With summer ending in Wyandotte, now is an ideal time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it this year, it could be blocked with dirt and yard waste. This accumulation can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement more quickly.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced every year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility bills.

Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle small issues before they turn into expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform includes:

  • Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Watching 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.

There’s also some maintenance you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several components on your indoor HVAC system.

Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?

Tips for Cleaning the Outdoor AC Unit

Choose a temperate day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can test your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a handful of things:

  • 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 electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Take out rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These parts are also referred to as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.

You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Misshapen or crinkled fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning should fix severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, dig out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, directing water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re done.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running correctly, give us a call at 734-284-1224.

Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later

Then, You Can 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 must be exchanged every few months, depending on the model you use.

Not sure when you last put in a new one? Take it out and tilt it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, replace it.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can get a new tube.

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

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

Never Forget About Maintenance Again

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