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

If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be blocked with dirt and yard waste. This collection can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or require replacement faster.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally serviced once a year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and handle small issues before they become high-priced problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete consists of:

  • Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Testing lines, refrigerant levels 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 upkeep you can do alone between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to get the grime off 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 Outdoor AC Unit

Select a temperate day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can test your system 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

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

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

You need to be considerate of these fine coils. Bent or crinkled fins can influence efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten misshapen fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from MPC Heating & Cooling should fix large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, pull out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe 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 rinse the fins, directing water from the inside out. Reinstall 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 operating correctly, contact us a call at 308-832-4321.

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

Next, How You Can 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 need to be changed every few months, depending on the kind you use.

Unsure when you last checked yours? Take it out and hold it up to the light. If there’s no light 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 supple plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can clean it by pouring watered-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.

Clean the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect 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 MPC Heating & Cooling can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your regular service!