With summer coming to an end in Lake Forest, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it lately, it could be clogged with mud and yard refuse. This buildup can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down faster.
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 energy expenses.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle small issues before they become costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete includes:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
It’s not too late to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some work you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You just need 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
Pick a warm day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can test the unit once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a few 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Switch off the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty debris from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These parts 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 impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. should take care of severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the system 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, spraying water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running like it should, reach out to us a call at 949-204-0859.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the power to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters need to be exchanged every several months, depending on the model you use.
Not sure when you last replaced yours? Take it out and angle it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, get 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 flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can clean it by draining diluted bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Clean 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 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual tune-up!