With summer ending in Kirbyville and the Branson area, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be clogged with mud and yard refuse. This buildup can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement more quickly.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up every year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy-efficient, which could save you money on electric expenses.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and address minor issues before they develop into high-priced problems.
Some of the work we perform involves:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant amounts, and connections
You can still have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
There’s also some maintenance you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several components on your indoor HVAC system.
How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit
Select a temperate day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. 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)
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Switch off the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your system.
You need to be cautious with these fine coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Branson HVAC, LLC should handle large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the equipment with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating correctly, give us a call at (417) 544-4430.
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 need to be changed every several months, depending on the type you use.
Unsure when you last checked yours? Take it out and hold it up to 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 examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect the drain tube and restore power.
Never Forget a Tune-Up Again
Annual air conditioner maintenance from Branson HVAC, LLC can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your regular service!
