With summer winding down in Branchville, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be full of dirt and yard waste. This collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement sooner.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced every year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy bills.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle small issues before they develop into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete consists of:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
It’s not too late to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.
There’s also some upkeep you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to wash 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 scrub 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 few 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
Five Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop 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 run the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your system.
You need to be considerate of these fine coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. should take care of large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, pull out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then mop the inside of the system with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing 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 like it should, contact us a call at 862-345-6896.
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 type you use.
Unsure when you last put in a new one? Remove it and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, get a new one.
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 scummy, you can freshen it by pouring diluted bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can get a new 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 Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also have convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine tune-up!
