DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance Made Easy

One of the best ways to protect your A/C and ensure your home stays cool and comfortable this summer is routine maintenance. And while nothing compares to a professional inspection and cleaning, there are a few DIY air conditioner maintenance steps you can take on your own. Keep reading for tips from our pros and reach out if you have any questions along the way—our experts are here to help whenever you need it. Call 507-454-7689.

Spring Clean Your Air Conditioner

In addition to the air conditioner itself, it’s important to clean and maintain the area around your unit. Cut back trees, bushes, shrubs, and long grass to create at least three feet of clearance for adequate airflow. If your system doesn’t have enough clearance, airflow becomes blocked and may stop your system from running altogether.

You should also hose off your system since it’s exposed to outdoor conditions and tends to get dirty. Remove any leaves or twigs that settle on top of the unit and use a light stream of water—NOT a pressure washer—to rinse away dirt from the outside of your system.

Clean the Fins With Care

Air conditioner fins are the metal sides of your system. It’s important that they’re straight and clear of debris to maintain proper ventilation and help your system run efficiently. The dirtier or more bent they become, the harder your system has to work to keep up.

Remove leaves and twigs that get stuck between the fins and use a stiff brush to get buildup out from between them. If there is a noticeable clog or severe bend in the fins, you can turn the power off and use a kitchen knife to gently slide in between the fins and straighten out the bends. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, please don’t attempt it—call us to schedule a maintenance appointment.

Replace Your Air Filter

One of the best things you can do to prolong your A/C’s life is to change the air filter regularly. It only takes a few minutes and is key in preventing the filter from getting overly dirty and clogging. Dirty air filters make your system work harder to keep up with demand and will likely shorten its lifespan.

Make Sure Your Air Conditioner Is Level

A level air conditioner ensures smooth operation. Since outdoor soil around the home tends to settle, it’s possible that the concrete slab—your air conditioner’s base—will become uneven. If the unit becomes crooked or uneven during operation, it can negatively impact the compressor and cause frequent breakdowns.

For All Your Maintenance Needs, Count on River City Heating

DIY air conditioner maintenance tips are a great way to prolong the life of your cooling system—but a maintenance plan is even better. Schedule a thorough inspection and cleaning from our pros. And ask about our affordable maintenance plans for automatic scheduling, a two-year price guarantee, priority service, and no added fees for after-hours emergencies. Whether you use a Bryant® or other system to cool your home, our experts will provide the professional service you need to stay cool all summer long. Call 507-454-7689 or contact us with questions.