With summer coming to an end in Columbia, 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 yard waste. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement sooner.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally maintained once a year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and address slight issues before they become expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform includes:

  • Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Checking pressure and temperature
  • Reviewing 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. It only takes about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several pieces 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 temperate day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can test 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

Switch off the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

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

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

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 warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Watts Electric & AC should handle severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then mop the inside of the system with a wet sponge.

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Put the fan back in 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 correctly, contact us a call at 601-736-7362.

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

Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Cut the power to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters must be changed every couple of months, depending on the model you use.

Can’t remember when you last put in a new one? Remove it and hold it up to the light. If light isn’t visible, replace it.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by pouring diluted bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can buy a new tube.

Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect 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 Watts Electric & AC can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also have convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual tune-up!