With summer coming to an end in Bloomfield, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be blocked with dust and yard waste. This collection can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or make it wear out sooner.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up annually. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility costs.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and handle slight issues before they develop into 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
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
There’s still time to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some work you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of components on your indoor HVAC system.
Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?
How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit
Select a warm day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can check your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a few 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty waste from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also called as condenser coils and divert heat away from your system.
You need to be considerate of these delicate coils. Warped or crumpled fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts retailer. A pro from Stanford Heating & Cooling should fix severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, dig out leaves and other yard litter. Then clean the inside of the system with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use light 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
You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating correctly, contact us a call at 812-825-8695.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the power to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be exchanged every few 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, get 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can sanitize it by flowing thinned bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect the drain tube and turn 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 Stanford Heating & Cooling can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine maintenance!