With summer ending in Logan, now is a good time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be clogged with mud and yard waste. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out sooner.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up every year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility costs.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and address small issues before they become expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform consists of:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
There’s still time to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some work you can do alone between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to clean 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
Choose a warm day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run the unit once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a handful of tools:
- 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 debris from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your unit.
You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Bent or crushed fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Western Mechanical, Inc. should fix extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, dig out leaves and other yard waste. Then clean the inside of the equipment with a wet cloth.
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. 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, reach out to us a call at 435-753-5515.
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 kind you use.
Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Take it out and tilt 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 inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can sanitize 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. Reconnect 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 Western Mechanical, Inc. can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your annual service!