8 Do It Yourself Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

Before starting your air conditioner this summer, remove leaves, lawn (and pool for AZ version) equipment, and cut back bushes or shrubs. A good rule of thumb is to clear 2 feet around the unit and 4-6 feet above the unit. This will increase the airflow and help your system work better.

Debris gathers on the outside of the unit because air travels into the condenser through the coils, which brings dust, plant material, and dirt along with it. To get started, turn the power to the unit off, and grab a garden hose and standard spray nozzle. (No pressure washers!)

Point your garden hose nozzle down at a 45-degree angle and begin spraying off the unit from the top. Let the water flow down the coils until it looks like you’ve got all the dirt off. If you’re not satisfied with the rinse or you’re not comfortable doing this, a more extensive cleaning can be done by a technician. Either way, rinsing the unit once a year is recommended by the manufacturers.

Is the outdoor unit sitting on a solid surface? For instance, a concrete pad or hard plastic base. If not, you may want to get an estimate from your trusted heating and cooling technician to add one. You can also check the insulation around the copper line set to make sure it’s intact. If you notice gaps or rips in the insulation, you can use electrical tape to patch the insulation. Some hardware stores also carry basic line set insulation if you want to replace it.

Did you know you should change your heating and cooling system filter at least every 4-6 months? The easiest way to tell if it is too dirty is to pull it out and hold it up to a light. If you can see through it, it's likely ok. If you can’t see through it and it looks dirty, we recommend changing it. When replacing the filter, be sure to line up the arrow on the filter with the direction air flows through the system. Every home is different, so the best way to know when you should change your filters is to check them once a month. If it’s dirty, swap it out!

If you have a humidifier, remember to turn it off in the summer. Modern cooling systems remove moisture from the air to help a home feel cooler. If your humidifier is on during the summer, your cooling system has to work harder.

Wherever your furnace is, part of your cooling system is in the same place. Typically there is a metal cube above the furnace that contains your evaporator coil. Attached to that cube should be a white colored drain line. If there is an opening, pour water down the pipe to clear any buildup. You can also take a small brush and remove debris building up at the end of the pipe so water can flow from the drain.

This requires a thermometer and your thermostat. Use the thermometer to verify the temperature on the thermostat matches the temperature in the room. As long as the two devices are within 3 degrees of each other, the thermostat is working correctly. If the temperature is more than 3 degrees different, try a different thermometer. If the thermostat reads quite a bit differently from the second thermometer, it may be time for a new thermostat.

Manufacturers recommend having your cooling system inspected by a licensed air conditioning technician once a year. They have the proper tools to adjust minor issues and make sure your unit is running the way it should. At Any Hour Services, technicians also do a thorough evaluation to give customers proactive repair options to avoid breakdowns in the future.