With summer coming to an end in Hudsonville, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it this year, it could be blocked with mud and yard waste. This buildup can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement more quickly.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally maintained once a year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric costs.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and address slight issues before they become costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform consists of:
- Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
There’s still time 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 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
Pick a mild 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 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
Five 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 debris from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.
You need to be careful with these delicate coils. Bent or crushed fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services should fix extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard litter. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, directing 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 correctly, reach out to us a call at (616) 319-1436.
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 exchanged every several months, depending on the kind you use.
Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Take it out and hold it up to 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 supple plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can clean it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also have convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your regular maintenance!
