With warmer weather just around the corner, the time has come for you to put your air conditioner back into service. But after a few months of dormancy, there are a few things you'll need to take care of before you can bring your A/C system back to life. The following can help you revive your air conditioner and return it to regular service without any hassles.

Inspect the Outdoor Condenser

Take a quick look at the outdoor condenser cabinet and rake away dead leaves, branches and any other yard debris from the bottom of the unit. Cut down or remove any vegetation that's growing within 3 feet of the cabinet.

Next, open up the top of the cabinet and check the condenser coil for any signs of damage. Carefully hose off the condenser coil if you spot any dirt, grass clippings or debris on the surface. Allow the coil to dry before replacing the cabinet top.

Don't forget to check the insulated refrigerant line running from the condenser coil. Replace the foam insulation if it's damaged in any way.

Check and Change the Air Filter

Checking and changing your air filter is an absolutely crucial step for curtailing springtime allergies and guaranteeing solid performance from your air conditioner. However, it's also a step that's regularly ignored by many homeowners until a problem occurs. A clogged air filter can put a strain on your A/C system and compromise its cooling performance.

Make sure you're using the best possible air filter for your A/C system. Air filters rated at MERV 8 and above offer excellent performance when it comes to capturing pollen and a host of other airborne allergens. If you haven't changed your air filter yet, do so and continue changing it on a monthly basis.

Schedule a Professional Checkup

While there's plenty you can do to get your air conditioner in shape, there are some jobs that simply need a professional's touch. For instance, you might not have the tools or the expertise to check your A/C system's refrigerant level or lubricate the various moving parts within your A/C system.

Certified HVAC services, on the other hand, can perform these and other tasks you might not be able to tackle on your own. Your technician will also act as a second, sharper pair of eyes, looking out for any problem areas you may have missed during your own inspection.