With summer winding down in Huffman, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it recently, it could be blocked with dust and yard refuse. This collection can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement more quickly.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally maintained every year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy costs.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and handle slight issues before they turn into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete involves:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line, and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant amounts, and connections
There’s still time to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for the heating season too.
There’s also some work you can do alone between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few 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 mild day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can test 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 Save You Money
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
- Turn Off the Power
Cut the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box. - Clean the Outside
Take out rubbish from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds, and grass.Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called condenser coils and move heat away from your equipment.
You need to be considerate of these fine coils. Warped or crinkled fins can influence efficiency.
- Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten the misshapen fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts retailer. A pro from Air Houston Mechanical LLC should take care of extensive damage. - Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then clean the inside of the system with a wet cloth.The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re done.
- Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working as it should, reach out to us a call at (832) 501-3419. - Turn Off the Power
Turn off the juice to your furnace at the breaker box. - Check Your Filter
Furnace filters need to be exchanged every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Pull it out and angle it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, buy a new one.
- Clean the Inside
Remove the blower door and vacuum up the dust.
Then inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by flowing thinned bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can replace the tube.Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect 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 Air Houston Mechanical LLC can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your regular service!
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Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later