With summer winding down in Richmond, now is a great time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it this year, it could be full of dust and debris from your yard. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or make it wear out faster.

We recommend 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.

Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and handle small issues before they develop into high-priced problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we do includes:

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

It’s not too late to have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepped for heating season too.

There’s also some maintenance you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to clean 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?

Tips for Cleaning the Outdoor AC Unit

Select a mild day to wash 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 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 Follow as You Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Switch off the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

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

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

You need to be considerate of these fine coils. Warped or crushed fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten misshapen fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Refrigeration Systems Ltd. should fix large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, dig out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet rag.

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re completed.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running like it should, reach out to us a call at 778-693-2532.

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

After, Three 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 need to be exchanged every few months, depending on the type 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, buy 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 moldy, you can clean it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.

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

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

Don’t Forget About Maintenance Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Refrigeration Systems Ltd. can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual maintenance!