With summer coming to an end in Siloam Springs, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it lately, it could be clogged with dirt and debris from your yard. This collection can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down faster.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced once a year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.
Consistent 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 includes:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming 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 ready for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some work you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several 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 warm 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 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty debris from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also referred to as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your system.
You need to be considerate of these delicate coils. Warped or crumpled 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 parts store. A pro from Siloam Springs Heating & AC should take care of large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, dig out leaves and other yard litter. 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 clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Put the fan back in 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 running like it should, give us a call at 479-308-8176.
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 juice to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be changed every several months, depending on the model you use.
Unsure when you last checked yours? Take it out and hold it up to the light. If there’s no light visible, buy 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 supple plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can clean it by draining water-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 Siloam Springs Heating & AC can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also have practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your regular maintenance!