With summer winding down in Huntsville, now is an ideal time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it this year, it could be blocked with dust and debris from your yard. This collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement sooner.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally maintained every year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and take care of slight issues before they develop into high-priced problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do involves:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections
You can still have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
There’s also some maintenance you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to get the grime off 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
Pick a temperate day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can test 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 juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out waste from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.
You need to be cautious with these fine coils. Warped or crumpled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc should fix large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, pull out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe 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. Put the fan back in 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 running correctly, reach out to us a call at 256-801-4701.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
Three 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 several months, depending on the type you use.
Can’t remember when you last replaced 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 clean it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect 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 system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual service!