Spring is here, which means it's time to check those air conditioners before the hot summer sun sets in. Your air conditioner has been sitting collecting dust for months, and usually, a bit of maintenance is often needed to get things up and to go again. That is where a professional comes in. A professional can help get your air conditioner up and going by:

1. Removing any condenser covers, coil blankets, or lids: You have taken the precautions to protect your outdoor unit over the past few months by using a cover. Starting your A/C unit with any of these covers in place may cause severe damage to your unit.

2. Changing the filters: Springtime is an ideal time to check and change those air filters inside your house. An air filter is one of the most important things to check before starting up that air conditioner. If the air filter is dirty, everything past the filter is dirty too, including the air you breathe. A dirty air filter can also reduce air flow, increase allergens, increase power bills, and overall prevent your A/C unit from working properly. Changing your air filter is a simple 5-minute task that can make or break you this summer season.

3. Get rid of dirt and debris buildup: Depending on how your past month's weather has been, your outside unit may have debris and dirt buildup. It is best to hire a professional to clean out the unit. Some homeowners may not know the proper way to clean the unit, and will automatically start spraying the hose on it, which could cause electrical issues. A professional has all the right cleaning supplies and knows the areas where there could be debris buildup.

4. Check coolant lines: There are refrigerator lines that run from your evaporator on the air handler to the condenser outside. Those lines need to be properly insulated to prevent damage to the unit and avoid energy use. The foam insulation may become damaged from the sun's heat or trapped cold water. A professional can help fix any damaged insulation while correctly handling the pipes.

5. Test the A/C unit: Finally, it's time to test the A/C unit. Within the first few minutes, you should feel cold air coming out. If there is no cool air coming out, immediately turn off your unit and contact a professional. Leaving the system on when it is not working can cause a lot of damage. A professional can accurately diagnose the cause, preventing you from wasting time and money trying to fix it yourself.