While most people think about HVAC contractors as installing and repairing air conditioning and heating systems, one aspect of their home's HVAC system that they never think about is the maintenance. While some maintenance items can be done by yourself — such as replacing the air filter every 3 to 6 months — others should be done by a professional, if for nothing else because of warranty reasons.

But why else should you have regular maintenance performed on your conditioning system? The below list is a good place to start; if you have any questions, contact an HVAC contractor to inquire about their available residential air conditioning services.

Fewer Repairs

Air conditioning repairs of any kind are a headache, but they're even worse when they happen suddenly. With regular air conditioning maintenance, you'll cut down on the surprise factor of repairs significantly. Almost every form of maintenance includes an inspection as well, so the technician will look at your system and see what kind of problem areas need to be addressed before they become major issues. If they spot any, they'll talk to the homeowner about possible residential air conditioning services that need to be performed sooner rather than later. At some point, every air conditioner is bound to break down, the only question is when. It might as well be on your schedule.

Longer Lifespan

Today's air conditioners last an incredibly long time — anywhere from 15 to 20 years if maintained properly. Fortunately, many air conditioners fail to even meet the halfway point of that, precisely because they're neglected. In addition to an inspection, an AC maintenance plan will also clean your fans and condenser coils and even inspect the ductwork to see if it needs to be cleaned as well. These little things add up to reduce wear and tear on your system, which ultimately means that your system will last longer as a result.

More Efficiency

Almost every homeowner knows that a more efficient air conditioning system equals more money in their pocket by way of energy savings. But few are aware of how significant all the little things that come with age can have on your system. A unit that has a lot of dust and reduced airflow, for instance, will see significantly more wear and tear, forcing the unit to work harder than before. This increase in energy usage will add up over time and cause your bills to skyrocket. Having regular residential air conditioning services performed on your home is the best way to save you money in the long run.

For more information, reach out to a local residential AC service.