Now that we’ve reached the time of year in Sonoma County when days are the longest, and the hottest, it’s important to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the long summer haul. One item that should be on your June “to do” list is ensuring that your air conditioning unit is clean and protected. For best results, you should contact your local HVAC professional. However, just in case you’re ready to make it a DIY project, here are a few essential steps to keep your system cooling efficiently all summer long.

Steps in cleaning your outdoor condenser

Dirt and debris can build up on your air conditioner’s condenser components, causing restricted air flow and seriously limiting your unit’s capacity for cooling. The thin metallic blades that cover the unit are called the fins, and they can become caked with the grime left behind by weather events, grass cutting, and other objects commonly blown onto the outside of the unit. The fins should be the main focus when you’re cleaning the outer components. The most important step in the process is to turn off the power before even beginning. There should be an exterior shutoff where you can disconnect the power, but you should also turn off the electricity from the electrical panel inside your home. The next steps to cleaning the outside of your condenser include the following:

  1. Vacuum away dirt, grass, and other debris with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or something with a soft brush. The fins are very thin and fragile, so you must be careful not to bend them. If they do become bent, you can straighten them using a fin comb that you can purchase at most appliance stores. It is also possible to use a kitchen knife for this but be careful not to touch the tubes inside that carry the refrigerant. Be sure to get rid of any other larger brush or vegetation from around the condenser as well.
  2. Using a screwdriver, remove the top grill and lift out the fan. Because there are wires connected to it, place it close by in a safe place. This might require two people, so you might want to enlist an assistant for this step.
  3. Spray the fins lightly, but thoroughly, from the inside of the unit using a garden hose. The water pressure should be moderate.
  4. Replace the fan.
  5. Turn the power back on at the outside shutoff and the inside electrical panel.
  6. Set your thermostat to “cool” and lower the temperature until the unit turns on again.
  7. Wait about ten minutes and then feel the insulated tubing running from the condenser to the house. It should be cool to the touch, while the tubing that is not insulated should be warmer.

Getting the inside components clean

Indoor air quality and energy efficiency can be negatively affected by dirty build up in your indoor air conditioning mechanisms. As with the outside unit, be sure to shut off the power to the inside unit as well. The following steps will help you keep it clean.

  1. Remove the furnace filter and replace it with a clean one.
  2. Once you open the panel to expose the blower compartment, vacuum out any dust and debris.
  3. Disconnect the drain tube and replace it. You may opt to clean it by pouring a bleach and water solution through it.
  4. Clean the drain port with a soft brush or a pipe cleaner and reconnect the drain tube.
  5. Turn the power back on.

Final thoughts

A dirty air conditioning unit can cause higher energy bills for you and an uncomfortable summer for your entire family. You can ensure that your air conditioner is clean and ready for the hotter days ahead. However, if the steps to getting your unit in shape seem too involved for you, simply give the experts at Dale Heating Cooling and Sheetmetal a call. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.