With summer coming to an end in Northglenn, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be blocked with mud and debris from your yard. This accumulation can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or make it wear out faster.

We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric bills.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and address small issues before they become costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete consists of:

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

It’s not too late to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.

There’s also some maintenance you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several parts on your indoor HVAC system.

Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?

Cleaning Out the Outside AC Unit

Pick a temperate day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can run 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

Five Steps to Follow as You 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 equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called condenser coils and move heat away from your system.

You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Misshapen or crinkled fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten misshapen fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning should fix large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After taking out the fan, fish out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet rag.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re finished.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating correctly, contact us a call at 303-452-4146.

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

After, Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Turn off the power to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters must be replaced every several months, depending on the type you use.

Not sure when you last put in a new one? Remove it and tilt 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 inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can freshen it by flowing thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can get a new tube.

Clean the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect the drain tube and turn the power back on.

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

Don’t Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual tune-up!