As nature springs to life, so do many homeowners, taking care of everything they didn’t get to before the weather turned cold. Before long, spring temperatures will give way to Tennessee’s summer heat, and you want to ensure your home is ready.

One of the worst feelings for a homeowner is turning on the AC during the first heatwave of the year only to feel hot air blowing from the vents. Regular maintenance is the best way to make sure your AC unit doesn’t let you down when you need it most.

Here are five things you can do this spring to keep your AC unit operating at its best.

1. Clear debris from around the AC unit

Make sure there is adequate space around your HVAC unit so it can breathe. Don’t let tree vines or other vegetation grow over your unit; it will limit system efficiency. Be sure to clean up any sticks or branches that may have fallen around your unit.

2. Schedule an annual HVAC inspection

The trusted HVAC professionals at Lee Company can complete an annual HVAC inspection and tune-up on your unit before you turn it on for the season. The tune-up will include cleaning the condenser and coils, testing wiring and capacitors, and checking interior and exterior units. Lee Company technicians complete a 22+ point inspection on every visit, detailing all maintenance they perform.

Pro Tip: For extra peace of mind, turn on your AC unit before it gets hot outside so you can make sure that it’s blowing cold air. It’s also a good idea to schedule annual HVAC inspections to make sure everything is in working order.

3. Clean or replace air filters

Your heating and air conditioning systems both use the same air filters. Spring is a great time to replace your HVAC filters, especially if you neglected to check on them over the winter. We recommend checking your filters once a month and changing them every three months to keep your HVAC units running efficiently.

4. Check interior vents and air ducts

Check all of your air vents to make sure they’re open! Closed vents will reduce airflow and make your system work harder than necessary. Ensure there is nothing blocking any air vents — curtains, furniture, etc. If you suspect your air ducts have leaks or need to be serviced, contact Lee Company and we’ll perform a leakage test in your home.

5. Program your thermostat settings for the season

Our HVAC professionals will run a test on your unit after completing a tune-up. Once you know things are ready, check your programmable thermostat to ensure the schedule and temperatures are set correctly for warmer weather. That way, when things get hot you’re already set and won’t waste money.

Don’t have a programmable thermostat yet? Lee Company can help you upgrade to a smart thermostat!

Pro Tip: During the summer, always leave the fan setting on your thermostat set to auto, not on. This improves the efficiency and longevity of your AC unit

Safeguard your AC unit with a home maintenance plan!

Keeping your AC unit in working shape requires a little extra planning every summer, but it’s worth the effort. To save even more time and money, Lee Company’s Home Maintenance Plan helps keep all of your home’s critical systems — heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical — in tip-top shape. You’ll receive an air conditioning tune-up and 22+ point inspection every year as a member.