With summer winding down in Rapid City, now is an ideal time to get a kick start on air conditioner maintenance.

If you haven’t taken care of it recently, it could be blocked with mud and yard refuse. This accumulation can reduce your unit’s efficiency and cause it to break down. Or make it wear out sooner.

We suggest having your air conditioning system professionally serviced annually. Why? A clean system can be more energy efficient, which could save you money on electric bills.

Routine AC maintenance also helps our technicians locate and take care of minor issues before they develop into expensive 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
  • Watching pressure and temperature
  • Examining lines, refrigerant totals and connections

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

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

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

Cleaning Out the Outdoor AC Unit

Choose a warm day to wash your air conditioner. At least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is ideal. That way, you can run your system 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

Follow these Steps for Cleaning the Outside Unit

1. Turn Off the Power

Switch off the juice to your air conditioner at the breaker box.

2. Clean the Outside

Empty debris from the system. This includes branches, bushes, weeds and grass.

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

You need to be careful with these fine coils. Warped or crinkled fins can influence efficiency.

3. Fix Bent Fins

Use a butter knife to rearrange misshapen fins. You can also use a fin comb from an appliance part store. A pro from Precision Mechanical should handle extensive damage.

4. Clean the Inside

After extracting the fan, fish out leaves and other yard litter. Then wipe the inside of the unit with a wet rag.

The only coil cleaner you need is water. Use gentle pressure from a hose nozzle to clean the fins, directing water from the inside out. Reinstall the fan once you’re done.

5. Test Your Air Conditioner

It’s safe to restore power and turn your air conditioner back on. If it’s not working correctly, give us a call at 605-206-3766.

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

Next, How You Can 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 need to be replaced every couple of months, depending on the kind you use.

Not sure when you last checked yours? Remove it 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 pliable plastic tube. If it’s scummy, you can sanitize it by draining watered-down bleach through the tube to clean the line. Or you can get a new tube.

Wash the drain port using a small, round paintbrush. Hook up 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 Precision Mechanical can make your system more efficient and help it last longer. We also provide convenient service agreements, so you won’t forget to plan your annual maintenance!