With summer coming to an end in Siloam Springs, now is a great time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be full of dust and yard waste. This buildup can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or wear it down faster.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally maintained once a year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric bills.

Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle slight issues before they develop into high-priced problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform involves:

  • Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Checking pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant levels and connections

You can still have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.

There’s also some work you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of 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

Select a temperate day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can check your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a few 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 Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Switch off the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Remove waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then use the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These parts are also known as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your system.

You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Warped or crushed fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Siloam Springs Heating & AC should handle large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.

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. Reinstall 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 operating correctly, give us a call at 479-308-8176.

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

Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters must be changed every few months, depending on the type you use.

Not sure when you last replaced yours? Take it out and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect 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 Siloam Springs Heating & AC can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also have handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your regular tune-up!