With summer coming to an end in Phoenix, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you havent cleaned it lately, it could be full of dust and yard refuse. This collection can limit your units efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down sooner.
We advise having yourair conditioning systemprofessionally tuned-up annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and handle small issues before they develop into expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do includes:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
Its not too late to have maintenance done this falland we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
Theres also some work you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You just need 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 warm day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can test the unit once youve cleaned it.
Youll only need a couple of 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 Follow as You Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Remove rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your equipment.
You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc should fix extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then mop the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once youre finished.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Its safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If its not operating properly, reach out to us a call at 602-584-2884.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
Then, You Can Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the power to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filtersshould be exchanged every several months, depending on the kind you use.
Cant remember when you last replaced yours? Remove it and hold it up to the light. If theres no light visible, buy a new one.
3. Clean the Inside
Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.
Then inspect your air conditioners drain lineits a flexible plastic tube. If its dirty, you can sanitize it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy 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 About Maintenance Again
Annual air conditioner maintenance from Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you wont forget to book your annual tune-up!
