With summer winding down in Des Moines, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be clogged with dust and debris from your yard. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or make it wear out more quickly.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced 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 discover and take care of minor issues before they turn into costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete includes:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
There’s still time to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared 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 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
Choose a warm day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can check your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a few items:
- 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
Cut the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty debris from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.
You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Warped or crushed fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling should handle severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, showering water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating properly, contact us a call at 515-207-6569.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 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 should be exchanged every several months, depending on the type you use.
Not sure when you last replaced yours? Pull it out and angle 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 flowing thinned bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Wash 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 Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine maintenance!