With summer ending in Albuquerque, now is a great time to get ahead on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t taken care of it lately, it could be blocked with mud and debris from your yard. This collection 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? Clean equipment can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on energy costs.

Regular AC maintenance also helps our technicians discover and address small issues before they become costly problems.

Related: How to Keep Your Air Conditioner from Failing

Some of the work we perform consists of:

  • Taking a look at the blower, motor, drain line and coils
  • Checking pressure and temperature
  • Reviewing lines, refrigerant levels and connections

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

There’s also some upkeep 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?

How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit

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

You’ll only need a couple 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

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

2. Clean the Outside

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

Then turn on the vacuum to gently clean the metallic fins. These parts are also referred to as condenser coils and divert heat away from your equipment.

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 straighten misshapen fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Tru Air Systems LLC should fix extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After removing the fan, fish out leaves and other yard rubbish. Then wipe the inside of the system with a wet rag.

The only coil cleaner you need 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 finished.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not operating correctly, reach out to us a call at 505-226-3525.

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

Three Steps to Clean the Indoor Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Cut the electricity to your furnace at the breaker box.

2. Check Your Filter

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

Unsure 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 take a look at your air conditioner’s drain line—it’s a supple plastic tube. If it’s moldy, you can clean it by flowing diluted bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can get a new 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 Tru Air Systems LLC 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 regular tune-up!