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

If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be full of dirt and yard refuse. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement sooner.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced every year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric costs.

Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and address minor issues before they become expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we do involves:

  • Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant levels and connections

There’s still time to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.

There’s also some upkeep you can do alone 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?

How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit

Choose a warm day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can test the unit once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a few items:

  • 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 juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

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

Then run the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These parts are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.

You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Bent or crumpled fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Scott Temperature should handle large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re finished.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working like it should, give us a call at 785-269-0465.

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

Three 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 must be changed every several months, depending on the type you use.

Not sure when you last replaced yours? Pull it out and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, buy a new one.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by pouring diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Clean 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 Scott Temperature can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine service!