With summer ending in Huntsville, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t washed it this year, it could be full of dirt and yard waste. This buildup can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or make it wear out faster.

We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally maintained every year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.

Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle small issues before they develop into costly 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
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections

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

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 several 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

Select a warm day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can run your system 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

Five Steps to Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Take out rubbish from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then use the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.

You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Warped or crumpled 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 retailer. A pro from All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc should handle severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, dig out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re finished.

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 256-801-4701.

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

After, Three 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 replaced every couple of months, depending on the model you use.

Not sure when you last put in a new one? Remove it and tilt it toward 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 flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can clean it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can buy a new tube.

Scrub 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 All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also have convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine maintenance!