With summer coming to an end in Central Point, now is a good time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be clogged with dirt and debris from your yard. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement faster.
We suggest 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 utility bills.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and address minor issues before they become costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we perform involves:
- Inspecting the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Watching pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant levels and connections
It’s not too late to 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 upkeep you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of 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 clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can test the unit 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
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
Remove debris from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then run the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These parts are also referred to as condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.
You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Warped or crumpled fins can impact efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance parts website. A pro from Titan Heating & Air Conditioning should take care of extensive damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Put the fan back in 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 operating properly, reach out to us a call at 541-286-6617.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Turn off the power to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters must be replaced every few months, depending on the kind you use.
Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Remove it and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, get 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 freshen it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Clean the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 Titan Heating & Air Conditioning can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also have practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your routine maintenance!