With summer winding down in Georgetown, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be full of dust and yard refuse. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or make it wear out sooner.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced once a year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility bills.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle small issues before they become costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we do consists of:

  • Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Reviewing lines, refrigerant totals 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.

There’s also some upkeep you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few components on your indoor HVAC system.

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

Cleaning Out the Outside AC Unit

Pick a warm day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can test the unit once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a handful of 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

Five Steps to Follow as You Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

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

2. Clean the Outside

Remove waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.

You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Warped or crushed fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust misshapen fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Miller Climate Control LLC should take care of extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the unit with a wet sponge.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash 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 running properly, give us a call at 512-937-2001.

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

Then, You Can Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Cut the power to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters need to be exchanged every few months, depending on the kind you use.

Unsure when you last replaced yours? Pull it out and hold it up to 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 supple plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can freshen it by flowing watered-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can get a new tube.

Clean the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual maintenance!