With summer winding down in Hudsonville, now is a great time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t taken care of it this year, it could be full of mud and yard refuse. This buildup can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or wear it down faster.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up annually. 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 address small issues before they turn 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
  • Confirming pressure and temperature
  • Testing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections

It’s not too late to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.

There’s also some work you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few pieces on your indoor HVAC system.

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

Cleaning Out the Outside AC Unit

Select a temperate day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. 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 Follow as You 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 debris from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then use the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also called condenser coils and transfer heat away from your unit.

You need to be careful with these fragile coils. Bent or crushed fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services should fix severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After taking out the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then mop the inside of the system with a wet rag.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re done.

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, give us a call at (616) 319-1436.

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

Then, You Can Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters should be exchanged every several months, depending on the model you use.

Not sure when you last put in a new one? Take it out and hold it up to 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 examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can freshen it by pouring 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. Connect the drain tube and turn 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 West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your regular service!