With summer coming to an end in Lake Worth, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be full of dirt and yard refuse. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or make it wear out sooner.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced every year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy bills.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and take care of slight issues before they become expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform consists of:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant totals 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 by yourself between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few pieces 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 clean 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 tools:
- 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 electricity 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 use the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These parts are also referred to as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your system.
You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Misshapen or crushed fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Smyth Air Conditioning should fix severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard litter. Then mop the inside of the system with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re finished.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating like it should, reach out to us a call at 561-533-6066.
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 power to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters must be exchanged every few months, depending on the type you use.
Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Take it out and angle 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 examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can clean it by pouring diluted bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Wash 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 Smyth Air Conditioning 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 regular tune-up!