With summer winding down in Heflin, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be full of dirt and yard refuse. This collection can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement sooner.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced once a year. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy bills.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and address minor issues before they become costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete involves:

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

You can still 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 get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a few components on your indoor HVAC system.

Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?

Cleaning Out the Outside AC Unit

Pick a mild day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can test 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

Follow these Steps for Cleaning the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

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

2. Clean the Outside

Remove waste from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then run the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These parts are also called condenser coils and move heat away from your equipment.

You need to be cautious with these delicate coils. Bent or crinkled fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust misshapen fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Bain Heating & Air Conditioning should handle large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After taking out the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the equipment with a wet rag.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, showering water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re done.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running correctly, reach out to us a call at 256-270-1196.

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

After, Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Cut the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters need to be replaced every few months, depending on the model you use.

Unsure when you last checked yours? Take it out and hold it up to the light. If light isn’t visible, replace it.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can clean it by flowing watered-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.

Wash 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 About Maintenance Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Bain Heating & Air Conditioning can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also have handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual tune-up!