Winter has finally broken and the first hint of warmer weather has arrived. Before heading out to enjoy the sunshine, every homeowner should take a look at their air conditioning system and make sure it's ready for the warmer months ahead. Here are a few spring cleaning tips that will help ensure your A/C is ready for the job.

Wash It Off, Air It Out

Head outside and take a look at the exterior condenser unit. It likely needs a bath after that harsh winter. Wash it down, paying careful attention to removing debris around the fin area. You don't need to go crazy with the cleaning supplies; a mixture of soap and water should do just fine. Be gentle with the fins so they do not break or get damaged; you don't want to spray it down with the garden hose directly. If your house has a beam foundation and you closed the vents at the start of winter, this is the time to open everything back up to let the air start circulating.

Change the Filter

The start of spring is a great time to put a new filter into your air conditioning system. This year, make it a point to regularly change the system filter once a month to ensure that your air conditioner runs as efficiently as possible all summer long. Put a stack of filters somewhere where you will see them frequently inside your home so that you don't just stick them in the basement somewhere and forget about it.

Get a Professional Inspection

While cleaning and adding a new filter are both relatively simple tasks, there are other things on an air conditioner that need to be periodically checked to make sure everything is running smoothly. Contact a local HVAC contractor and schedule an appointment for a full inspection. The contractor can check things like your duct work and your insulation. They can also check and make sure that your freon levels are good or top them off so that your air conditioner is ready for the coming weather.

If you're still recovering from the harsh winter you just had, chances are your air conditioning system could use a little tender love and care as well. Start by cleaning off the unit, paying careful attention to the fins and don't forget to change the filter as well. Then, for best results, create an annual habit of bringing in a professional contractor for a full inspection of your A/C and ducts. For more information, visit a site like http://www.alliedme.com.