With summer coming to an end in Wyandotte, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t washed it lately, it could be blocked with mud and debris from your yard. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement faster.

We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up once a year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.

Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle slight issues before they develop into high-priced problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete involves:

  • Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Reviewing lines, refrigerant totals and connections

It’s not too late to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready 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 wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several pieces 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 mild day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can check your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a handful 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 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 rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

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

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

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning should fix large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet sponge.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re completed.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working like it should, reach out to us a call at 734-284-1224.

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

Can’t remember when you last put in a new one? Remove it 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 inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by draining diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Clean the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect the drain tube and turn the power back on.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Well Through Fall

Never Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine service!