With summer ending in Holbrook, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t taken care of it recently, it could be blocked with dust and yard refuse. This accumulation can limit your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or require replacement more quickly.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up annually. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy expenses.

Consistent AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle slight issues before they become expensive problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete involves:

  • Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Confirming pressure and temperature
  • Testing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections

It’s not too late to have maintenance done this fall—and we can get your furnace ready for heating season too.

There’s also some maintenance 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 few 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

Select a temperate day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can test your system once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a few 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

1. Turn Off the Power

Switch off the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Empty rubbish from the unit. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then use the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also referred to as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.

You need to be considerate of these delicate coils. Misshapen or crushed fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to adjust warped fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation should take care of large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, dig out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then clean 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 rinse the fins, showering water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re completed.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating correctly, reach out to us a call at 631-460-5159.

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 should be changed every few months, depending on the type you use.

Can’t remember 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, get a new one.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a flexible plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can sanitize it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to sanitize the line. Or you can buy a new tube.

Clean 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 Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your annual tune-up!