When it comes to getting the most from your air conditioner there are some things you can do that will extend its life and keep it operating at maximum efficiency. All of these things fall under the category of maintenance. Much of this maintenance you can do yourself. Some will require hiring a contractor.

1) First on the list are air conditioner filters. The filter in your air conditioner is very important and should be changed every three to six months, depending on how fast it becomes dirty.

There is nothing wrong with changing the filter too often but not changing it often enough can cost you in many ways.

- Ice build up - This happens from low airflow through the evaporator coil. If the ice build up is severe enough it can damage the evaporator coil.

- Poor equipment performance - A dirty filter will decrease the efficiency of the air conditioning unit and increase operating costs by as much as 20% or more.

- Increased wear on the compressor - This is because it has to run for longer periods of time to do its job. More run time equals shorter life span. Compressor changes are very expensive.

2) Check the evaporator coil located inside the air handler (section inside your home) once a year to make sure there is no dust build up on the coil surface. This condition causes the same symptoms as a dirty filter.

3) At the beginning of each cooling season it is a good idea to check the outside section of the air conditioner (condensing unit). Check around the unit and make sure there is no debris on the surface of the condenser that will restrict airflow. Also check between the fins of the condenser to see that it is not plugged with dead bugs or pollen. This stuff usually accumulates over time and depending on where you live may not be a problem. Spraying the condenser with a garden hose is usually enough to remove this debris.

4) Check the belt in the air handler and replace as required. Many air conditioners made today use direct drive motors and therefore only require that the motor bearings be oiled once per year.

5) It is also important to check contactors and all electrical components. Most of these will be located inside the condensing unit. The contactor operates the compressor and the contacts get pitted and need to be replaced occasionally. Different manufacturers use different types of contactors. Some last much longer than others. Check all electrical connections for tightness and make sure no wires are rubbing against metal surfaces.