling season starts in earnest. We would be happy to take care of your inspection and any necessary tune-ups or AC repairs.

Remember - while we might still be dodging snowflakes and huddling by the heater now, summer will be here before we know it! Make sure your air conditioner is ready to handle the hot days ahead. If you live in Hamburg, NY; Buffalo, NY; West Seneca, NY; Orchard Park, NY; Lackawanna, NY; or the surrounding areas, call us to schedule your yearly AC inspection and maintenance today!