With summer ending in Genoa, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be blocked with dirt and debris from your yard. This collection can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement more quickly.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility costs.

Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and take care of minor issues before they turn into expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform includes:

  • Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Confirming pressure and temperature
  • Testing lines, refrigerant levels and connections

It’s not too late to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.

There’s also some maintenance you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several parts on your indoor HVAC system.

Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?

How to Clean Your Outdoor AC Unit

Pick a temperate day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can check your system once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a handful of items:

  • Wet-dry vacuum and hose with a soft brush attachment
  • Screwdriver
  • Butter knife
  • Damp rag
  • Small, round paintbrush
  • Replacement furnace filter (if necessary)

Related: How AC Repair and Maintenance Can Actually Save You Money

Five Steps to Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Switch off the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Empty rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also called condenser coils and divert heat away from your system.

You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Warped or crinkled fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Assured Appliance & Heating & Air should fix large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, dig out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the unit with a wet sponge.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, directing water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re completed.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running correctly, contact us a call at 847-306-8990.

Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later

Then, You Can Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters must be changed every several months, depending on the kind you use.

Not sure when you last checked yours? Remove it and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, buy a new one.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can freshen it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect the drain tube and switch the power back on.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Well Through Fall

Never Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Assured Appliance & Heating & Air can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine maintenance!