With summer ending in Lawrence, now is an ideal time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it this year, it could be clogged with mud and debris from your yard. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out sooner.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally maintained every year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and take care of 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:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections
It’s not too late to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared 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 clean 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 mild day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a couple of things:
- 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
Remove rubbish from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.
You need to be cautious with these fine coils. Misshapen or crushed fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Scott Temperature should fix extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard litter. Then clean the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean 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 operating correctly, reach out to us a call at 785-269-0465.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the power to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be changed every few months, depending on the type you use.
Not sure when you last checked yours? Take it out and angle 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 supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by flowing water-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect the drain tube and switch 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 Scott Temperature can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your annual tune-up!