With summer ending in Rock Hill, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it this year, it could be blocked with mud and debris from your yard. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or make it wear out sooner.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and handle minor issues before they develop into high-priced problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete involves:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
You can still have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some upkeep you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of 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
Pick a warm day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can check your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a couple 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 electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out rubbish from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also called as condenser coils and divert heat away from your system.
You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Warped or crumpled fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from US Air Heating and Cooling should take care of extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then wipe the inside of the unit 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, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re completed.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working like it should, give us a call at 803-220-0761.
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 juice to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters must be changed every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.
Not sure when you last put in a new one? Pull 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 inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can freshen it by flowing water-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Wash 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 a Tune-Up Again
Annual air conditioner maintenance from US Air Heating and Cooling can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your regular maintenance!