With summer winding down in Cedar Rapids, now is a good time to get a head start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t washed it this year, it could be blocked with dust and yard waste. This accumulation can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down faster.

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

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and address minor issues before they turn into costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we complete involves:

  • Viewing the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Checking pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant levels and connections

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

There’s also some work you can do alone between professional tune-ups. It only takes about an hour to clean your outdoor condenser unit, as well as several 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 warm day to clean your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can check your equipment 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

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 equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then run the vacuum to slowly clean the metallic fins. These components are also called condenser coils and move heat away from your system.

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

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Ilten's should take care of large amounts of damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After taking out the fan, dig out leaves and other yard litter. Then clean the inside of the unit with a wet sponge.

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. Replace 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 correctly, contact 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

Turn off the power to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters must be exchanged every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.

Not sure when you last replaced yours? Take it out and hold it up to the light. If light isn’t visible, buy a new one.

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 supple plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can sanitize it by draining thinned bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Clean 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 Ilten's can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your regular maintenance!