With summer ending in Omaha, now is an ideal time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it this year, it could be blocked with dust and yard waste. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out sooner.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and address 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:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections
There’s still time to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped 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 wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of components 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 scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can check your equipment 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Switch off the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out waste from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.
You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Misshapen or crinkled fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance parts retailer. A pro from The Frazier Company should fix extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then mop the inside of the equipment with a wet rag.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re finished.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating properly, give us a call at 402-628-0206.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to 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 should be changed every few months, depending on the type you use.
Not sure when you last replaced yours? Remove it and angle it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, buy a new one.
3. Clean the Inside
Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.
Then take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect the drain tube and turn 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 The Frazier Company can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your regular service!