With summer coming to an end in Tucson, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it lately, it could be blocked with dirt and yard waste. This collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement faster.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy costs.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and address small issues before they develop into expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform includes:
- Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Examining 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.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some work you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to clean 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?
How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit
Pick a temperate day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can test your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a few 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 power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Remove debris from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your unit.
You need to be careful with these fine coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts retailer. A pro from A&M Heating & Cooling LLC should take care of large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, dig out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re finished.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running properly, contact us a call at 520-200-1048.
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 need to be exchanged every several months, depending on the kind you use.
Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Remove it and angle 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 examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can freshen it by pouring diluted bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Clean 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 A&M Heating & Cooling LLC can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your regular maintenance!