With summer coming to an end in Norco and St. Charles Parish, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be clogged with dust and yard waste. This buildup can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement faster.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up every year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and take care of small issues before they develop into high-priced problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete involves:
- Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections
It’s not too late to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped 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 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?
How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit
Pick a mild day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can test your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a couple of 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
5 Steps to 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
Remove waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your equipment.
You need to be cautious with these fine coils. Bent or crumpled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange warped fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Mayeuxs AC & Heating should handle severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, fish out leaves and other yard waste. Then clean 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, spraying 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 running correctly, give us a call at (985) 764-2426.
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 should be replaced every couple of months, depending on the model you use.
Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Pull it out and tilt it toward the light. If there’s no light 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can clean it by pouring diluted bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can get a new 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 Mayeuxs AC & Heating can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual service!