Regular maintenance can have an effect on how long an air conditioner will last. Homeowners will want to make sure they replace the air filters every few months to prevent the system from overworking to draw in enough air to operate correctly. Additionally, it’s advisable to cover the outdoor AC compressors during the winter. In the spring, homeowners will want to open the units and clear away any debris before turning on the AC. Additionally, they can gently spray or clean off the fans and inner fins to ensure they can operate smoothly with all the airflow they need. It’s also a good idea for a homeowner to inspect the compressor to make sure it’s level. Settling soil or tree roots can tilt the compressor and affect its ability to operate correctly. Homeowners can also have these tasks performed by a professional HVAC technician—HVAC inspection costs around $300 on average.