With summer coming to an end in Sandpoint, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t washed it this year, it could be blocked with dust and debris from your yard. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or wear it down faster.

We recommend 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 costs.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and address small issues before they turn into high-priced problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform consists of:

  • Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections

There’s still time to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.

There’s also some maintenance you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few pieces on your indoor HVAC system.

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

Cleaning Out the Outside AC Unit

Choose a warm day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can run your system once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a handful of 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

Five Steps to Follow as You 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 rubbish from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your unit.

You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Age Heating & Cooling should fix large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard litter. Then clean the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re finished.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating like it should, reach out to us a call at 208-603-2210.

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

Next, How You Can 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 couple of months, depending on the kind you use.

Unsure when you last checked yours? Remove it and hold it up to the light. If there’s no light visible, replace it.

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 scummy, you can clean it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the 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

Don’t Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Age 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 regular tune-up!