Things are starting to warm up. Summer will be here before you know it, which means it's time to make sure your air conditioner is up to the challenge. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the heat with a broken air conditioner. That's where the pre-season maintenance list comes into play. Here are four steps you should take to make sure your air conditioner is ready to keep you comfortably cool this summer.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

When it comes to thermostats, they're not all created equal. If you don't have a programmable thermostat in your home, it's time to get one. There are several benefits to having a programmable thermostat. First, you can program your thermostat to cycle on and off at appropriate times, which means you'll save money on your energy bill. Second, since your air conditioner won't have to work overtime while you're away from the house, your cooling system will last longer. Finally, once you find the perfect setting for your home, you won't have to continually adjust the thermostat.

Clean the Filter Housing

Now that summer is almost here, it's time to clean the filter housing. While changing the filter will help keep the air flowing, cleaning the entire housing will help keep dirt and allergens out of the air. Remove the dirty filter and use a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt from the housing. Fill a bucket with warm water and add ¼ cup of grease-cutting dish detergent. Use a soft sponge to wash the vents on the filter housing. Once the housing is clean and dry, install a fresh filter.

Create Breathable Space

Your air conditioning unit requires plenty of room to generate cool air for your home. To make sure your air conditioner can keep you cool, you'll need to create breathable space around the outside unit. Clear away the weeds and debris from around the air conditioner. Remove any large items that might be stored near the unit. The more space you provide for your air conditioner, the easier it will be for it to cool down your home.

Schedule a Tune-Up

If it's been a while since you had your air conditioner serviced, now would be a good time to schedule that. You can talk with a professional, like A/C Rescue, for more information. A pre-season tune-up will allow your technician to identify – and repair – minor problems before they result in mid-summer malfunctions. Contact an HVAC technician near you to get your air conditioner ready for the warm weather ahead.