With summer ending in Longview, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be blocked with mud and yard refuse. This buildup can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or make it wear out sooner.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced once a year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric expenses.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle small issues before they develop into expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete includes:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching 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 prepared for heating season too.
There’s also some upkeep you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to get the grime off 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
Choose a temperate day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can run your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a handful 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
Five Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty debris from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.
You need to be cautious with these fine coils. Bent or crinkled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Goode Bros AC & Heating should take care of extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, dig out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan 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 properly, reach out to us a call at 903-284-2612.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be exchanged every several months, depending on the model you use.
Not sure when you last put in a new one? Take it out and tilt it toward 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 supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can freshen it by draining watered-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can buy a new 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 Goode Bros AC & Heating can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also have handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your regular maintenance!
