Warmer weather is finally relieving us of this long winter’s frigid temperatures, ice storms, heavy snowfall — and, perhaps worst of all, our friends’ and neighbors’ incessant complaining. Yet while spring is blooming across much of the country, it won’t be long before everyone starts kvetching about how hot it is.

Before the temperatures reach into the 80s and 90s, you may want to get your HVAC system ready for the heat wave that the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts for the summer. Whether that means you will need to invest in HVAC repair, or complete heating and air conditioning replacement, it is critical to contact a local HVAC company to check your unit and see where you stand.

HVAC companies will often check your filter, your ducts, and see if any heating and air conditioning repair is necessary. But here are few ways that you can tell if you need HVAC repair, or complete HVAC system replacement.

Dusty Home
The air filter in an air conditioning unit is responsible for clearing the air that the system cools and sends through your ducts. The filter picks up dust, allergens, and other debris that could potentially enter your home. If your home is becoming increasingly dusty, you may need to have an HVAC company take a look at your ducts. They may have to replace your filter and also clean your ducts. In some cases, if you have an old duct system, it may need replacement.

High Energy Bills
More than half of the average home’s energy costs stem from heating and air conditioning, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that electricity costs will increase more than 2% this year. If you are finding that your energy bills are reaching highs you have never seen before, it is partly due to a national trend, but you could also be dealing with a unit that is not energy efficient. This may require completely replacing your HVAC unit, especially if your unit is more than 10 years old.

Fluctuating Temperatures
When an HVAC unit is too old, or it is not working properly, you will find that the cooling in your home is inconsistent. In other words, one room could be cooler than another, and the entire feel of your home will be uneven. This could indicate a problem with your ducts, the coils in your air conditioning unit, or the entire unit could be improperly installed. In this case, HVAC repair could be enough to fix your cooling problems.

With temperatures and humidity expected to be high this summer, it will be important to have your HVAC unit inspected as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could be facing an uncomfortable summer without an adequate cooling system.