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

If you haven’t cleaned it this year, it could be full of mud and yard waste. This collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out sooner.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up once a year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy costs.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle small issues before they develop into costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform consists of:

  • Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Confirming pressure and temperature
  • Testing lines, refrigerant totals and connections

It’s not too late to have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.

There’s also some upkeep you can do alone between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several 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

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

You’ll only need a handful 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

Five Steps to Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

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

2. Clean the Outside

Take out waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then run the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also referred to as condenser coils and divert heat away from your system.

You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Bent or crushed fins can influence efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust misshapen fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning should handle large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

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

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall 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 like it should, reach out to us a call at 402-509-5940.

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

Three 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 exchanged every few months, depending on the type you use.

Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Take it out and tilt it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, buy a new one.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect 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 offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your annual tune-up!