A lot of homeowners take their air conditioners for granted. Unless their AC breaks down completely, they'll assume that all they need to do is adjust their thermostats and enjoy a comfortably cool home. And yet, air conditioners are complex machines, and like all machines, they need regular maintenance to keep working properly. Some of this maintenance involves things that anyone can do such as replacing air filters regularly or keeping outdoor units free of debris, but most maintenance tasks require professional service from an HVAC contractor.

There are some very smart reasons to have your AC professionally serviced. Here are just six to keep in mind.

1. Extending Your System's Lifespan

Most air conditioning systems should work reliably for 15 to 20 years. The reason why we say that they "should" work is because not all of them last that long. Those that do receive regular tune-ups and other maintenance so they can keep working for that long. You'd have to replace your air conditioner eventually, but regular service will help you get the most out of it for as long as you can.

2. Improving Your Home's Air Quality

Your air conditioner does more than just keep your home cool; it also helps maintain humidity levels and filter harmful pollutants out of the air. If you or anyone in your home has allergies or other respiratory issues, regular AC tune-ups are a must. Of course, they'll also ensure that you'll stay cool during the summer months.

3. Having a More Efficient System

When your AC unit receives regular service, it works much more efficiently. Worn parts are replaced, electrical connections are tightened, and filters are swapped out or cleaned. The result is an AC unit that doesn't have to work as hard to keep your home cool. It uses less energy, which helps keep your monthly utility bills low.

4. Avoiding Repairs

Regular AC tune-ups allow technicians to spot potential issues and fix them before they get out of hand. Things can still happen between AC tune-ups, but catching a minor problem before it causes your AC unit to break down completely is definitely a benefit of regular maintenance to consider.

5. Protecting the Environment

Refrigerant leaks are an environmental hazard tied to faulty air conditioners. Part of an AC tune-up is checking your refrigerant levels and making sure your unit isn't leaking and releasing pollutants into the air or the water.

6. Saving Money

This has been touched on a bit, but regular AC maintenance will save you money in the long run. You still have to pay for the service itself, but a tune-up is a lot cheaper than a repair project or having to replace your AC altogether.

These are just some reasons to have your air conditioner serviced at least once a year. We recommend scheduling this service in the early spring before the main cooling season starts, so contact an HVAC contractor near you if it's been longer than a year since your last service.