With summer ending in Cambridge, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it this year, it could be clogged with dust and yard waste. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or make it wear out more quickly.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced once a year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle slight issues before they turn 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
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
There’s still time to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some maintenance you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to wash 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 mild day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can test the unit once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a couple of 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These parts are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your equipment.
You need to be considerate of these fine coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange warped fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from Pliescott HVAC Services LLC should handle extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, pull out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re completed.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working correctly, reach out to us a call at 410-228-4822.
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 should be exchanged every several months, depending on the kind you use.
Not sure when you last put in a new one? Pull it out and angle it toward the light. If there’s no light visible, replace it.
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 draining diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Scrub 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 Pliescott HVAC Services LLC can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your regular service!