With summer ending in Eastland, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be clogged with dirt and debris from your yard. This buildup can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement more quickly.
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 energy costs.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle slight issues before they develop into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do involves:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections
There’s still time to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some upkeep you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of 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
Choose a mild day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can test the unit 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
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
Take out waste from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called as condenser coils and move heat away from your unit.
You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Warped or crushed fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts retailer. A pro from J & J Air Conditioning should take care of extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re finished.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating like it should, reach out to us a call at 254-355-3833.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Turn off the power to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be replaced every several months, depending on the type you use.
Unsure when you last replaced yours? Take it out and hold it up to the light. If light isn’t 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 dirty, you can freshen it by pouring water-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Clean 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 J & J Air Conditioning can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your annual tune-up!