With summer ending in Huntingburg, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it recently, it could be blocked with dirt and debris from your yard. This accumulation can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement faster.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up annually. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and address minor issues before they turn into expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete consists of:
- Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant amounts 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 maintenance you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several 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
Pick a temperate day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can test your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a handful of 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
Switch off the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out rubbish 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 divert heat away from your equipment.
You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Bent or crumpled fins can impact 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 Dearing's Service & Solutions should take care of extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, fish out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering 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 working correctly, reach out to us a call at 812-200-5844.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
Three 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 must be exchanged every several months, depending on the kind you use.
Not sure when you last put in a new one? Pull it out and hold it up to 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 clean it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can buy 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
Never Forget a Tune-Up Again
Annual air conditioner maintenance from Dearing's Service & Solutions can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your routine maintenance!