The fall is here and with it comes the changing of the seasons. The temperatures are cooler, leaves are starting to turn colors, and you start thinking about spending more time indoors. This can be great for those who love the snowier months. But not so much if your air conditioning unit that isn’t ready for the season change. But there are several things you can do now to prepare your home’s air conditioning.

Change The Air Filters

The air filter is just as important to the health of your HVAC system as it is to your health. When a filter gets dirty, it stops working properly and can lead to all kinds of problems. To keep your HVAC running smoothly all winter long, you need to change the air filter when it gets clogged with dust and debris. How often should you change the filter? Most manufacturers recommend changing them every 3 months or so, but you may need to do it more frequently if you have pets or if there are other factors that cause a lot of dust in your home (like construction). Here are the steps to changing your air filter:

• Turn off the system, then remove the filter access panel on your unit. If you don’t have one, look for a panel that gives access to the blower compartment.
• Remove any existing filters using your hands or pliers.
• Put new filters into place and screw back on whatever covers are required for your model of AC unit (if any).

Clean Off Outdoor Unit

Before the weather gets too cold, you should clean off your AC unit. You don’t want anything to damage or obstruct it and cause problems for you in the coming months. Here’s how:

• Make sure there is nothing touching the unit. Check all sides of it, and make sure that tree branches aren’t interfering with its operation by getting too close to it or any vents on top of it.
• Remove any leaves or debris from the unit itself, so they won’t get sucked into any vents or cause damage once they fall onto a fan blade inside.
• Use a hose to clean off dirt and dust from all sides of the outdoor unit—this will help ensure that nothing interferes with air flow!

Schedule Maintenance

The best way to ensure your AC is ready for the fall weather is to schedule routine maintenance. You should check your unit near the end of summer when it’s already been in use and might be more likely to need repairs. You should also schedule a regular maintenance check in the spring before using your air conditioner. If you’re unsure what kind of maintenance your AC needs, don’t hesitate to call a professional—they’ll know exactly how often they should inspect and clean your unit, as well as what other services may be necessary. Some things that may be recommended for your AC unit are:

• Cleaning air ducts
• Check amount of refrigerant
• Test for seal leaks in ducts

While you may think you are saving money by skipping the AC fall prep, you are actually costing yourself more money.

You may think you are saving money by skipping the AC fall prep, but you are actually costing yourself more money. When your air conditioner is not properly maintained and balanced, it won’t run as efficiently or last as long. This means that in the long run, you will likely have to replace it sooner than if you had scheduled a maintenance checkup right away.

If you’re someone who is looking to get their AC ready for fall, we are here to help! It can be a little bit tricky if you don’t know what you are doing, but it doesn’t have to be. With these tips and tricks, your home will stay cool all season long.