With summer coming to an end in Tucson, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be full of dust and yard refuse. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or wear it down sooner.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally maintained once a year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy costs.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and handle minor issues before they develop into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform consists of:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections
There’s still time to have a tune-up 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 on your own between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of 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 mild day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can check your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a few items:
- 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 juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty waste from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These parts are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your unit.
You need to be considerate of these fragile 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 parts website. A pro from Ambient Air should fix large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, dig out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re finished.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working properly, contact us a call at 520-357-4912.
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 electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters need to be replaced every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.
Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Take it out and angle it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, buy a new one.
3. Clean the Inside
Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.
Then take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by flowing water-down 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 switch 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 Ambient Air can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual tune-up!