With summer ending in New Castle, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be blocked with mud and yard refuse. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or make it wear out faster.

We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up annually. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy bills.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle slight issues before they turn into costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we do involves:

  • Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Confirming pressure and temperature
  • Testing 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 on your own between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of 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 temperate day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can check the unit once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a handful of 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

Follow these Steps for Cleaning the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Switch off the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

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

Then use the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and divert heat away from your system.

You need to be considerate of these fragile coils. Misshapen or crushed fins can influence efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Central Heating & Plumbing should take care of extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After taking out the fan, pull out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the equipment with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, showering 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 operating like it should, contact us a call at 724-401-1843.

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 replaced every several months, depending on the model you use.

Not sure when you last put in a new one? Pull it out and angle 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 inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can freshen it by pouring watered-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can buy 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 About Maintenance Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Central Heating & Plumbing 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 annual maintenance!