With summer winding down in Columbia, 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 full of dirt and debris from your yard. This collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out sooner.

We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric expenses.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and address slight issues before they turn into costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete consists of:

  • Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Checking pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant levels and connections

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

There’s also some work you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of pieces on your indoor HVAC system.

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

How to Clean Your Outdoor AC Unit

Choose a mild day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can test 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

Five Steps to Follow as You Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

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

2. Clean the Outside

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

Then run the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.

You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can impact 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 Watts Electric & AC should take care of severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, dig out leaves and other yard litter. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet sponge.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Replace the fan 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 running like it should, contact us a call at 601-736-7362.

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

After, Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Cut the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters must be changed every few months, depending on the kind you use.

Not sure when you last replaced yours? Remove it and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, 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 draining watered-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Clean 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 Watts Electric & AC can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also have practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine tune-up!