With summer winding down in Lexington, now is an ideal time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be blocked with dust and debris from your yard. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement more quickly.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up every year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy costs.

Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and take care of small issues before they become expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we do consists of:

  • Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Testing lines, refrigerant levels 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 work 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 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

Select a warm day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can check the unit 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

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 waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then use the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.

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

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from James Heating & A/C, Inc should take care of severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After taking out the fan, dig out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re completed.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running properly, reach out to us a call at 336-853-6070.

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

Three 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 need to be changed every several months, depending on the type you use.

Not sure when you last replaced yours? Remove it and angle it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can clean it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.

Scrub 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

Never Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from James Heating & A/C, Inc can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your routine tune-up!