With summer coming to an end in Dresden, now is an ideal time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it lately, it could be full of dust and yard waste. This buildup can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement faster.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally maintained every year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and address small issues before they develop into expensive 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
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant levels and connections
It’s not too late to have a tune-up 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 on your own 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 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
Choose a warm day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can test your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a couple 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out rubbish from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also called as condenser coils and divert heat away from your system.
You need to be careful with these delicate coils. Warped or crinkled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from McFadden Heating & Cooling should take care of extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard waste. Then mop the inside of the equipment with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re completed.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running correctly, reach out to us a call at 1-866-781-0111.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be changed every several months, depending on the type you use.
Not sure when you last checked yours? Remove it and angle it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can freshen it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Clean the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect the drain tube and restore power.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Well Through Fall
Never Forget a Tune-Up Again
Annual air conditioner maintenance from McFadden 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 plan your routine maintenance!