With summer coming to an end in Omaha, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be clogged with dirt and debris from your yard. This buildup can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement more quickly.
We recommend 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 expenses.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle small issues before they become high-priced problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete includes:
- Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant levels and connections
There’s still time to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some maintenance you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few parts 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 temperate day to wash 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 couple of tools:
- 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
Switch off the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out waste from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also known as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your system.
You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to rearrange warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning should fix large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After taking out the fan, dig out leaves and other yard waste. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, spraying 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 working correctly, reach out to us a call at 402-509-5940.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to 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 kind you use.
Not sure when you last put in a new one? Remove it and angle it toward the light. If there’s no light visible, get a new one.
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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect 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 Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine service!