Routine maintenance on your Air Conditioner unit can save you money and headaches. Follow these tips from Vasi to ensure your unit works on that first hot day of the year.

The sun’s peeking through the clouds. The flowers are beginning to bloom. And the temperature’s rising. It’s time to end your air conditioner’s hibernation and ensure it’s in tip-top shape for the hotter days ahead.

Experts suggest servicing your home air conditioning once a year. (The same goes for heating.) Spring is the best time. However, to ensure your system continues to work efficiently, you need to do some “housekeeping” on a regular basis. Should your routine maintenance involve a professional or can you DIY? Read on to find out!

Luckily, you don’t always need a professional to service your AC unit. There are a few things you can DIY before calling an expert.

One of the most important and easiest ways to maintain your unit is to change the air filter . You don’t need a professional; simply locate your unit’s filter slot, slide out the old filter and insert the new one, making note of the direction of the air flow and which side of the filter needs to face out. Be sure to refer to your unit’s manufacturer’s instructions for correct filter size and steps for properly replacing the filter.

Wondering which type to buy and how often to change the air filter? That depends on your lifestyle. Do you have pets? Do you have children with allergies ? Filters come in different “strengths,” depending on how filtered you want the air to be in your home. They also need to be changed at different times, depending on your circumstances. For instance, if you have pets, you may consider replacing it every month, as well as purchasing a filter with a higher rating — the higher the number, the more it filters the air. The same rule applies if you have family members that may be sensitive to dust and other allergens. At a minimum, filters should be changed every 90 days.

The new filter is in, so it’s time to check a few more items off your list. First, make sure all the indoor vents are clean. Next, pour a cup of bleach mixed with water down the drain of the outside unit to prevent mold and algae buildup. Then, ensure the unit:

Note: For safety reasons, this should be done without attempting to open the outside unit. If you feel that you can’t get it clean without taking it apart, call on a professional to do the dirty work.

After you’ve assessed the outside appearance of the air conditioner, it’s time to assess its performance. Crank that baby up, and see how she fares. Determine if your home is getting cooler, if the unit is quiet and if it appears to be performing normally overall. Note: The first time you turn on your home air conditioning, you may notice a smell. That’s simply the air conditioner’s way of clearing out the dust that may have settled since the last time you ran the unit. It should dissipate shortly.

Perhaps you’ve turned the unit on, and you hear a strange noise coming from it. Or worse, it’s not actually blowing cool air. That would mean that it’s time to call in the professionals. And the earlier, the better. You don’t want to have to replace your unit because you ignored something that seemed unimportant. It’s better to be safe than sorry. And the best part? The professionals don’t just give the AC a more thorough checkup. They service air conditioner and heating units. In fact, remember earlier when we answered “How often should you service your AC?” and mentioned that you should also service your heating unit once a year? Well, the technician can also set up that appointment for you at the time of the service call. Easy peasy.