When your air conditioning system is operating as it should, having the unit serviced isn't a priority. However, it's recommended that you have your HVAC specialist check your air conditioning unit — along with your heating unit — serviced once a year, or as specified by your HVAC contractor.

Even if your air conditioning system is reliable and shows no signs of wear, servicing is needed; here's why.

You keep the warranty in check

Brand-new air conditioning systems come with a warranty from the manufacturer, ensuring the unit will operate a certain way for up to a certain length of time. Part of keeping the warranty in check is the regular servicing of the air conditioning system by the homeowner. If you want to keep your air conditioner's warranty lasting as long as it should, make sure you have the system inspected by a licensed HVAC contractor every year.

You catch smaller issues before they become costly

Air conditioners can fail for a variety of reasons, many of which you can prevent simply by having your air conditioning checked out before you start up your system in the spring or summer months. The average cost to service an air conditioner is between $50 and $140, which can be much cheaper than shelling out money for costly repairs.

If your air conditioning unit requires any repairs at the time of service, you will be billed for these services in two ways: for time and labor. If replacement parts are needed for repairs, you'll be charged for these things as well.

You preserve the lifespan of your air conditioning unit

Air conditioning systems are an investment, and to protect yours, you need to invest in the maintenance of your unit. A well-serviced air conditioner may last longer than other units that are not maintained and may also do better as far as energy usage and other things. Expect your air conditioner to last around 15 years with the right maintenance.

When you have your air conditioning unit serviced, ask your technician about the costs for cleaning the air ducts and replacing air filters for your air conditioner, which carry an additional cost but also help to produce cleaner air and can help extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. Your air conditioner will be more beneficial to you if the unit is blowing air through clean air filters that aren't clogged with pollen, dust, and other debris. In some cases, minor cleaning comes with the air conditioning servicing, so ask your HVAC specialist what their services cover for routine air conditioning maintenance.

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