With summer coming to an end in Pella, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be full of dirt and yard waste. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or make it wear out sooner.
We suggest 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 bills.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle minor issues before they become expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform involves:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant levels and connections
You can still have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some upkeep you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several components 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 wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can test the unit once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a few 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Switch off the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Empty rubbish from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then turn on the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These components are also called as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.
You need to be careful with these fragile coils. Bent or crushed fins can affect efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to adjust misshapen fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating should take care of extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, fish out leaves and other yard waste. Then mop the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating correctly, give us a call at 641-628-3621.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Stop the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters need to be exchanged every couple of months, depending on the model you use.
Not sure when you last checked yours? Pull 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 take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can clean it by draining diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect the drain tube and turn 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 Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your regular service!