With summer coming to an end in Wisconsin Rapids, now is a great time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be blocked with mud and yard waste. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or make it wear out sooner.
We recommend 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 electric expenses.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle minor issues before they turn into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform involves:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking 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.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some maintenance you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You only need 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
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 system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also known as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your equipment.
You need to be careful with these delicate coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts retailer. A pro from Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc should handle extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering water from the inside out. Replace the fan 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 properly, give us a call at 715-301-0256.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Turn off the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters must be exchanged every couple of months, depending on the type you use.
Unsure when you last put in a new one? Pull it out and angle it toward the light. If there’s no light 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 flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can clean it by flowing thinned bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Wash 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 a Tune-Up Again
Annual air conditioner maintenance from Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also have convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your annual tune-up!