With summer ending in Los Angeles, 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 waste. This collection can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to malfunction. Or wear it down more quickly.

We recommend having your air conditioning system professionally tuned-up every year. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy bills.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and take care of small issues before they develop 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
  • Testing lines, refrigerant levels and connections

You can still have a tune-up done this fall—and we can get your furnace prepared for heating season too.

There’s also some work 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 parts on your indoor HVAC system.

Related: How Often Should You Expect to Get Air Conditioning Service Done?

Cleaning Out the Outdoor AC Unit

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

You’ll only need a couple 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

Five Steps to Clean the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Stop the electricity to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Take out debris from the equipment. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

Then turn on the vacuum to cautiously clean the metallic fins. These components are also called condenser coils and divert heat away from your system.

You need to be cautious with these fragile coils. Misshapen or crumpled 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 website. A pro from AZ Air Conditioning and Heating should fix severe 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 cloth.

The only coil cleaner you have to have is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to wash the fins, directing water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re completed.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

Now it’s time to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working properly, contact us a call at 800-296-5088.

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

Then, You Can 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 replaced every couple of months, depending on the model you use.

Not sure when you last checked yours? Remove it and tilt it toward 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s dirty, you can freshen it by pouring watered-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can replace the tube.

Scrub 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 AZ Air Conditioning and Heating can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also have handy service agreements, so you won’t forget to book your annual maintenance!