With summer winding down in Genoa, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it this year, it could be full of mud and yard waste. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or wear it down faster.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility bills.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle slight issues before they become costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete consists of:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
It’s not too late to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.
There’s also some maintenance you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few parts on your indoor HVAC system.
Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?
How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit
Pick a temperate day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can run your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a handful of things:
- 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
Stop the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty debris from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your equipment.
You need to be careful with these delicate coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten misshapen fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Assured Appliance & Heating & Air should handle large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then clean the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working correctly, reach out to us a call at +1 847-293-0047.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters must be exchanged every few months, depending on the type you use.
Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Remove it and tilt it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, get a new one.
3. Clean the Inside
Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.
Then take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can freshen it by draining diluted bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect 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 unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine tune-up!
