With summer winding down in Alice, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it this year, it could be blocked with dirt and yard waste. This buildup can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down 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 electric expenses.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and address slight issues before they develop into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete includes:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
There’s still time to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared 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 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
Select a warm day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run your system 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
Five Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the juice 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 gently clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called condenser coils and move heat away from your equipment.
You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Warped 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 retailer. A pro from Rescue Heating & Air should take care of extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering 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 properly, give us a call at 361-265-4371.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters need to be exchanged every few months, depending on the kind you use.
Can’t remember when you last put in a new one? Take it out and tilt 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 take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can freshen it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can get 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 a Tune-Up Again
Annual air conditioner maintenance from Rescue Heating & Air can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your annual service!