If the weather has finally turned and it's time to put your air conditioner away for the season, make sure to keep your AC intact so it's ready for the next year. Do these three things to have your air conditioning ready to turn on again when the weather starts to warm up.

Have your unit inspected

If you have your air conditioning inspected right before you turn the unit off for the season, you can have peace of mind knowing it's going to be ready to go for the warmer months. Plus, if you need to have any parts brought in or repairs done, you can have them ordered and repairs done when you don't need your AC unit right away, which is more convenient for you all around.

You can even have your air conditioning unit inspected when you have your heater inspected for the cooler weather. This benefit allows you to have a single service fee in most cases and ensures your HVAC unit stays intact.

Have your unit insulated

Properly storing and insulating your air conditioner will keep it from freezing in the winter and keep rodents out of it. Your HVAC specialist can give you some tips for storing your AC unit, or you can simply cover it with a tarp if it's a fixed appliance on your property. Insulation can be purchased at your local home improvement store, and you can place the insulation around the base of the unit to keep it protected. Make sure any insulation you buy for your air conditioner is waterproof or water-resistant.

Have your unit's filters replaced

If your air conditioning unit has air filters, which is likely, then you need to make sure you have the air filters checked and cleaned. If they are older or you have people in the home who have upper respiratory issues, then it's wise to just replace the air filters in your air conditioner before you turn it off for the season. This way, your AC unit is ready for use once the warmer weather hits, and you don't have to wait to get new air filters to turn it on and have clean, cool air in the home.

Your HVAC specialist will help you get your air conditioning unit ready for the winter season. Whether you turn the unit off for a few months or half the year, proper season prepping is the best way to keep the unit in great condition for years to come. Contact a local air conditioning service to learn more.