With summer coming to an end in Saint Louis, now is an ideal time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it lately, it could be blocked with dirt and yard waste. This collection can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or make it wear out faster.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally serviced once a year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and address slight issues before they develop into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do involves:
- Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections
There’s still time to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
There’s also some upkeep you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few parts 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 system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a few 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 power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out debris from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These components are also called condenser coils and divert heat away from your system.
You need to be cautious with these fine coils. Warped or crumpled fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating should handle severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, dig out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the unit with a wet rag.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running like it should, contact us a call at 314-262-4541.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
Three 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 replaced every several months, depending on the model you use.
Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Pull it out and tilt it toward 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 dirty, you can sanitize it by flowing thinned bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect 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 Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine tune-up!