With summer coming to an end in Holdrege, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it lately, it could be blocked with dirt and yard waste. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement more quickly.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and address minor issues before they turn into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do consists of:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections
You can still have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
There’s also some maintenance you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few parts 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 scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run 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
Stop the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Remove waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.
You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Misshapen or crinkled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Durable Service should fix severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the equipment with a wet rag.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re finished.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working correctly, give us a call at 308-995-8177.
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 need to be replaced every several months, depending on the kind you use.
Unsure when you last replaced yours? Remove it 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 inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Wash 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 Durable Service can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also have practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your regular service!
