With summer winding down in Plover, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t taken care of it this year, it could be blocked with mud and yard refuse. This buildup can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement sooner.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up once a year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric bills.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and address small issues before they become costly 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
  • Testing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections

There’s still time to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.

There’s also some maintenance you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several 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 scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can test your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a handful of things:

  • 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

Switch off the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Take out debris from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also known as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your unit.

You need to be considerate of these fragile coils. Warped or crinkled fins can influence efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Point Heating & Cooling should take care of severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard waste. Then clean the inside of the equipment with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering water from the inside out. Put the fan back in 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, give us a call at 715-504-0533.

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

Three 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 should be exchanged every few months, depending on the model you use.

Can’t remember when you last replaced 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 scummy, you can freshen it by pouring diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.

Clean 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 Point Heating & Cooling can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual service!