With summer coming to an end in Thedford, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be full of dirt and yard refuse. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or make it wear out faster.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.

Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and take care of small issues before they develop into expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform consists of:

  • Taking a look at 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 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 wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of pieces on your indoor HVAC system.

Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?

Cleaning Out the Outside AC Unit

Select a mild day to clean 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 tools:

  • 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 power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Remove debris from the unit. 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 transfer heat away from your equipment.

You need to be considerate of these delicate coils. Warped or crumpled 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 part retailer. A pro from Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning should take care of severe 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 have to have is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re finished.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running like it should, give us a call at 519-296-4437.

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

After, Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Turn off the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters must be exchanged every several months, depending on the model you use.

Unsure when you last replaced yours? Take it out 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 examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can freshen it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new 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

Don’t Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine service!