What are the do's and don'ts of AC routine maintenance? Your system is on for the season and primed to keep your house cold. But this doesn't mean you can set it and forget it. Take a look at what homeowners need to know about air conditioning maintenance, energy efficiency, repairs, and the best ways to prevent wear and tear.

Do Schedule AC Maintenance Every Year

More specifically, do schedule AC maintenance every year whether you think the system needs it or not. Even though your home may feel cool and your energy bills are under control, your system still needs an annual maintenance check. This type of service can help you to spot potential problems before they affect the system's ability to cool the interior space evenly and can reduce the effects of wear and tear. This can extend the life of your AC system and reduce the need for constant repairs.

Don't Try This Type of Maintenance On Your Own

There are some types of air conditioning routine maintenance tasks that you can try yourself. You can change or clean an air filter over the summer months during the peak cooling season. Filter care can maximize your system's energy efficiency, reduce wear, and keep the air in your home fresh. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a clean air filter can lower an AC system's energy consumption by between five and 15 percent.

While a filter change is an easy care task, the rest of the necessary AC maintenance is not. An inspection, coil cleaning, and similar services require a professional's attention. DIY pre- or post-season maintenance can put you at risk for an injury, your system at risk for damage, or result in AC failure. Instead of your own maintenance approach, contact a licensed, qualified, experienced contractor for this service.

Do Repair Minor Issues

Did the HVAC technician recommend a repair during your maintenance appointment? It's common for contractors to find issues that range from minor to major during routine care. If you've noticed poor cooling, uneven cooling, high energy bills, odd odors, or strange noises recently, the recommendation for a repair won't come as a surprise. But if your system seems like it works well, you may get thrown for a loop.

Even though you may not have expected to schedule a repair right now, waiting won't help you to save money. The longer you wait to repair an AC system, the more damage the issue at fault could cause.

Contact a local company to learn more about AC routine maintenance.