With summer coming to an end in Hasbrouck Heights, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it recently, it could be clogged with dust and debris from your yard. This accumulation can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out more quickly.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally serviced every year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.
Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle slight issues before they develop into expensive problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we do includes:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections
You can still have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some work you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to wash 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?
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 check the unit once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a couple 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
Stop the juice 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 turn on the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These parts are also known as condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.
You need to be cautious with these fine coils. Misshapen or crinkled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts retailer. A pro from ACE Solutions should handle extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After extracting the fan, pull out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re done.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working properly, give us a call at 201-579-2562.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the power to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be replaced every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.
Not sure when you last checked yours? Remove it and hold it up to 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by draining water-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect 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 ACE Solutions can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine service!