If you live in a hot climate, you probably rely on your air conditioning unit to keep your home comfortable all summer long. An air conditioner is essential for many people, and it is also one of the most costly home appliances to replace. Use the following tips to help ensure that your air conditioning unit runs well this summer and for many years to come:

Don't Neglect Regular Tune-ups

One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your air conditioner and ensure that it runs efficiently in the summer is by scheduling regular tune-ups with a professional HVAC service company. During a comprehensive air conditioner tune-up, an HVAC tech will check the unit's coolant levels and pressure, calibrate the thermostat, clean the evaporator cool, inspect and tighten capacitors, relays, wiring, and contacts, and examine the condenser fan blades and motor to ensure that they are in good repair.

An HVAC tune-up is a great way to discover minor issues before they become big problems, so you can get your air conditioner repaired instead of having to replace it. It is a good idea to have an HVAC tune-up in the spring months so you know that it will work well during the summer.

Change Your Air Filters

Dirty air filters force your air conditioning unit to work harder to force cool air into the home. The more your air conditioner has to run, and the harder it has to work, the sooner it will wear out and need to be replaced. You can prevent this problem by changing your air filters on a regular basis. How often you need to replace the air filter will depend on the air quality in your home and whether or not you have pets that shed. Check your air filter every few weeks-- if you can't see through it when you hold it up to light, it is time to replace it.

Buy a Programmable Thermostat

When you want to extend the life of your A/C unit and save money on your cooling bill, install a programmable thermostat. You can find programmable thermostats in most home improvement stores, and most models are very easy to install. A programmable thermostat allows you to regulate when your air conditioner runs, so you can prevent your A/C from cooling your house when no one is home. You can save your air conditioning unit from a lot of wear and tear and help it last a lot longer by making sure that it doesn't run when you don't need it to. Contact a business, such as Always Ready Repair, for more information.