With summer ending in Bloomfield, now is a good time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it this year, it could be blocked with dirt and yard refuse. This accumulation can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement more quickly.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally maintained once a year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy costs.

Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and take care of small issues before they turn into high-priced problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform involves:

  • Viewing 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 work 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 several parts on your indoor HVAC system.

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

Cleaning Out the 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 run your system once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a few tools:

  • 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 Follow as You Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

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

2. Clean the Outside

Remove debris from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then run the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.

You need to be careful with these fine coils. Misshapen or crinkled fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten bent fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Stanford Heating & Cooling should take care of 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 equipment with a wet sponge.

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re finished.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating correctly, reach out to us a call at 812-825-8695.

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

After, Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Turn off the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters need to be exchanged every several months, depending on the model you use.

Unsure when you last put in a new one? Pull it out and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, replace it.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can freshen it by draining watered-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can get a new tube.

Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up the drain tube and turn the power back on.

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

Don’t Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Stanford Heating & Cooling can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your annual service!