With summer ending in Albuquerque, now is a good time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be full of mud and debris from your yard. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement sooner.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up every year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy bills.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and handle small issues before they become expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform consists of:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
It’s not too late to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some work you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. It only takes 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
Pick a warm day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can check 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Remove rubbish from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These parts are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.
You need to be considerate of these delicate coils. Bent or crushed fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten misshapen fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from I-Deal HVAC should fix extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting 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 have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re completed.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating like it should, contact us a call at 505-445-1250.
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 should be exchanged every few months, depending on the kind you use.
Not sure when you last put in a new one? Take 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 supple plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by pouring water-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can replace the tube.
Wash 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 I-Deal HVAC can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also have handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine maintenance!