With summer ending in Warrenton, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it this year, it could be blocked with dust and yard waste. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or make it wear out more quickly.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally maintained every year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and take care of minor issues before they develop into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete includes:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
It’s not too late to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
There’s also some work you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few 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 run your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a handful of 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
Cut the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out debris from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use 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 delicate coils. Warped or crinkled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning should fix large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, dig out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then mop the inside of the system with a wet rag.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, showering water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating correctly, contact us a call at 636-456-5041.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
Three 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 need to be exchanged every several months, depending on the model you use.
Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Pull it out and angle 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 take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by draining watered-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual maintenance!