With summer coming to an end in Manassas, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be clogged with mud and debris from your yard. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement faster.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up every year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy bills.
Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and handle small issues before they become high-priced problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete involves:
- Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Testing lines, refrigerant totals and connections
You can still have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some upkeep you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of components 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 warm day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can run your system once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a handful 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
Switch off the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Take out rubbish from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also called as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.
You need to be careful with these fragile coils. Warped or crumpled fins can influence 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 Woody's Sudden Service Inc should handle extensive 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 sponge.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan 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 operating properly, reach out to us a call at 703-278-2036.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 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 exchanged every several months, depending on the kind you use.
Unsure when you last checked yours? Remove it and angle it toward 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 take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can clean it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.
Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 Woody's Sudden Service Inc can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine service!