Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips: Keep Your A/C from Breaking Down

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✔ Expert-reviewed for accuracy and completeness.

Learn valuable air conditioner maintenance tips that will help keep your cooling system running efficiently and for as long as possible!

What is the lifespan of an air conditioner?

Factors that affect the lifespan of your central air conditioner:

• correct size (bigger is not always better!)
• how you use it
• year round climate – harsh winters and the unit being buried in snow, frequent freezing and thawing, can lead to some minimal additional wear over time
• whether it was well maintained

Central Air Conditioner Maintenance

Prior to starting up your air conditioner for the season, it’s important to schedule a tune up with a certified HVAC technician.  The technician will be able to examine your unit and verify that all parts are in working order and that no damage has been sustained over the winter season.  Any issues can be identified and repaired prior to the start of the season.

Regular maintenance allows you to be proactive in extending the lifespan of your air conditioner.

How can I extend the lifespan of my air conditioner?

The best thing you can do to increase your central air conditioner’s useful lifetime is take good care of it with regular air conditioner maintenance and cleaning. Start each summer air conditioner season by implementing these A/C annual maintenance tips.

Did you know for a packaged central air unit there are two main components? There is the outside unit (the unit most people think of when think of their A/C) usually on a slab or in a bracket at the side of your house. There is also the indoor component which includes the blower. The indoor component is attached to your furnace but although the furnace is not running to heat your home it contains the fan that blows the cold air from the outdoor unit through your house.

Keeping up with air conditioner maintenance for both the indoor AND outdoor components will help your unit live a long and healthy life. For best results, do these annually at the start of the season each year.

Let’s examine the Top Tips for Maintaining Your Central Air Conditioner, below.

Air Conditioner Maintenance for the Outdoor Unit

1) Keep that part of the yard maintained around the outdoor component

Proper air conditioner maintenance also involves maintaining the area around the unit.

This includes mowing the lawn or taking care of your garden. When there is overgrowth you can end up with problems. Tall grass, untrimmed hedges, vines and other tall obstacles may cause the outdoor component to overheat, rust out, have wildlife live in it, and leave unwanted debris. 

Remember to remove brush and fallen branches, throw out any garbage and dispose of unwanted material in the area. Leave a 1.5-2′ space between the unit and other objects and keep up to 4′ above the unit clear. This is important for air circulation.

2) Clean it with a garden hose

A simple air conditioner maintenance task at the beginning and end of cooling season is to do a quick rinse off with your garden hose. Wash off any dust and dirt that got stuck on the outside of the unit and prevent it from going into the unit and clogging up other components. However do not pressure wash as it is too strong and you may bend a fin.

3) Fix bent fins

Air conditioner fins are thin metal pieces that form part of the evaporator and condenser coils in an AC system.

Their main job is to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange process, but it’s possible for them to get bent or crushed, which reduces airflow. When that happens, straightening them will help keep airflow moving freely.

To fix bent fins, turn off the unit and disconnect the power. Remove the outer cover and clean the area gently using a soft brush or vacuum. Use a fin comb, butter knife, or small flathead screwdriver to carefully straighten the fins by inserting the tool between them and aligning them back into place. Be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate aluminum.

4) Use a condenser coil cleaner

Be very careful with these cleaners and follow the directions carefully. It is very important you label this cleaner and know it is for air conditioner maintenance and the outdoor coils only. This cleaner cannot be used for the indoor coils as the fumes are very harmful and the chemical needs to be rinsed off with water. Using this cleaner however is an amazing way to keep your outdoor unit in working order.

5) Level the unit

It’s really important that your air conditioner is level because it:

• Ensures proper refrigerant flow
• Prevents damage to various components
• Reduces noise and vibration
• Helps with efficient performance

If the outdoor unit is unbalanced, you can level it by placing brackets, shims, gravel, sand, concrete, or foam insulation under the pad.

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Air Conditioner Maintenance for the Indoor Unit

The indoor component of the air conditioner system includes the furnace blower, which circulates the cold air throughout your home. The furnace blower should be looked at the beginning of summer season as well as the winter season.

