With summer winding down in Thedford, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it this year, it could be full of mud and debris from your yard. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out more quickly.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally maintained every year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric bills.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and take care of small issues before they turn into costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete involves:

  • Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Confirming pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant amounts and connections

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

There’s also some maintenance you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several 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 temperate day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run the unit once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a couple 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

Switch off the power 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 cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.

You need to be careful with these delicate coils. Bent or crinkled fins can influence efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning should take care of large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then clean the inside of the system with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, spraying 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 operating correctly, contact us a call at 519-296-4437.

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

Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the power to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters should be replaced every few months, depending on the model you use.

Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Pull it out and tilt 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 inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can sanitize it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can get a new tube.

Clean the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect 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 Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your annual service!