With summer winding down in Delray Beach, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be full of mud and yard refuse. This collection can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement faster.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally maintained every year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric expenses.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and address minor issues before they develop into expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do includes:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant amounts 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 on your own between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to clean 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
Select a temperate day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can test your system 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
Stop the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Remove debris from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your unit.
You need to be considerate of these fragile coils. Warped or crumpled fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Kilbourne Heating & AC should fix large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, pull out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the system with a wet sponge.
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. Put the fan back in 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 working correctly, reach out to us a call at 561-287-7071.
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 need to be replaced every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.
Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Remove it and angle it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, get a new one.
3. Clean the Inside
Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.
Then take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can clean it by flowing water-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Clean the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect 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 Kilbourne Heating & AC can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your regular maintenance!