If you are moving out of the warmer months, there are still a few things that need to be done in order to get your AC ready for the winter. While winterizing your home's HVAC unit is always a good idea, you should also be sure to do regular air conditioning maintenance on your system to ensure that it operates again in the spring. Below are a few things that you should do regularly between service visits to ensure that your air conditioner is running in top shape. If you're performing any of these maintenance tasks, contact an HVAC company to schedule an air conditioning service before you turn off your system for good.

Change the Air Filters

Most experts agree that you should change your air filters every 3 to 6 months to prevent blockages in your home's HVAC system. Since your air conditioner (along with your furnace) is responsible for moving air throughout your home, a clogged air filter can increase the wear and tear on your unit and prevent that from happening efficiently. Moreover, a clogged air filter means more dust and grime buildup on the inside of your ductwork, which can cause breathing issues for people in your home. It's one of the easiest forms of maintenance you can do and can be done by the homeowner in just a few minutes.

Clear the Debris

It's a good idea to do a visual inspection of your AC unit every so often to make sure that there no blockages on the outside either. Grass clippings, tree branches, and leaves can form up against the grates against your air conditioning system and prevent airflow from reaching the unit itself. Remove this debris as necessary, but if it continues to be a problem, build a barrier of some kind to keep clippings and leaves at bay.

Clean the Inside of Your Unit

Once you've removed the debris from the outside of your unit, take off the grates themselves and inspect your fan blades and condenser coils. If they're dirty, take a rag and wipe them down, but be sure to disconnect the power source first to prevent injury. Doing this will help improve the efficiency of your unit and prevent your air conditioner from blowing out hot air instead of cold. This part can be tricky, so if you're uncomfortable with this step, contact an HVAC company to ask about air conditioning services.