Whether you have parties planned or you’re just looking to relax at home, you need to make sure the air conditioner is in good shape before turning it on for the summer. A few maintenance tasks will go a long way to ensure it’ll run properly all season long—you don’t want it to malfunction on the hottest day of the year! If you don’t know what to do, Windward Air Conditioning on Maui, HI, recommends the following tasks.

5 Air Conditioner Maintenance Tasks for Summer

1. Update the Filter

Changing the air filter at the beginning of the season will allow the unit to run at maximum efficiency. If you have a washable filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and make sure it’s fully dry before putting it back in the unit.

2. Clean Indoors

You also need to clean other indoor components, which includes vacuuming and dusting the grilles, registers, and the indoor unit itself. Do this frequently throughout the season to prevent dust from accumulating.

3. Sweep the Outdoor Unit

Once you’ve cleaned indoors, tend to the outdoor unit, which is also known as the condenser. Sweep away leaves, twigs, or any other debris that may have piled up around the base or on the frame.

4. Clean the Coils

After you’ve cleared the larger debris, check the coils. Gently use a coil brush or the brush attachment of your vacuum to clean off any dust or dirt. If any coils are bent, straighten them out with a fin comb, which is a tool specifically designed for this purpose.

5. Check for Damage

Finally, after everything’s clean, look for any damage. A common problem is the insulating cover of the coolant lines; because it’s made of foam, it tears easily. If you find it ripped, replace it before operating the air conditioning unit.

If your air conditioner needs a repair or tune-up, rely on the team at Windward Air Conditioning. Since 1996, the family-owned company has helped Maui residents with their HVAC needs. Thinking about a complete upgrade? Aside from air conditioner repairs, they also do installations. Call (808) 242-1144 to request a free onsite estimate, and visit the website for more about their services.