Tips For Cleaning Your AC System
With summer winding down in Lodi, now is an ideal 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 decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement faster.
We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally tuned up 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 small issues before they become costly problems.
Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing
Some of the work we complete includes:
- Viewing the blower, motor, drain line, and coils
- Checking pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant levels, and connections
You can still have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for the heating season too.
There’s also some maintenance 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 couple of components on your indoor HVAC system.
Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?
How To Clean Your Outside AC Unit
Pick a temperate day to scrub 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 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
- Turn Off The Power: Cut the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
- Clean The Outside: Take out debris from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass. Then run the vacuum to slowly 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. Misshapen or crushed fins can affect efficiency.
- Fix Bent Fins: Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Tokay should fix large amounts of damage.
- Clean The Inside: After taking out the fan, pull out leaves and other yard litter. Then mop the inside of the equipment with a wet sponge. The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, directing water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re done.
- Test Your Air Conditioner: You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not running properly, give us a call at 209-257-3156.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
Next, How You Can Clean The Indoor Unit
- Turn Off the Power: Stop the juice to your furnace at the breaker box.
- Check Your Filter: Furnace filters should be changed every few months, depending on the kind you use. Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Take it out and tilt it toward the light. If there’s no light visible, buy a new one.
- 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 clean it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can get a new tube. Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Reconnect 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 Tokay can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your regular tune-up!
