With summer ending in Moline, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it this year, it could be blocked with mud and debris from your yard. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or wear it down faster.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced once a year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility bills.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and address minor issues before they turn into expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform includes:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections
There’s still time to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
There’s also some upkeep you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several pieces 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 clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run the unit once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a couple 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
Switch off the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Remove waste from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.
You need to be considerate of these fine coils. Misshapen or crushed fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Freed Heating & Air Conditioning should take care of large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, pull out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, directing 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 running correctly, contact us a call at 309-323-9584.
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 must be changed every several months, depending on the type you use.
Unsure when you last checked yours? Remove it 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can clean it by flowing watered-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect 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 Freed Heating & Air Conditioning can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your regular tune-up!