AUSTIN, Texas – We are entering the season when air conditioning systems will be working overtime every day for the next few months.

And for people who don't properly maintain their air conditioners, it can be expensive.

“Air conditioning units are being killed in Texas,” said Joshua Bronsted, service manager at Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electrical. “It's a burden on them.”

Bronstead says this is the busiest time of year for HVAC contractors, and says it's often because people simply don't take preventative measures.

Bronstead says a little maintenance on equipment can save a lot of time and money in the long run.

Bronstead says to look for the following common signs if your system is not working properly:

• Warm air: If the air coming out of the unit is warmer than the temperature set on the thermostat or if you feel uncomfortable humidity in your home, this could also be a sign of low refrigerant levels or a problem with the compressor.
• Leaks and odors: If water is dripping from an indoor unit or puddles forming around the base, this is not normal. It can cause significant damage to your home. A musty or burnt smell can indicate either a mold problem or an overheating unit, which in turn means an electrical problem.
• Strange noisesNote: If the air conditioner is making strange noises, it may be an indication that the unit is overloaded and about to fail. There may be a loose part or there may be a problem with the compressor.
• Rising energy costs: Higher than usual energy bills can be due to a leaky plumbing system, insufficient coolant, or an inefficient air filter.

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Bronstead says typical home air conditioning maintenance is simple and can be done by yourself.

“Washing your condenser outside and changing the filters is crucial,” Bronstead explained. “You'd be surprised how quickly a $7 piece of cardboard can ruin a $15,000 air conditioning system. So that and flushing the drain lines with vinegar and water. That usually helps with pesky problems like clogged drain lines or systems that aren't cooling properly because the condenser is dirty.”

Bronstead says many people ignore problems or simply wait until their system breaks. He says that's not a good idea because parts to replace a broken air conditioner can sometimes cost thousands of dollars.

Bronstead recommends changing filters once a month, which is often much cheaper. He says most energy bills come from running air conditioning units, so keeping them running smoothly will save you money, too.

“Well-maintained systems can typically save you between 15 and 30 percent on your electric bill each month, so it's very important to get these things right,” Bronstead said.

Brosntead said every six months someone should check your air conditioning system to make sure it isn't breaking.

RELATED: How to save money on rising energy bills due to Texas heatwave

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