With summer ending in Georgetown, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be full of mud and debris from your yard. This accumulation can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out more quickly.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle small 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
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
There’s still time to have service 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 on your own between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to clean 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
Choose a temperate day to clean 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 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
Switch off the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Remove debris from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.
You need to be considerate of these fragile coils. Misshapen or crinkled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from Miller Climate Control LLC should handle severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re completed.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating correctly, contact us a call at 512-937-2001.
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 juice to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be changed every several months, depending on the kind you use.
Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Take it out and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, get 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 flexible plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can clean it by draining diluted bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Wash 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 Miller Climate Control LLC can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your routine service!