With summer coming to an end in Chelan and Wenatchee, 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 debris from your yard. This collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement more quickly.

We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally maintained once a year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility bills.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and take care of slight issues before they develop into expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform consists of:

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

You can still have service done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.

There’s also some maintenance you can do on your own between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to clean 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?

Tips for Cleaning the Outdoor AC Unit

Choose a warm day to wash 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 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 electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

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

Then use the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also called condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.

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

3. Fix Bent Fins

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

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then mop the inside of the system with a wet cloth.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to rinse the fins, spraying water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan 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 509-284-4265.

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

Then, You Can Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters need to be replaced every several months, depending on the type you use.

Unsure when you last replaced yours? Remove it 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 examine your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a pliable plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can clean it by draining watered-down bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up the drain tube and restore power.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Well Through Fall

Don’t Forget About Maintenance Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Lakeside Heating & Air can make your unit more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your routine maintenance!