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With summer coming to an end in Ontario, now is a great time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.
If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be clogged with dust and debris from your yard. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement sooner.
We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up once a year. Why? A clean unit can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy costs.
Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle slight issues before they develop into expensive 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
- Confirming pressure and temperature
- Reviewing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections
You can still have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.
Schedule maintenance now
There’s also some upkeep you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. You just need about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several pieces 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 clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can run your equipment once you’ve cleaned it.
You’ll only need a handful 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
5 Steps to Clean the Outside Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Cut the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.
2. Clean the Outside
Remove debris from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.
Then use the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your equipment.
You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Warped or crushed fins can influence efficiency.
3. Fix Bent Fins
Use a butter knife to straighten misshapen fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance parts store. A pro from Stan's Heating, Inc should take care of large amounts of damage.
4. Clean the Inside
After removing the fan, pull out leaves and other yard litter. Then mop the inside of the unit with a wet cloth.
The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use slight pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, showering water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re finished.
5. Test Your Air Conditioner
It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working like it should, reach out to us a call at 541-286-6602.
Related: Air Conditioner Service: Pay a Little Now, Save Later
3 Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit
1. Turn Off the Power
Turn off the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.
2. Check Your Filter
Furnace filters should be changed every several months, depending on the type you use.
Unsure when you last put in a new one? Take 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can clean it by draining diluted bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can get 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 a Tune-Up Again
Annual air conditioner maintenance from Stan's Heating, Inc can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also have handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your annual maintenance!