With summer coming to an end in Houston, now is a great time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be blocked with mud and debris from your yard. This buildup can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement more quickly.

We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally serviced every year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric bills.

Routine 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 perform consists of:

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

There’s still time to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.

There’s also some upkeep you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to get the grime off 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

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

You’ll only need a few 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

Five Steps to Follow as You Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Empty rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also referred to as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your equipment.

You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Bent 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 part store. A pro from Air Current AC & Heat should take care of extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the system with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in 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 properly, reach out to us a call at 713-322-4318.

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

Three Steps to 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 must be exchanged every couple of months, depending on the model you use.

Can’t remember when you last replaced 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 examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can sanitize it by draining watered-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can replace the tube.

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

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

Never Forget About Maintenance Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Air Current AC & Heat can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also have convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine tune-up!