With summer winding down in Litchfield Park, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t washed it this year, it could be full of dust and debris from your yard. This collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement faster.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric expenses.

Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle slight issues before they develop into costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete consists of:

  • Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Reviewing 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.

There’s also some upkeep you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several pieces 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 warm day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run the unit once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a couple 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

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

2. Clean the Outside

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

Then use the vacuum to slowly 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 delicate coils. Bent or crushed fins can influence efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Cooler Tymes LLC should handle severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

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

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in 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 operating correctly, contact us a call at 623-208-6444.

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 replaced every few months, depending on the kind you use.

Unsure when you last replaced yours? Take it out and hold it up to the light. If light isn’t visible, 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 supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can get a new tube.

Scrub 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 Cooler Tymes LLC can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your annual tune-up!