With summer coming to an end in Port St. Lucie, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it this year, it could be blocked with mud and debris from your yard. This accumulation can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out faster.

We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally maintained once a year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility bills.

Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and address small issues before they turn into high-priced problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete involves:

  • Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Confirming pressure and temperature
  • Reviewing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections

You can still have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.

There’s also some upkeep you can do alone 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 components 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 clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can check your system 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

Five Steps to Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Cut the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Empty debris from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called condenser coils and move heat away from your equipment.

You need to be careful with these fine coils. Misshapen or crushed fins can influence efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten bent fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Custom Air Systems Inc should handle extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard litter. Then clean the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re completed.

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 772-247-2283.

Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later

Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters must be replaced every few months, depending on the kind you use.

Not sure when you last put in a new one? Remove it and angle it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, get a new one.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can freshen it by flowing watered-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can get a new tube.

Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect the drain tube and restore power.

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 tune-up!