With summer coming to an end in Huntsville, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it this year, it could be full of dirt and yard refuse. This buildup can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down 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 energy costs.

Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle minor issues before they develop into high-priced 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
  • Checking pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections

There’s still time to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.

There’s also some upkeep you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several components 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 temperate day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can test your equipment 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

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

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

Then use the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.

You need to be considerate of these fragile coils. Warped or crinkled fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange warped fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc should fix severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard waste. Then mop the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re done.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running correctly, give us a call at 256-801-4701.

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

Then, You Can Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the power to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters need to be exchanged every few months, depending on the model you use.

Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Take it out and hold it up to 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by pouring watered-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Clean 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 All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also have handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your regular service!