With summer winding down in Zelienople, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it lately, it could be full of mud and yard refuse. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or make it wear out sooner.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up once a year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric costs.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle minor issues before they develop into high-priced problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete consists of:
- 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 ready for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some maintenance you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to clean 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 temperate day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can check your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a couple 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
5 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
Remove rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.
You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Warped or crinkled 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 website. A pro from Knoechel Heating Company should take care of large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, fish out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, directing water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re completed.
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, reach out to us a call at 724-425-5852.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the power to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters must be changed every few months, depending on the model you use.
Unsure when you last checked yours? Pull it out and tilt it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, buy a new one.
3. Clean the Inside
Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.
Then take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by draining 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. 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 Knoechel Heating Company can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also have convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine maintenance!