Melting ice cream, parched pets, and hot leather furniture that burns your legs — avoid these misfortunes by maintaining your air conditioner before the heat rolls in. Regular care and maintenance keep your A/C running smoothly and extends its lifespan. Follow these steps to maintain your air conditioner and save a little money and energy along the way.
Power OFF
Turn off the electrical power to the unit completely before doing any maintenance work on your A/C. You can shut off the power to the breaker box from indoors and flip the switch to “OFF” outdoors.
Clear debris
The area surrounding the unit should be completely clear, with all branches and plants being a couple of feet away. Use a screwdriver to remove the cage and fan grill from the top, then remove any leaves and debris from the interior.
Spray & straighten the fins
Remove dirt from the outside of the unit with a shop vacuum. Next, gently hose down the fins from the inside of your A/C to the outside of the unit (Note: do notuse a pressure washer — the fins are fragile and can easily be damaged). Aluminum fins can easily bend and block airflow, so if you notice yours are out of place, consider purchasing a fin-straightening tool.
Clean the evaporator coil
Cleaning your evaporator coils is essential to the cooling performance of your unit. How they work: evaporator coils capture heat while condenser coils release it outside your home around the A/C unit. If they aren’t maintained regularly, they’ll collect dirt and reduce airflow. To clean the coils, open the coil door on the inside of the unit and remove the screws (set them to the side where they won’t get lost). Lightly scrub the coil with a soft brush then spray it with foam coil cleaner. Next, clean the drain pan underneath (the foam will drip onto it) with water, soap, and bleach. Allow it to dry completely before closing the coil door.
Replace the filter
If the filter is still in good condition, wash it with soap and water and let it dry before you reinstall it. Filters should be replaced at least twice a year, usually before heating and cooling seasons. Be cautious with air purifying filters — they can affect your A/C’s airflow, causing the coils to freeze.
Clean the condensate drain line
If you notice the A/C condensate drain line is clogged, take a stiff wire and pass it through the drain channels. Clogged drains can cause excess moisture to emerge, resulting in discolored walls and carpets. Always check your drain line during cooling season to ensure condensation isn’t compiling.
Power ON
Once you’ve completed all the steps above, you can turn the power back on. Contact a licensed technician to check your air conditioner at least once a year.