We know that a lot of our local homeowners are DIY’ers, and our technicians here at Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electric want you to be safe and knowledgeable if you want to tune up your A/C unit. Affordable Service technicians have been doing this for a very long time, and have some tips to keep you safe and your unit working efficiently. Before you begin the following tuneup steps, disconnect your air conditioning system from power either at the breaker or at the service disconnect which should be near your outdoor air conditioner compressor unit.
Air Filters: The first thing you should do is change out your air filters. New Mexico experiences a lot of wind during the spring, and this means that allergens and pollutants find their way into your home when your air filter needs to be changed. Changing your air filters also keeps your unit moving air efficiently without having to work harder than it has to.
Clear Debris: Your air conditioning unit should always be free from debris. As stated above, airflow is key to keeping your unit working as efficiently as possible. Leaves and sand tend to build up at the bottom of the compressor.
To Clean & Straighten the Fins: Take your garden hose and start cleaning the fins with the spray setting from the inside out, spraying from top to bottom. After you have removed the buildup of dirt and leaves, you can take something that is thin and flat to straighten the fin. These can get damaged when high winds carry objects that dent them.
Clean the Evaporator Coil: Now, it’s time to head inside to your furnace to clean the evaporator coil. Locate the evaporator coil door and use a soft brush to get rid of any buildup. You should also look into purchasing a foam cleaner from your local hardware store, Affordable Service recommends one that is no-rinse.
Clean the Evaporator Drain: After you’ve cleaned the coil, you can pour a solution of 1:1 bleach and water and pour it down the evaporator drain. To keep this drain clear for a longer period you can purchase a drain tablet pan which helps to keep algae growth at bay.
If for any reason you feel uncomfortable doing any of the steps listed above, one of our technicians will be happy to come and tune up your A/C. One thing we can do is check your refrigerant; this ensures that there are no leaks in your unit. Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electric also have discounts on services provided here that you can use depending on what you are needing to have done. When you call to schedule your A/C Tune-Up, ask about coupons that apply to your service!
