With summer coming to an end in Mechanicsburg, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be blocked with dust and yard refuse. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement faster.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced 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 spot and address small issues before they develop into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete includes:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
It’s not too late to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some work you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several parts 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 wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can run 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to gently 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 delicate coils. Bent or crinkled fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts retailer. A pro from H & H Service Company should take care of extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, pull out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re completed.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating like it should, contact us a call at 717-220-4502.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 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 must be changed every several months, depending on the type you use.
Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Remove it and hold it up to 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by pouring diluted 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 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 & H Service Company can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also have convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your routine maintenance!