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

If you haven’t cleaned it lately, it could be full of dust and yard waste. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out more quickly.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric bills.

Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and take care of small issues before they turn into high-priced 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

You can still have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.

There’s also some work you can do alone between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to wash your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of 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 warm day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can check your equipment 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

Empty waste from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then run the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your unit.

You need to be careful with these fragile coils. Misshapen or crumpled fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from AW Heating & Air Conditioning should handle extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

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

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, showering 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, give us a call at 402-438-7992.

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 must be replaced every several months, depending on the type you use.

Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Take it out and hold it up to 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 inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can sanitize it by pouring watered-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Clean the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect 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 AW Heating & Air Conditioning can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine maintenance!