11 Simple DIY AC Maintenance Steps for a Warm Winter

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted a warmer winter. Bonus! A warmer, drier season means lower utility bills. Again, bonus! With a mild winter, thoughts turn toward an early cooling season. Now is a perfect time for completing do-it-yourself AC maintenance tasks on your air conditioner. What can you do?

1. Be safe. Before attempting to work on this very important mechanical system, with 240 volts running through some of the components, flip the circuit breaker marked Air Conditioner for your own protection. Use every safety precaution, but first take away this danger before working on the air conditioner.
2. The first tools to use are your eyes. Make observations about the components you observe, sights that you most likely rarely see. Make note of any rust, poor connections, or discolorations. You might not be qualified to correct these problems, but you can point them out to an air conditioner technician.
3. Start by replacing the air filter. The air filter is the same for both heating and cooling. Even poor air filters work remarkably well, collecting dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants. But this collection will quickly cover the filter and restrict airflow unless changed; it is recommended that air filters be changed at least every three months. Find the air filter at the base of the air handler, where the return air vents bring air from the home to the unit. Slide the old filter out and replace it with a new one of the same size as the old.
4. Make some general observations about the tubes, wires, and ducts that enter and exit around the air handler.
5. Step outside to the condenser unit. Observe the immediate surroundings. The condenser draws a large amount of air into it, so the surrounding 18” to 24” needs to be clear. Clean away any leaves, limbs, or trash. Trim away shrubbery or ornamental grass to ensure maximum airflow.
6. The condenser unit is hollow with a large fan. It is not unusual for a few leaves to make their way inside, but if there are massive amounts of leaves, they should be removed. Remove the cover and use a shop vac to remove the leaves, avoiding contact with everything else inside. Replace the cover.
7. Remove the outside covers of the condenser unit and observe the sides of the condenser. It is made of a network of tubes, covered in fins. This network transfers heat from inside the home to outside the home. As air is drawn across the network, pollen, dust, and other contaminants stick to the tubes. This collection needs to be washed away, but washed away gently. Use a garden hose, not a power washer. A power washer can damage the fins and tubes.
8. Observe the condition of the fins. The fins are extremely thin and fragile. They can be damaged by contact. If a section of the fins is bent and damaged, they can be straightened with a fin comb, available at many hardware and home improvement stores.
9. Return the cover pieces.
10. Observe the unit, noticing any damage that might have occurred. Look for telltale organic material that a rodent might have introduced to the unit as a nest. They often choose enclosed, tight spaces. Tight spaces in a condenser unit also contain sensitive electrical controls, so it is best to bring this fact to the attention of a technician.
11. After the AC maintenance tasks have been completed, flip the air conditioner circuit back to the ON position.

Completing do-it-yourself AC maintenance tasks is no substitute for annual maintenance with a trained professional technician. Make sure to schedule this inspection as well.

Essential AC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

While performing these basic safety checks and DIY tasks is helpful, not all homeowners can confidently handle every step or truly inspect the complex internal components of an HVAC system. Ensuring your safety and the longevity of your unit requires specialized expertise beyond simple cleaning. 

For thorough system calibration and advanced diagnostics, trust the professionals. Call R.M. Mullinix today to schedule an appointment for your comprehensive AC maintenance tune-up and guarantee worry-free comfort all year.