With summer coming to an end in Hodgenville, now is an ideal time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it this year, it could be full of dirt and yard refuse. This accumulation can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down more quickly.

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 electric bills.

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

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we do consists of:

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

There’s still time to have service 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 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 temperate day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can run the unit once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a handful of tools:

  • 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 power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

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

Then use the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also called condenser coils and divert heat away from your unit.

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

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten bent fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part website. A pro from Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. should take care of extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, directing 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 running properly, contact us a call at 270-358-3167.

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

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 should be exchanged every few months, depending on the model you use.

Not sure when you last replaced yours? Pull it out and angle it toward the light. If there’s no light visible, get 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 dirty, you can sanitize it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can get a new 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

Never Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also have practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your regular service!