With summer ending in Eastland, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be blocked with dust and yard refuse. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or wear it down sooner.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up annually. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric expenses.

Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and take care of small issues before they become 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 levels and connections

You can still have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.

There’s also some maintenance you can do alone 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?

Tips for Cleaning the Outside AC Unit

Choose a mild day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can check your system once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a few 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

Five Steps to Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Switch off the juice 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 run the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called condenser coils and divert heat away from your system.

You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Warped or crushed fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from J & J Air Conditioning should fix large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After taking out the fan, dig out leaves and other yard waste. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re done.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating like it should, give us a call at 254-355-3833.

Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later

After, Three 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 changed every several months, depending on the kind you use.

Not sure when you last put in a new one? Pull it out 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 examine 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 sanitize the line. Or you can buy a new tube.

Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect the drain tube and switch 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 J & J Air Conditioning can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also have convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine maintenance!