With summer winding down in Arlington, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it this year, it could be blocked with dust and yard waste. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement faster.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up once a year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric costs.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and take care of minor issues before they turn into expensive 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
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
You can still have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some maintenance you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of 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
Select a temperate day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can check your equipment 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Switch off the power 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 use the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.
You need to be careful with these fine coils. Bent or crumpled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning should handle severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re completed.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating like it should, give us a call at 360-255-5857.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be replaced every couple of months, depending on the type you use.
Unsure when you last put in a new one? Take it out and hold it up to 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 inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by pouring water-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Clean 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 Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also have practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine maintenance!