With summer coming to an end in Crestview, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it lately, it could be blocked with mud and debris from your yard. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or wear it down more quickly.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally maintained every year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric costs.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and take care of minor issues before they become costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete consists of:
- Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
There’s still time to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some maintenance you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several parts on your indoor HVAC system.
Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?
How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit
Select a mild day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a handful of 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
Stop the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.
You need to be considerate of these fine coils. Misshapen or crinkled fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten misshapen fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from Gordon Air Conditioning should fix severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then wipe 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 wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re finished.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running like it should, give us a call at 850-250-0335.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Turn off the power to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters need to be exchanged every few months, depending on the model you use.
Unsure when you last replaced yours? Take it out and angle it toward the light. If there’s no light visible, get 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 scummy, you can clean it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Wash 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 Gordon Air Conditioning 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 regular service!