With summer coming to an end in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, now is a good time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be clogged with dust and debris from your yard. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or wear it down more quickly.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility bills.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and take care of minor issues before they become expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do involves:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
You can still 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 alone between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to get the grime off 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?
How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit
Choose a warm day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can check your system 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out debris from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These parts are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.
You need to be considerate of these fine coils. Bent or crumpled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust misshapen fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts retailer. A pro from Halverson Brothers Inc should handle severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Replace the fan 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 operating like it should, give us a call at 715-352-4052.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters must be changed every several months, depending on the kind you use.
Not sure when you last replaced yours? Take it out and angle it toward the light. If light isn’t 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 flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can freshen it by flowing water-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Clean 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 Halverson Brothers Inc can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your regular tune-up!