With summer ending in Brookfield, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be blocked with dust and yard waste. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down more quickly.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced once a year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy bills.

Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle slight issues before they turn into expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we do consists of:

  • Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Confirming pressure and temperature
  • Testing lines, refrigerant totals and connections

There’s still time to have service 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 only need about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of parts on your indoor HVAC system.

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

Cleaning Out the Outside AC Unit

Pick a warm day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can check your equipment 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

Five Steps to Follow as You Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

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

2. Clean the Outside

Remove rubbish from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then use the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These parts are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your unit.

You need to be considerate of these delicate coils. Bent or crumpled fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Central Air LLC should fix 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 rag.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Reinstall 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 running like it should, reach out to us a call at 203-357-5913.

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

Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Turn off 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 kind you use.

Can’t remember when you last put in a new one? 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 inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by draining watered-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Wash 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

Never Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Central Air LLC can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also have practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine tune-up!