With summer ending in Houston, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be blocked with dirt and yard refuse. This buildup can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement more quickly.

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 electric expenses.

Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and take care of slight issues before they turn into costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete involves:

  • Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant amounts and connections

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

There’s also some work you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to wash 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 ideal. 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

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

Then turn on the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.

You need to be considerate of these fragile coils. Warped or crinkled fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Air Current AC & Heat should handle severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard litter. Then mop 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 wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re finished.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating properly, give 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 juice to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters should be replaced every several months, depending on the kind you use.

Unsure when you last checked yours? Pull it out and tilt it toward the light. If light isn’t visible, replace it.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can sanitize it by pouring watered-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.

Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up the drain tube and turn 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 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 regular service!