With summer ending in Lancaster, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be full of dust and yard refuse. This collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or make it wear out sooner.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric expenses.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle minor issues before they develop into high-priced problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete involves:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
There’s still time to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
There’s also some upkeep you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of pieces 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 mild day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can test your equipment 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 Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.
You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Bent or crushed fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten misshapen fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Fairfield Heating & Cooling should take care of large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the unit with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, showering water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating like it should, contact us a call at 740-331-4331.
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 several months, depending on the model you use.
Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Take it out and angle it toward the light. If there’s no light 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can clean it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Clean 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 Fairfield Heating & Cooling can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine service!
