Entropy is Relentless.
The Arizona desert does not care about your comfort. It creates dust, heat, and vibration—the three sworn enemies of mechanical precision.
An air conditioner is a lung. When you ignore it, it suffocates. A dirty coil increases head pressure. High pressure amps up the compressor. The compressor runs hotter, harder, and longer to produce the same amount of cooling.
You don't "save money" by skipping maintenance. You just transfer the cost to your electric utility and the premature death of your $12,000 asset.
Most manufacturers (Trane, Carrier) state that warranties are void without proof of annual maintenance. No records? No coverage.