With summer coming to an end in Cache Valley, now is an ideal time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be blocked with dust and yard refuse. This buildup can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or make it wear out sooner.

We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up annually. Why? A clean system 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:

  • Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant amounts and connections

It’s not too late to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.

There’s also some upkeep you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of pieces on your indoor HVAC system.

Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?

Cleaning Out the Outdoor AC Unit

Choose a warm day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can check your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a couple 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

Follow these Steps for Cleaning 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 system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These parts are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.

You need to be careful with these fragile coils. Bent or crushed fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Western Mechanical, Inc. should handle severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then mop 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 clean 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, contact us a call at 435-753-5515.

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

After, Three 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 should be changed every few months, depending on the kind you use.

Not sure when you last put in a new one? Remove it and hold it up to the light. If there’s no light visible, replace it.

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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can sanitize it by draining watered-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect the drain tube and switch the power back on.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Well Through Fall

Never Forget About Maintenance Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Western Mechanical, Inc. can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your regular service!