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With summer ending in Cape Coral, now is an ideal time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be clogged with dirt and yard waste. This buildup can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or wear it down faster.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally maintained once a year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy bills.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and address slight issues before they develop into costly 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
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant amounts 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.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some upkeep you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few 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
Choose 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 few 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
Switch off the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty rubbish from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also called as condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.
You need to be cautious with these fine coils. Misshapen or crushed fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts retailer. A pro from Comfort Zone Inc should take care of extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re completed.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating properly, contact us a call at 239-214-0411.
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 electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters need to be exchanged every couple of months, depending on the type you use.
Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Take it out and hold it up to the light. If there’s no light visible, get a new one.
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 supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by draining water-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 Comfort Zone Inc can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your annual service!