Routine maintenance is one of the most important factors in determining how long your home's air conditioning system will last. Investing in a new air conditioner can be costly, and finding yourself without access to cooled air during the warm summer months could be extremely uncomfortable.

Regular maintenance allows you to identify potential problems before they become major malfunctions. You can invest in minor repairs to keep your air conditioner working properly rather than replacing an entire unit that has fallen into disrepair due to neglect.

Schedule these maintenance tasks for your air conditioner today.

1. Clean your air conditioner coils.

Modern cooling systems produce cool air through a heat transfer process. Air from the outside environment is pulled into the air conditioner unit. This air passes over condenser coils that help draw the heat out of the air, reducing its temperature to the desired level. The cooled air is then transported through your home via a system of air ducts.

When the condenser coils become dirty, the dirt insulates the coils and prevents them from efficiently drawing heat out of the air passing over them. Wipe down your condenser coils with a soft rag on a regular basis and keep any foliage near your outdoor compressor trimmed back to help maintain the cleanliness (and function) of your air conditioner.

2. Check air fins for damage.

The air that moves across your air conditioner's condenser coils is circulated by a fan. This fan contains fin-shaped blades that are made from lightweight aluminum. Dirt, debris, or malfunctions within your air conditioner can contribute to fin damage.

You should inspect your air fins on a regular basis for signs of denting or deformation. A bent air fin could block the flow of air over the condenser coils, reducing the efficiency of your air conditioner over time.

3. Keep your air conditioner lubricated.

Modern air conditioners rely on a network of moving parts to help cool and circulate air through a home. These moving parts must be maintained regularly to ensure they can move freely.

Take the time to lubricate the motor on your blower fan to ensure proper rotation. Grease all shafts to prevent rotating components from getting stuck. It can also be helpful to replace the belts within your air conditioner on a regular basis.

If you don't feel comfortable working with your air conditioner's mechanic components, schedule a service call with air conditioning maintenance services and have the technician lubricate your air conditioner instead.