With summer ending in Pacheco, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t washed it this year, it could be blocked with dirt and yard refuse. This collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or make it wear out faster.

We suggest 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 costs.

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

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete includes:

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

You can still have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.

There’s also some upkeep you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to get the grime off 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?

Tips for Cleaning the Outside AC Unit

Choose a temperate day to scrub 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 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

Empty waste from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called condenser coils and transfer heat away from your equipment.

You need to be considerate of these fragile coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can influence efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Clean Air HVAC should handle severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the equipment with a wet rag.

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering 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 operating correctly, give us a call at 925-233-6238.

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

Then, You Can 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 should be changed every couple of months, depending on the type you use.

Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? 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 examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can clean it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Clean the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect the drain tube and turn the power back on.

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

Don’t Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Clean Air HVAC can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine maintenance!