With summer coming to an end in Marshalltown, now is an ideal time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be full of dirt and debris from your yard. This collection can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or make it wear out sooner.
We advise 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 utility costs.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle minor issues before they develop into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete includes:
- Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
It’s not too late to 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. You just need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few 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
Select a warm day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run your equipment 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 Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty waste from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your equipment.
You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Bent or crumpled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Kapaun & Brown should fix extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re completed.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working properly, reach out to us a call at 641-812-2028.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
Three 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 must be changed every several months, depending on the type you use.
Not sure when you last replaced yours? Remove it and tilt it toward the light. If there’s no light 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 flexible plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can clean it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 Kapaun & Brown can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine maintenance!