With summer winding down in Northglenn, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it recently, it could be clogged with dust and debris from your yard. This collection can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement more quickly.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up every year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.
Regular 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 complete involves:
- Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
It’s not too late to have a tune-up 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. You just need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several components 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 best. That way, you can test the unit 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Switch off the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty waste from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.
You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Bent or crumpled fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. should handle large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, dig out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running correctly, contact us a call at 303-452-4146.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters must be replaced every few months, depending on the type you use.
Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Take it out and angle it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, replace it.
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 flexible plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can sanitize it by flowing water-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Scrub 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
Never Forget a Tune-Up Again
Annual air conditioner maintenance from Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your regular maintenance!