A new air conditioner is a big investment, so you want to take care of it properly. When you take good care of the equipment, it lasts longer and is less expensive to operate. Here are some things you may want to talk to your air conditioning contractor about when it comes to using and maintaining your equipment.

What Can Void The Warranty

Be sure you understand the terms of your warranty so your warranty helps pay for damage to expensive parts like the compressor. Some things that might void your warranty include not having maintenance by a licensed AC technician on schedule, using aftermarket parts rather than the manufacturer's parts, and attempting to do DIY repairs.

What Type Of Filters They Recommend

If you want more protection from dust and allergens than a basic AC filter provides, ask the air conditioning contractor for recommendations. It's important to use filters approved by the manufacturer of the equipment so the air handler doesn't have to struggle to pull air through the filter. Your contractor may even recommend putting in a more effective filter in the air duct that removes more pollen and other debris than a disposable filter can.

If You Should Sign Up With A Maintenance Plan

Ask the contractor about a maintenance plan for your AC. A plan makes it easy to keep up with annual maintenance so your air conditioner has a lower risk of malfunctioning. The air conditioning contractor will remind you when it's time for service so you don't forget. Likewise, according to the details of the plan you choose, you might also get other perks, such as priority service if your AC breaks down.

What Type Of Maintenance You Need To Do

The air conditioning contractor works on the internal parts of your AC during an annual service call, but there are still things you can do to maintain your equipment. Making sure nothing restricts airflow is important. This means changing the filter on time and keeping curtains and furniture away from the registers. It's also important to monitor the condenser outside and remove weeds when they get too close.

When You Should Call For Repairs

You'll also want to know when you need to call the air conditioning contractor to check your AC. It's important to call at the first sign of trouble since the parts in your cooling unit might be damaged if your AC runs when it's not working properly. Listen for changes in how your AC sounds and changes in how well it keeps you cool. If something sounds or feels different, let your AC contractor know. Contact an AC contractor for more information.