With summer winding down in Port St. Lucie, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it lately, it could be full of dust and debris from your yard. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement more quickly.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility costs.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and address slight issues before they turn into expensive 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
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections
It’s not too late to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some maintenance 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 several 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 mild day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can run your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a few 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
Empty debris from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on 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 considerate of these delicate coils. Misshapen or crushed fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Custom Air Systems Inc should take care of extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard litter. Then clean the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Put the fan back in 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 working like it should, give us a call at 772-247-2283.
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 must be exchanged every few 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 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 flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can clean it by flowing water-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 Custom Air Systems Inc can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your regular maintenance!