Since it is getting warmer, people will soon be switching their air conditioners on for the first time this year. However, there are a number of things that you should do before you press the on button. The first thing is to change your old filter. This type of easy maintenance will make sure your unit doesn’t break down. Also, make sure you know how often you are supposed to change the filter when it is in use. Usually, once every 3 months is the bare minimum.

You should also make sure your unit is tuned up first. This must be done by a qualified contractor. Doing this is a type of prevention, allowing you to avoid various other problems later on. This way, any small problems will immediately be resolved, rather than letting them escalate into massive issues further down the line. During a tune up, you can expect your engineer to test all the electrical components, check the refrigerant pressure and clean all the coils. This will make the unit more efficient and hence cheaper to run. Do also remember that it doesn’t cost much to tune up an air conditioning unit, but it is very expensive to repair one if it breaks down.

You have to make sure that the company that does your tune up is highly reputable. This is why you must take the time to research your options, particularly if this is the first time you have arranged a tune up. A few places to look include your state’s registrar of contractors, the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and online reviews. What you are looking for is not the cheapest price, but rather the best value for money. Once your unit has been tuned, you should simply leave it switched on. It is an urban myth that you save money by switching it off when you are out. When you switch it off, your house will heat up, and your unit will have to work much harder in order to get it cool again. Not only does this mean using more energy, it also means that your unit is more likely to break down because it works too hard. Do remember that repairing an air conditioning unit is hugely expensive, above and beyond the cost of running it permanently. You will, however, benefit from a thermostat, which will make sure the temperature is simply kept stable in your home. Your engineer should also check the thermostat is fully operational when he or she does you tune up. Tuning up your air conditioning unit once a year will always mean you will save money during the summer.