With summer winding down in Columbus, now is a good time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it lately, it could be clogged with dust and debris from your yard. This buildup can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down more quickly.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and handle minor issues before they develop into expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do involves:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections
There’s still time to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some upkeep you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to get the grime off 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
Choose a warm day to wash 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 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
Switch off the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out rubbish from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.
You need to be careful with these fine coils. Warped or crushed fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust misshapen fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling should take care of severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet rag.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re completed.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating correctly, reach out to us a call at 614-451-0846.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 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 must be exchanged every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.
Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Remove it and hold it up to the light. If there’s no light visible, replace it.
3. Clean the Inside
Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.
Then examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can clean it by pouring water-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can buy 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 Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine tune-up!