With summer ending in Belton, now is an ideal time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it recently, it could be full of dust and yard waste. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or wear it down sooner.

We advise 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 expenses.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle minor issues before they develop into high-priced 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
  • Checking pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant levels and connections

You can still 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. It only takes about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few parts 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 mild day to clean 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 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

Follow these Steps for Cleaning the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Cut the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

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

Then use the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These parts are also referred to as condenser coils and move heat away from your system.

You need to be cautious with these fine coils. Misshapen or crushed fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust bent fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Myers Furnace Company should take care of large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean the inside of the unit with a wet sponge.

The only coil cleaner you should use is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re done.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running properly, reach out to us a call at 816-249-1619.

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 need to be replaced every couple of months, depending on the model you use.

Unsure when you last checked yours? Take it out and tilt it toward the light. If there’s no light visible, buy a new one.

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 moldy, you can sanitize it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect 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 Myers Furnace Company can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also have practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your annual tune-up!