With summer coming to an end in Murrieta, now is a great time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be blocked with dust and yard refuse. This collection can reduce 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 tuned-up every year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric costs.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and address minor issues before they become expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do consists of:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
It’s not too late to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some work you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of 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 temperate day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can check the unit 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop 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 cautiously clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also called as condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.
You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Warped or crumpled fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from Cool Air Solutions should handle extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, pull out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet rag.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall 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 working properly, contact us a call at 951-299-9853.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be replaced every several months, depending on the kind you use.
Not sure when you last put in a new one? Remove it and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, replace it.
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 flexible plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by pouring water-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect 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 Cool Air Solutions can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your annual tune-up!