With summer coming to an end in Carpentersville, now is a good time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t cleaned it lately, it could be full of mud and yard refuse. This collection can decrease your unit’s efficiency and cause it to stop working. Or wear it down more quickly.

We advise having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric costs.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and address minor issues before they become high-priced 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
  • Checking pressure and temperature
  • Testing lines, refrigerant amounts and connections

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

There’s also some upkeep you can do by yourself between professional tune-ups. You only need about an hour to get the grime off your outdoor condenser unit, as well as a couple of pieces on your indoor HVAC system.

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

Tips for Cleaning the Outdoor AC Unit

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

You’ll only need a handful 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

Follow these Steps for Cleaning the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

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

2. Clean the Outside

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

Then run the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These pieces are also known as condenser coils and transfer heat away from your unit.

You need to be careful with these fine coils. Warped or crushed fins can affect efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to straighten bent fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part retailer. A pro from Controlled Comfort HVAC should take care of severe damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, pull out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the equipment 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, spraying water from the inside out. Put the fan back in once you’re finished.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

You can now restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working like it should, reach out to us a call at 224-412-8308.

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

Then, You Can Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Cut the power to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

Furnace filters must be changed every several months, depending on the model you use.

Can’t remember when you last replaced yours? Pull it out and hold it up to the light. If there’s no light visible, replace it.

3. Clean the Inside

Remove the blower door and vacuum up dust.

Then inspect your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can freshen it by flowing watered-down bleach through the tube to flush the line. Or you can get a new tube.

Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Connect the drain tube and restore power.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Well Through Fall

Don’t Forget a Tune-Up Again

Annual air conditioner maintenance from Controlled Comfort HVAC can make your equipment more efficient and help it last longer. We also offer practical service agreements, so you won’t forget to schedule your routine service!