One of the most frustrating things to have is a broken air conditioner, especially in the hot summer months.
However, there are a few DIY maintenance steps you can take to keep your unit working correctly.
First, check to see that the air filters are clean.
This is one of the easiest air conditioner maintenance tasks, but is often the cause of many problems.
In the United States, a lot of central air conditioning units will have the filter either in the furnace itself or inside an intake vent in the ceiling or wall.
Window air conditioners and split-system units will have the filter in the units themselves.
The recommended time frame is to clean or replace the air filter every 3 months.
If you live in an area that has a lot of exposure to smoke, air particles or allergens, you may need to change the filter sooner.
Second, be sure to check that the thermostat is working properly.
If you have a digital thermostat, working batteries are essential since they power the unit.
Most digital units will show in the panel if the batteries are low and even remind you of when to change the air filter.
If the thermostat is in the unit itself, as in window units and some ductless systems, check that there are no obstructions or debris affecting the sensor.
Third, inspect the outside compressor for any grass, debris or obstructions.
At times, grass and other debris can get in the unit and hinder how well it functions.
Most outside units can be cleaned with a water hose as well as special solutions that can be purchased at most hardware stores.
You can check your model's specifications for more details.
This would also apply to the outside air compressor for split-system air conditioners.
For window AC's check that the exposed part of the unit is free of any debris, bird's nests, etc.
Fourth, particularly when working with central air conditioners, it is important to check that the capacity of the AC is able to cool or heat the area.
Many two-story homes, for example, will have one unit per story.
If you have recently moved into a new home, this is especially important to check.
If the unit's capacity is less than what the square footage requires, the unit will work harder and not achieve it's intended result.
In this case, you may need to add another unit, for example a window unit for a particular room, or replace the unit altogether which can be costly.
Maintaining and extending the life of an air conditioner is something that any home owner can do.
With regular care, your air conditioner will work well all year-round.