If you rely on your air conditioning unit to keep cool, the last thing you want to happen is for your air conditioning unit to fail. When your air conditioning unit fails, you are not able to stay comfortable in your home. Luckily, there are steps you can take that will help prevent your air conditioner from failing.

Step #1: Clean Up Around Your AC Unit

Most air condition units have an outside component. You are going to want to make sure you are keeping the area around your unit clean. Trim back any trees or shrubs that are near the unit. Don't allow weeds to grow up and on the unit.

Keep the space around the outside components of your unit free of debris and plant life and allow air to flow easily around the unit. Keeping the space clean will have to prevent performance issues and will make it easier to repair your unit should it need professional repairs.

You can also pressure wash your unit as well. This is a great way to remove any dirt or build-up from the unit and keep it working properly.

Step #2: Change the Air Filter

The one maintenance task that you should take up on a regular basis is the changing of the air filter. When you are actively using your air conditioning system, you should be checking the condition of the filter every few weeks, and cleaning or replacing it as it starts to build up dirt on the filter. You should check your filter on at least a monthly basis.

Having a clean air filter doesn't only keep the air clean, it also helps your air conditioning system operate more effectively. Many AC performance issues can be connected to a dirty air filter.

Step #3: Get an Annual Tune-Up

One of the most important things you can do to prevent your air conditioner from failing is to get an annual tune-up. You can schedule an annual tune-up or inspection with your local air conditioning contractors.

They will come out and check out all the parts on your unit and measure its performance. If there are any parts that need to be replaced or are just not working right, they will fit them and fix them. An annual tune-up is a great way to make sure your system is operating just as it should.

If you want to keep your air conditioning from failing when you need it most, you need to keep the air around the outside components clean. You need to check on the air filter at least once a month and replace it when it starts to get dirty. Next, you need to make sure you always get your unit inspected by a professional at least once a year.