With summer coming to an end in Cedar Rapids, now is a great 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 collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or require replacement faster.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on utility expenses.

Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians spot and handle minor issues before they turn into costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we do 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 prepped for heating season too.

There’s also some maintenance you can do alone between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to clean 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?

How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit

Pick a mild day to scrub your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is best. That way, you can check the unit once you’ve cleaned it.

You’ll only need a handful 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

Cut the power to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

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

Then turn on the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These components are also referred to as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your unit.

You need to be careful with these delicate coils. Warped or crinkled fins can impact efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten warped fins. You can also get a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Ilten's should fix extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, fish out leaves and other yard waste. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet rag.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use light pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, directing water from the inside out. Replace 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 running like it should, give us a call at 319-208-2351.

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

Three Steps to 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 must be changed every several months, depending on the kind you use.

Not sure when you last put in a new one? Take it out and tilt it toward the light. If light isn’t 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can freshen it by pouring thinned bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can buy a new tube.

Scrub the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect 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 Ilten's can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your routine tune-up!