As summer comes to an end, you will soon be giving your air conditioner a rest. But before you switch your AC off and turn your furnace on, there are a few maintenance best-practices to follow to get your unit ready for the next season. Following these three steps will help save on AC repair bills next spring.

An End-Of-Summer AC Maintenance Checklist

1. Change the Air Filters

Changing the air filters regularly keeps your air conditioner running smoothly. As they collect dirt, they become clogged and obstruct airflow. This causes your AC to work harder and less efficiently, leading to expensive AC repair bills. If you forgot to change filters over the summer, now is a perfect time to do so. Check your owner's manual for information on the type of filter your system requires and detailed instructions on how to replace it.

2. Clean & Inspect Your Outside Unit

As part of your end of summer maintenance, clean your AC unit by removing debris such as leaves and grass. Use a hose to spray off loose dirt and grime. Pay particular attention to the condenser coils; they sit right behind the thin metal wiring that covers your AC unit. When they become dirty, they cannot release heat as efficiently, causing your AC to work harder.

If your condenser coil is covered with a thick layer of dirt that does not come off with a gentle spray from the hose, call an AC repair service to professionally clean your unit. You can also have them check your unit for any damage, such as bent fan blades or frayed wiring, that may have occurred over the summer. 

3. Schedule a Furnace Tuneup

If your end of summer air conditioner maintenance checklist uncovered any concerning issues, you might consider combining your furnace and air conditioner tuneups. Checking the furnace will ensure your system is functioning properly by checking the thermostat, electrical connections, pilot system, and burners. Having your furnace and air-conditioner tuned up at the end of summer will keep your furnace running smoothly in winter and avoid costly AC repairs in the spring. 

For expert AC and furnace repairs in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, call Guelzow Heating & Air Conditioning Service. Their expert contractors perform a wide range of services on any type of heating and cooling system. They will work with you to develop an effective maintenance plan to spot potential problems early, keep your systems in optimal condition, and save you money on repairs. Call them at (715) 423-1086 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.