Like anything mechanical (you wouldn’t go a year without getting your car serviced) an air conditioner that is serviced yearly will less likely suffer a major break down and cost you a lot of money.  Air conditioners and heat pumps without regular maintenance lose about 5% of their original efficiency for every year you turn it on.  With regular servicing your air conditioner will maintain 95% of its original efficiency and keep your utility bills low.  Here are some tips to keep your home cool and keep your costs down:

• Have a professional check coolant or Freon levels, an air conditioner low by just 10% will cost 20% more to operate, low Freon levels means there is a coolant leak in the system and has to be repaired.
  
• Keep cool air in during the summer by making sure cracks around windows and doors are sealed with caulking and seal leaks around fireplace dampers.
  
• Change your filters regularly, every month during the cooling season
  
• Have your central air conditioner cleaned and serviced.  Sign up for an annual service program that reminds you to get your unit service at the beginning of the cooling and heating season.
  
• keep drapes, blinds and shades drawn during the day to block sunlight
  
• plant shade trees on the west side of your house to keep your home cooler
  
• keep heating and cooling air ducts clean and outdoor equipment free from dirt and other debris.
  
• Don’t plant flowers or shrubs too close to your air conditioning unit
  
• Delay washing and drying clothes and running the dishwasher until the evening when it is cooler

Air conditioners are a necessity to keep us comfortable throughout the hot summer season, so take some time before flipping that switch to ensure your air conditioner will always function when you need it the most.