With summer ending in Laurel, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it lately, it could be full of dust and yard refuse. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or wear it down faster.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced every year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric costs.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle slight issues before they turn into high-priced problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do consists of:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
You can still 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 on your own between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to clean 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?
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 ideal. That way, you can run your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a few 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
Switch off the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out debris from the unit. 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 move heat away from your equipment.
You need to be careful with these fragile coils. Misshapen or crinkled fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from H&C Heating and Cooling should handle large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then mop the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, directing water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan 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 working correctly, give us a call at 301-960-3247.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be exchanged every several months, depending on the model you use.
Can’t remember when you last replaced 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 take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can clean it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 H&C Heating and Cooling can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also have convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual service!