With summer winding down in Hendersonville, now is a good time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be full of dirt and yard waste. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement sooner.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced every year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric bills.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and take care of minor issues before they turn into expensive 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
  • Watching 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.

There’s also some upkeep 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 a couple of parts on your indoor HVAC system.

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

Cleaning Out the Outdoor AC Unit

Select a warm day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can check the unit once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a handful 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

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

2. Clean the Outside

Take out rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These parts are also referred to as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your system.

You need to be considerate of these delicate coils. Misshapen or crinkled fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Superior Comfort Systems should take care of severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, dig out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet sponge.

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re done.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running properly, contact us a call at 828-202-7025.

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

Next, How You Can Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters must be replaced every few months, depending on the model you use.

Can’t remember when you last put in a new one? Take it out and angle it toward 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 inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can freshen it by draining watered-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect the drain tube and restore power.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Well Through Fall

Never Forget About Maintenance Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Superior Comfort Systems can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your annual service!