With summer coming to an end in Mount Pleasant, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be blocked with dust and yard refuse. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out faster.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric costs.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and take care of minor issues before they turn into costly 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 levels and connections
It’s not too late to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped 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 a few 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 ideal. That way, you can run 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
5 Steps to 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
Remove waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your equipment.
You need to be considerate of these fine coils. Warped or crushed fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Olde Towne Heating & Air should fix extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re completed.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working properly, reach out to us a call at 843-485-0967.
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 should be replaced every couple of months, depending on the type you use.
Not sure when you last checked yours? Remove it and angle it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, buy a new one.
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 dirty, you can freshen it by flowing water-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Scrub 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 Olde Towne Heating & Air can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your annual service!