With summer ending in Buellton, now is a good time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t washed it recently, it could be blocked with dirt and yard waste. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out faster.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally maintained annually. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and address slight issues before they turn into high-priced problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform consists of:

  • Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Checking pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections

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

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

Tips for Cleaning the Outside AC Unit

Select a warm day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is great. That way, you can run the unit once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a couple of items:

  • 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

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

2. Clean the Outside

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

Then turn on the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also called condenser coils and move heat away from your unit.

You need to be careful with these fine coils. Warped or crumpled fins can influence efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also buy a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning should take care of large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet rag.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Replace the fan once you’re finished.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working like it should, reach out to us a call at 805-242-9638.

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

Then, You Can Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Cut the power to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters should be changed every few months, depending on the model you use.

Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Pull it out and angle it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, replace it.

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 dirty, you can sanitize it by pouring watered-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can buy a new 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 About Maintenance Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your regular maintenance!