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

If you haven’t cleaned it lately, it could be blocked with mud and debris from your yard. This accumulation can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement more quickly.

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

Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and take care of minor issues before they develop 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
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections

It’s not too late to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.

There’s also some upkeep you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of components 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 temperate day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a couple 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

Switch off the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Take out debris from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your unit.

You need to be considerate of these delicate coils. Misshapen or crushed fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating should handle large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the equipment with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re completed.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating properly, reach out to us a call at 314-262-4541.

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 need to be replaced every few months, depending on the model you use.

Unsure when you last put in a new one? Remove it and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, replace it.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.

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

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

Don’t Forget a Tune-Up Again

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