When the hottest days of summer arrive, the last thing you want is to turn on the air conditioner only to find out it isn't working like it should. The good news is, by doing a few simple preparations you will know if you need air conditioning services sooner rather than later. Here are four pre-summer maintenance tips for your air conditioner.

1. Clean Condenser Unit

Even if you are diligent about covering the outside air conditioning unit each and every fall, it is still important to clean the condenser unit before turning on the air conditioner. To clean the condenser, simply remove any leaves and debris that may have found their way into the unit and then use a hose to spray off any lingering dust, debris, and leaves. After cleaning the condenser, check the unit for any leaks or cracks and have air conditioning services done if you find any problems. Remember to clean around the condenser unit as well. To ensure nothing interferes with correct operations, remove all weeds and grass at least 18-inches around the unit.

2. Change the Filter

A dirty air filter will cause your air conditioner to work harder than it should, which will make it difficult to cool your home and it could lead to damage to the coils and other essential parts of the air conditioning unit. So, before turning on the air conditioning unit, replace the filter and remember to change it at least once each month throughout the summer.

3. Check the Indoor Unit

If you are comfortable inspecting the indoor unit, check for cracks or breaks in the lines and take a peek at the fan to make sure there isn't any damage to the blades. Be sure to look for any leaks, and turn the unit on to listen for any unusual sounds. If you notice any damages, contact a professional air conditioning company to make repairs before turning on the unit.

4. Remove the Dust

The indoor climate of your home is a magnet for dust, especially during the winter when the house is shut tight. To make sure all of that collected dust doesn't get into the air conditioning unit, use a damp cloth to wipe off the outside of the unit and sweep up all of the dust that has gathered on the flooring around the unit.

To make sure there isn't any internal damage and to ensure the air conditioner functions at its best this summer, it's best hire an air conditioning professional to inspect the unit and do a tune-up, which will allow you to be  aware of any potential problems before they become worse, which can make for a hot and costly summer.  

Contact an HVAC or plumbing contractor for air conditioning services to get your unit checked out.