Things you want to avoid as a homeowner are costly air conditioning system repairs. Some AC-related issues aren't cheap, so following these maintenance protocols to the letter is essential.

Inspect Parts You Can Access

Your AC unit will have many parts in plain sight and thus are easy to access, including the condenser unit on the outside, the air filter, the thermostat, and the evaporator coils. Since you can get to these parts yourself, inspect them when you can. 

Note their condition and performance every couple of months or so. If red flags show up between your inspections, you can act fast and thus resolve AC-related problems before they become costly. Just make sure you exercise caution and only perform a visual inspection to avoid getting hurt. Let certified contractors perform more detailed inspections when they're warranted.  

Clean Washable Air Filters Appropriately

Many property owners set up washable air filters for their AC units because they last a long time. If you have one yourself, be sure to refine your cleaning techniques. The more strategic you are, the cleaner your air filter will be after you get done. It will then perform much better throughout the next couple of months. 

Start by vacuuming the air filter on both sides, sucking up dirt and debris. Next, get an air filter cleaning solution and apply it all over the filter. After enough time passes by, rinse the filter off with a house. The filter should be much cleaner than before, helping you keep other AC-related components in excellent condition. 

Replace Severely Worn Insulation Around Refrigerant Lines

The refrigerant lines transporting coolant throughout your AC system should have insulation to maintain efficient performance. If you start to see these materials break down severely, replace them immediately.

Installing new insulation around these lines isn't that hard to do and it will help you avoid costly problems in the future. Just make sure you choose insulation materials designed explicitly for coolant lines. Additionally, ensure they remain secure after installation so you don't have to question cooling efficiency later on down the road.

If you want to keep significant problems from affecting your AC unit, find out what maintenance steps you can perform between professional servicing from an AC contractor. The more thorough and proactive you are, the easier it will be to get a well-performing AC unit to last for years and years around your property.   

For more info, contact a local company like Trane Supply.