With summer winding down in Elk River, now is an ideal time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it lately, it could be blocked with mud and debris from your yard. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement faster.

We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally maintained once a year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy costs.

Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and handle slight issues before they become costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we do consists of:

  • Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant levels 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 maintenance you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several pieces 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 warm day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can test your system once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a couple 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

Stop the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Empty rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

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

You need to be considerate of these fragile coils. Warped or crumpled fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange warped fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Home Comfort Heating & Air should take care of extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After taking out the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet sponge.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, directing 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 operating correctly, contact us a call at 763-276-0617.

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

Then, You Can Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Turn off the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters should be changed every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.

Not sure when you last checked yours? Remove it and tilt it toward the light. If there’s no light 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 supple plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can sanitize it by flowing thinned bleach through the tube to sanitize 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 About Maintenance Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Home Comfort Heating & Air can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also have convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your regular tune-up!