With temperatures warming up in much of the country, the AHRI is reminding homeowners that spring is an ideal time to ensure their air conditioners and heat pumps are functioning properly.

Among the suggestions from the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute:

●Remove leaves, grass weeds and debris that have settled on or near the outdoor condenser

●Clean the unit with a garden hose.

●Check the air filter and change it if it’s dirty.

"Following these steps to ensure your units are running as efficiently as possible can help offset HVAC costs through the summer months," said Stephen Yurek, president and chief executive of the HVAC market manufacturers’ organization. "Heating and cooling accounts for about 48 percent of all the energy used by homes, making it the single biggest energy consumer for homeowners."