With summer ending in Northridge, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it recently, it could be blocked with dirt and yard refuse. This collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down faster.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric expenses.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle slight issues before they turn into expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform involves:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant amounts and connections
It’s not too late to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
There’s also some upkeep you can do alone between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few parts 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 scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can check your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a few 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 rubbish from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.
You need to be careful with these fragile coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating should handle extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard waste. Then clean the inside of the system with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re finished.
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 (818) 727-9993.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be exchanged every several months, depending on the type you use.
Can’t remember when you last put in a new one? Take it out and tilt it toward the light. If there’s no light visible, replace it.
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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by pouring watered-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine service!
