With summer ending in Newark, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it lately, it could be full of dust and debris from your yard. This buildup can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement faster.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced once a year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle minor issues before they turn into high-priced problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do includes:
- Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant levels and connections
You can still have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some maintenance you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few 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
Pick a warm day to clean 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 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Switch off the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out waste from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run 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 cautious with these fragile coils. Warped or crumpled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from Luikart Heating & Cooling should take care of large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then mop the inside of the system with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working like it should, give us a call at 740-200-5591.
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 several months, depending on the type you use.
Unsure when you last put in a new one? Remove it and tilt 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 take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can freshen it by draining water-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. Hook up 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 Luikart Heating & Cooling can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your routine tune-up!