With summer winding down in Phoenix, now is a great time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be full of mud and debris from your yard. This buildup can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement more quickly.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up every year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and take care of slight issues before they develop into expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete involves:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections
It’s not too late 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 work 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 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 clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can test 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the electricity 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 pieces are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your equipment.
You need to be careful with these fine coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Integrity AC & Heating LLC should fix extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then mop the inside of the equipment with a wet rag.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re completed.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working correctly, reach out to us a call at 602-971-0567.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be changed every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.
Unsure when you last replaced yours? Take it out and tilt it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, replace it.
3. Clean the Inside
Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.
Then inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by pouring water-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 Integrity AC & Heating 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 routine service!