With summer coming to an end in Northridge, now is an ideal time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be full of dirt and yard waste. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement sooner.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced once a year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric expenses.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle minor issues before they develop into expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform includes:

  • Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Checking pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections

You can still 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 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 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

Choose a temperate day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can test the unit 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

Cut the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Take out debris from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your equipment.

You need to be considerate of these fragile coils. Bent or crushed fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust misshapen fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating should fix extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After taking out the fan, dig out leaves and other yard litter. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re done.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working correctly, contact 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

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

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters should be replaced every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.

Not sure when you last put in a new one? Pull 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 flexible plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can clean it by flowing watered-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can replace the 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 Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also have handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual service!