Keeping your air conditioner well maintained takes combined effort between you and an HVAC maintenance service. There are some steps you can take regularly throughout the season to keep your AC in good working shape, but some things need to be serviced by a trained technician at least once each year. Here's a look at some of the tasks involved in AC maintenance.

Things You Can Do to Maintain Your AC

Keep bushes trimmed away from the outdoor unit all season so the leaves don't obstruct airflow. If grass or weeds grow near the AC, be sure to keep them trimmed short. Also, check the fins on the air conditioner cage to make sure they aren't bent and causing an obstruction.

This can happen due to lawnmower debris hitting the fins or kids bumping into the cage with balls or other toys. If the fins are bent, use a fin comb to straighten them so air can flow freely.

The main thing you need to do for your AC is to change the filter, so it doesn't clog up with dust. If you run your AC daily all season, you may need to change the filter about once each month. Also, be sure to keep the vents and registers free of dust buildup and watch for signs of water around the bottom of the AC. Dampness or mold could indicate a clog in the line that needs to be cleared out.

Things A Maintenance Service May Do

Keeping the HVAC clean is important for proper operation and to prevent overheating. One thing the technician may do is clean the internal parts of the AC to remove dust and grime. This may include cleaning out the cage outdoors if it is full of leaves or other debris.

Some parts of the air conditioner may need to be lubricated to prevent wearing down during daily use. Other parts are checked for signs of wear and replaced if they look like they might break down in the middle of summer. The electrical system and refrigerant are checked too, along with the thermostat. Every system in the air conditioner is checked and serviced so breakdowns can be prevented if at all possible.

It's best to call an HVAC service company in the spring to get your unit ready for hot weather. By servicing your AC regularly and keeping it clean and functioning properly, you can prevent problems from developing that could cost a lot of money to repair. If you're not sure how to take care of your AC between service calls, be sure to ask the technician so you can stay on top of problems and prolong the life of your air conditioner.