With summer winding down in Zelienople, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it this year, it could be full of dirt and yard refuse. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement sooner.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric bills.

Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and address minor issues before they become high-priced problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform involves:

  • Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Checking 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 prepped 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 components on your indoor HVAC system.

Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?

Cleaning Out the Outdoor AC Unit

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

You’ll only need a handful 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 Follow as You Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Cut the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Take out debris from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then use the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your unit.

You need to be considerate of these delicate coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can influence efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Knoechel Heating should fix extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

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

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Replace the fan 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 properly, reach out to us a call at 724-425-5852.

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

Next, How You Can Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters must be exchanged every several months, depending on the kind you use.

Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Pull it out and hold it up to the light. If light isn’t visible, replace it.

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 flowing diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.

Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect the drain tube and restore power.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Well Through Fall

Don’t Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Knoechel Heating can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your regular tune-up!