With summer winding down in Kutztown and Breinigsville, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it recently, it could be clogged with dust and yard refuse. This collection can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement faster.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric bills.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and address minor issues before they turn into expensive 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
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
You can still have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some work you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several 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
Pick a warm day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can check the unit once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a couple 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your unit.
You need to be careful with these fragile coils. Misshapen or crushed fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Moyer Total Indoor Comfort should take care of severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, dig out leaves and other yard waste. Then clean the inside of the system with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, spraying 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 484-646-3363.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Turn off 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 kind you use.
Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Take it out and angle it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, get a new one.
3. Clean the Inside
Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.
Then examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can clean it by pouring diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect 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 Moyer Total Indoor Comfort can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your annual service!