With summer ending in Litchfield Park, now is an ideal time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be blocked with mud and yard refuse. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement more quickly.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric costs.

Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle minor issues before they become expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete involves:

  • Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Reviewing lines, refrigerant levels and connections

You can still have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.

There’s also some work you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You just need 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?

Tips for Cleaning the Outdoor AC Unit

Choose a warm day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can test your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a couple 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

Follow these Steps for Cleaning the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

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

2. Clean the Outside

Empty rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then use the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also called condenser coils and transfer heat away from your system.

You need to be careful with these fragile coils. Misshapen or crushed fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust misshapen fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Cooler Tymes LLC should handle extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re done.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running correctly, contact us a call at 623-208-6444.

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

Next, How You Can Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters need to be replaced every few months, depending on the type you use.

Not sure when you last checked yours? Remove it and tilt it toward the light. If there’s no light 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can freshen it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can buy a new tube.

Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect 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 handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine service!