Nobody wants to spend more money than they have to on air conditioning repair. Unfortunately, many homeowners do end up paying large amounts to get their unit up and running again. Luckily for you, there is a way to evade expensive repair costs. By performing regular maintenance, you can prevent your AC from breaking and avoid costly repairs. Here are five things you can do to keep your air conditioner functioning for longer.

Replace or Clean the Filters

This simple task can make a world of difference when it comes to the functionality of your AC. Dirty and clogged filters can hinder the airflow and allow dirt particles to enter the coils, preventing the AC from working as well as it should. Depending on your unit, filters need to be either replaced or cleaned and reused. During the summer when you are using the air conditioning the most, clean or replace the filters every one to two months.

Clean the Ductwork

Dirt, debris, dust, and insects can pollute your ductwork, lowering the air quality in your home and damaging your air conditioning system. In extreme cases, dust and spider webs can even interrupt the airflow of your system, making it less efficient at cooling your home. Keep the ducts clear and the performance of the unit will improve.

Inspect the Coils

There are two main coils that you will need to examine and clean: the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. The evaporator coil is inside or close to the air handler blower and typically only needs to be inspected and cleaned once a year. The condenser coil is outside the house in the condenser unit and often gets dirty because of its location. Try to limit the amount of dirt, leaves, and debris near the condenser coil to maximize the efficiency. If you are not comfortable inspecting and cleaning the coils on your own, contact an HVAC repair company in Duluth, GA, to do the maintenance for you.

Trim Trees and Vegetation

You can also improve the efficiency of your AC by trimming the vegetation surrounding the condenser unit. This will keep the unit clean, improve the airflow, and prevent it from overheating.

Clean the Condenser Unit

Every summer, you should thoroughly clean the condenser unit. Use a snow brush to wipe off any leaves and debris. Then, use the garden hose to gently rinse the whole unit. Keep the water pressure low as too much pressure can damage the unit.