At some point in time, you are going to need to contact an HVAC company for AC system repairs. The timing will depend on the age of the system, how much it is used, and how well you maintain it. Because you can never be sure of when the system will break down or how much the repair is going to cost it is good to try to stay ahead of any problems. Here are a few ways to keep the AC working so your home stays cool.

Regular Service 

The most important thing you can do for your air conditioning system is to have it serviced regularly by a professional. If you have this done before you need to turn the unit on for the year, you can save more money as the technicians will not be busy trying to repair others' systems. During this maintenance appointment, the technician can often find a problem that is just starting or will be in the near future. Taking care of it now means you can avoid a big repair. They will also do a thorough cleaning to keep the system from getting clogged and dirty making it run less efficiently.

Periodic Inspections

If you notice the house is not getting as cool as it should or that your cooling bill is going higher than it should be, contact the repair company and ask for an inspection. A simple inspection can let you know what is going on with the system. If there is a problem, you may be able to do something simple like change the air filters, clean around the outside unit, or have the ducts cleaned. Of course, if there is a different issue, getting it repaired now before it turns into something big, extends the life of the unit.

Protect the Unit

The AC unit has to take some punishment from the elements. Rain, snow, and falling debris can create trouble. Build some type of protective cover for the unit to stop this. It could be as simple as having a tarp extended from the house to provide shade or a separate roof built over it.

As your unit ages, you will notice problems arise more frequently. You may end up needing AC systems repairs every year. Talk with the technician to discuss whether it would be more prudent to have the system replaced or how much longer it will last. Repairs are only good when the system is worth them.