With summer winding down in Mechanicsburg, now is a good time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be full of mud and yard refuse. This accumulation can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out more quickly.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility bills.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and address slight issues before they turn into expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform involves:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
You can still have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
There’s also some maintenance you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to clean 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 mild day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a few 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
Cut the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Remove rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called condenser coils and move heat away from your system.
You need to be careful with these delicate coils. Warped or crinkled 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 store. A pro from H & H Service Company should fix severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the equipment with a wet rag.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Put the fan back in 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 working like it should, reach out to us a call at 717-220-4502.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
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 need to be exchanged every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.
Not sure when you last checked yours? Take it out and angle it toward the light. If there’s no light 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 dirty, you can clean it by pouring watered-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect the drain tube and restore power.
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 offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine service!
