With summer winding down in New Castle, now is an ideal time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be blocked with dirt and yard refuse. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement faster.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and address minor issues before they become costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform consists of:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
It’s not too late to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some upkeep you can do alone between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few 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
Pick a temperate day to clean 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 couple of 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
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 waste from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also called as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.
You need to be considerate of these fragile coils. Misshapen or crinkled fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance parts retailer. A pro from Central Heating & Plumbing should fix extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, directing water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running like it should, reach out to us a call at 724-401-1843.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters need to be exchanged every several months, depending on the kind you use.
Unsure when you last checked yours? Take it out and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, 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 sanitize it by pouring diluted bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Clean the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect the drain tube and restore power.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Well Through Fall
Never Forget a Tune-Up Again
Annual air conditioner maintenance from Central Heating & Plumbing can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual service!