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

If you haven’t cleaned it lately, it could be full of dust and yard waste. This collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement sooner.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric expenses.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and take care of small issues before they become high-priced 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
  • Testing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections

It’s not too late to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.

There’s also some work you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to clean 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?

Cleaning Out the Outdoor AC Unit

Pick a warm day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can run your system once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a couple of items:

  • 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

Cut the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Take out rubbish from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.

You need to be considerate of these delicate coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten misshapen fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Pepper AC & Heat should handle severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the equipment with a wet rag.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, directing water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re finished.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running like it should, reach out to us a call at 940-202-1184.

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

Three 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 replaced every several months, depending on the model you use.

Unsure when you last checked yours? Pull it out and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, get a new one.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can clean it by flowing thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.

Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up the drain tube and restore power.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Well Through Fall

Don’t Forget About Maintenance Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Pepper AC & Heat can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also have handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your annual service!