With summer winding down in Heflin, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be full of dirt and debris from your yard. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down faster.

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

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle minor issues before they turn into expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete consists of:

  • Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Checking pressure and temperature
  • Testing lines, refrigerant levels 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 upkeep you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several pieces on your indoor HVAC system.

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

How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit

Select a mild day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can test your system once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a couple 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 juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Remove waste from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also known as condenser coils and move heat away from your equipment.

You need to be careful with these delicate coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Bain Heating & Air Conditioning should handle severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, spraying 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 working properly, give us a call at 256-270-1196.

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

Three 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 must be replaced every several months, depending on the kind you use.

Can’t remember when you last checked yours? Remove it and angle it toward the light. If there’s no light visible, 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can sanitize 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 restore power.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Well Through Fall

Never Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Bain Heating & Air Conditioning can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual maintenance!