It is great to feel comfortable at all times in your own home, which is why you want to keep your air conditioner in top shape, so that it doesn’t let you down when you need it most.

Using someone like Harster Heating and Air Conditioning to maintain your system is certainly one good way of keeping everything in good working order, and there are also some ways you can help to ensure your AC runs efficiently.

Your filter should be a priority

If there is one item that you need to focus your attention on more than others on your air conditioning unit, it is the air filter.

If you want to give your unit the best possible chance of running to its maximum level of efficiency and also to minimize the prospect of a breakdown, you should think about checking, cleaning and replacing your air filter on a regular basis.

If your filter is dirty or clogged, this will greatly impair the efficiency of your air conditioning unit, as airflow can be significantly reduced or even blocked when your air filter needs cleaning or changing.

An important reason why you should consider changing your air filter frequently is energy efficiency. By simply replacing your air filter with a reasonable degree of frequency, you could improve energy consumption figures by as much as 15%.

Check whether the filter is a reusable one or one that needs replacing and gauge how often you clean or change the filter, based on how often you use the unit and past experience of its normal lifespan.

Keeping the coil free of dirt

It should not be a surprise to learn that the evaporator and condenser coil in your air conditioner will accumulate dirt and grime over a period of time, although changing the air filter regularly can help to minimize the accumulation of dirt.

Despite this, regular use of your air conditioner will inevitable takes its toll on the evaporator and condenser coils. In much the same way that a dirty air filter reduces the performance of your system, a dirty and dusty coil will reduce airflow and this accumulation of dirt will have the effect of insulating the coil, impairing its ability to do its job of absorbing heat.

If your condenser coil is located outdoor, is is going to be even more susceptible to dirt and debris, such as fallen leaves. Keep the area clear around the coil and check its condition at least every season, to see what state it is in.

Give your system a break

As well as being diligent with your inspection schedule to keep on top of any problems, it will also help to give your air conditioning system a bit of a break whenever you can.

Try to raise the thermostat a few notches, with 72 degrees a good target if you can tolerate it. Also bear in mind that you will save roughly 4% on your monthly electricity bill for every degree that you raise the setting to on your thermostat, which should prove to be a decent incentive and a pleasant surprise when you get your next energy bill.

Another good way of using your air conditioning unit so that it gives you the best level of service for as long as possible, is to commit to keeping it on during the day, but turning it off throughout the night.

Check your window seals at the start of the season

As part of your maintenance schedule at the part of each cooling season, it is suggested that you carry out an inspection of the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame.

What you are looking for is to ensure that there is a good tight contact between the window frame and the metal case of the unit. It is quite common to find that moisture can penetrate and damage this seal, which will result in air escaping from your house, which is not something you want to happen.

During the winter months

A good way of preserving the integrity of your unit and protecting it during the winter period, is to either cover the unit while it is not in use, or even consider the idea of removing it and storing it, if that is feasible.

These are some of the main things that you can look at and do to keep your air conditioning functioning as it should, but the best advice if you want to get the best performance and longevity, is to hire a professional to maintain it and fix any problems that occur.

Freddie Carr is a home maintenance man who has been in the trade ever since leaving school. An honest guy who won’t rip you off, he shares some top maintenance tips in his articles to help you save on that costly repair bill waiting to happen.