For your home's central air conditioning system to last as long as possible, proper maintenance is a must. By caring for your unit properly, you will extend its life, keep energy costs down, and will keep your system running at peak performance.

To keep your central air conditioner system in top-performing condition, follow these tips:

Check all of the hoses for leaks at least twice a year. The best times to do this are before you turn on your unit for the summer season, and just before you turn it off for the winter. Make sure the condensate tube is draining freely. By checking this you will be able to catch onto any problems before they get to be too serious for repair.

Keep the outside compressor as clean as possible. Keep it clear of tall grass and shrubs. Plantings should be at least one foot away from the entire unit for adequate airflow.

Change the air filter monthly, particularly during the summer when dust and allergens circulate.

Sealing ducts will save energy and money all year round. Use mastic tape or sealer rather than plain duct tape, which will dry out and peel off over time.

Have the ductwork professionally cleaned every few years. This maintenance can extend the life of your air conditioner.

During the winter months, keep the compressor covered. This will protect it from cold weather as well as harsh conditions such as snow.

Be sure to keep furniture and drapes away from the registers.

Raise your thermostat, each degree of temperature can represent up to 9% savings in cooling costs.

It's also important to have your entire air conditioning system inspected by a professional service technician. A professional can measure the refrigerant to see if it needs recharging and measure the airflow over the air conditioners cooling coils. They will also clean and inspect the motor, compressor, air handler, ducts, coils and air filter. An annual tune-up can reduce your cooling costs by five percent.