With summer ending in Mobile, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t washed it this year, it could be blocked with dirt and debris from your yard. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down faster.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up once a year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility costs.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and take care of minor issues before they turn into expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform includes:

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

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

There’s also some maintenance you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several 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 temperate day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can run your system once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a few 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

Five 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

Take out debris from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also called condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.

You need to be careful with these fine coils. Warped or crushed fins can influence efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc should handle extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, fish out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re done.

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, reach out to us a call at 251-471-2674.

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

Then, You Can Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters must be replaced every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.

Can’t remember when you last put in a new one? 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 flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by flowing thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Scrub 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 About Maintenance Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your regular service!