With summer coming to an end in Lodi, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it this year, it could be blocked with dust and yard refuse. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement more quickly.
We advise having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric costs.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle slight issues before they develop into expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform consists of:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
It’s not too late to have maintenance 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 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 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
Pick a temperate day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can run your system 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty debris from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.
You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Bent or crinkled fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning should take care of severe damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, pull out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Replace the fan 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 like it should, contact us a call at 209-257-3156.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the power to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters need to be changed every couple of months, depending on the type you use.
Unsure when you last checked yours? Take it out and tilt it toward 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 freshen it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your regular tune-up!