With summer coming to an end in Elk River, 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 debris from your yard. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or wear it down more quickly.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced 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 locate and take care of slight issues before they develop into high-priced problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do includes:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
It’s not too late to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
There’s also some upkeep you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You just need 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
Select a warm day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can run your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a handful 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
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
Empty debris from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.
You need to be considerate of these delicate coils. Warped or crinkled fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten bent fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Home Comfort Heating & Air should fix severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then mop the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you need 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 operating properly, contact us a call at 763-276-0617.
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 need to be exchanged every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.
Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Take it out and tilt it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, 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 moldy, you can freshen it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Wash 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 Home Comfort Heating & Air can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also have handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your annual tune-up!
