When winter starts to bear down, the last thing you might be thinking about is your air conditioner. But now is the time to have it inspected and serviced, before the springtime rush of appointments hits the HVAC centers. In addition, there are several steps you can take to keep your air conditioner in good working order for another year.

Tips for air conditioner maintenance

Keeping your AC healthy is easier than you might think. Just keep these tips in mind:

• Change or clean the filters on a regular basis. Clean filters mean the air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard, and that can make the unit last longer.
• Clean the coils on your air conditioner if they begin to look dusty or collect debris.
• Keep debris away from your air conditioning unit. Dust and dirt buildup can make your air conditioner run much harder than usual.
• Cover the air conditioner to protect it from the elements. If you don't use your unit during the wintertime, cover it with a heavy-duty tarp or customized cover.
• Check the window seals for signs of leakage. If your air conditioner is a window unit, make sure the seal between the unit and the frame is strong and sturdy. A leaky seal can mean heat loss during the winter and is very inefficient during the summer, too.

Many HVAC companies no longer work on window unit air conditioners, but specialize in the larger units that cool your entire home. If you have window units, the maintenance might fall to you and you alone, so take extra care to protect your investment from the winter elements.