Your air conditioner is one of the most expensive appliances in your home. Therefore, regular AC maintenance is very important. Taking good care of your AC will ensure that it runs efficiently and will serve you for many years. And since the fees for air conditioning repairs can often be prohibitive, it's best to take a few precautions to avoid breakdowns.

Check Unit's Hoses at Least Two Times Per Year

We recommend doing this in the spring and fall. Examine carefully for leaks in the hoses. If you see a leak in the hose, you can get an inexpensive leak kit at your local home improvement store. You want to make sure to fix any leaks before they get bigger.

Keep an Eye on Your Compressor

The compressor is the outdoor unit of your AC. You want to make sure you clean any leaves, dirt, or debris from the top of the compressor. The compressor is the most expensive part of the air conditioner. But because it's located outside, it can often get contaminated. Check it once a month and clean up any residue.

Make Sure You Call and an Specialist 

You should ask them to clean the ducts of your car. It is a complex job, so it is not a job that can be done alone. But a recommended HVAC specialist can clean the ducts and make sure the whole machine is still working fine.

Keep the Compressor Covered in Winter

Be sure to turn off the compressor during the winter months. You can get cheap AC covers at your local home improvement store or through an online retailer. This protects the compressor from snow and rain during the fall and winter seasons. Some air conditioning installation companies will provide you with a cover when you install the unit. If you don't have a case or don't know where yours is, get another one.