1) Clean or Change your Air Filter

One of the most important air conditioner maintenance tips is to clean or change the filter every three months. This is one of the easiest ways to maintain your unit for it to work for a long time.

If you have pets, you may want to check your filters more often as the hair and dander will add to the problem. A clogged filter can cause damage in a variety of ways. However, once fixed, it will keep your central air working effectively as well as in its most efficient state. If you do not wish to replace your filter frequently use a good vacuum and clean the fibers regularly.

2) Empty the drain pan

The drain pans that are not taken care of will begin to rust and potentially warp. Trapped moisture can mean that dust and debris as well as bugs can get caught in the system. This dirty water may allow algae to grow and clog other parts of your central air system. Accumulated moisture can promote unhealthy mold formation.

As such, emptying the drain pan should be a regular part of your air conditioner maintenance.

3) Clean the evaporator coil unit on the furnace

This involves a different cleaner than the outdoor condenser coils. It is easiest to clean the evaporator coils when it is hot out and the A/C will be running. There is a spray on cleaner you can purchase from your local hardware store that is easy to use. If the air conditioner is running it will rinse off itself from the condensation.

4) Inspect the blower

Inspecting the blower is an important part of air conditioner maintenance because it ensures proper airflow and system efficiency.

Look for dust buildup and signs of rust or corrosion on the blower wheel and motor. If there’s dirt or debris, use a soft brush or vacuum to remove it from the blower wheel and housing.

Check to make sure the fan blades aren’t bent. Spin the blower wheel by hand to look for resistance or wobbling to ensure it’s not damaged or unbalanced.

5) Clear area around heat vents

Heat vents and cold air return is not just for the winter when your furnace is on. They are what allows air to recirculate throughout your home keeping it cool and comfortable. Make sure you do a walk through and check that you have adequate space around your vents and the return so you get the best circulation possible.

General air conditioner maintenance tips

1) Shut off the power

Before doing any air conditioner maintenance, shut off the A/C and the power to the unit. This is for your own safety and to protect the air conditioner from damage in case of an electrical shock or power surge.

2) Find air leaks in your home

While this isn’t specifically an air conditioner maintenance tip, it will help improve your home’s energy efficiency during summer and winter.

Start with a visual inspection, looking for cracks, gaps, old or missing caulk, and deteriorated weatherstripping around:

• Windows
• Doors
• Fireplaces
• Baseboards
• Electrical outlets
• Hatches
• Plumbing and electrical
• Vents and fans

You can fix leaks with caulk, weatherstripping, spray foam, door sweeps, and outlet gaskets.

3) Cover windows during the day

This can be considered an air conditioner maintenance tip in the sense that reducing the heat that enters your home through the windows will reduce strain on the A/C and help it last longer.

During the hottest parts of the day, close windows and cover them with curtains or blinds to prevent the sun from shining in. This will help keep your home cooler and reduce reliance on the air conditioner.

Another alternative is planting shade trees outside south-facing windows. In the winter, they’ll lose their leaves and allow sun and extra heat into the home to reduce strain on the furnace.

4) Consider a programmable thermostat

A programmable or smart thermostat is a great investment because it can reduce energy use and save you money on heating and cooling bills.

As an added bonus, these thermostats can also help reduce strain on your air conditioner thanks to scheduled heating/cooling times, gradual temperature changes, maintenance alerts, and more.

5) Don’t impede airflow

Many people are often tempted to try to save money on cooling bills by shutting up rooms that aren’t used. But this isn’t the best approach because it causes:

• Reduced efficiency
• Uneven temperatures
• Pressure differences
• Moisture problems
• Additional strain on the system

Remember, your air conditioner was sized for your home, including all the rooms, and it will perform best if it cools the entire space.

Keep all vents and doors open to allow air to circulate properly through the house to ensure even cooling, better ventilation, and less strain on the system.

6) Perform annual A/C maintenance

Annual air conditioner maintenance is important to keep your system working properly and efficiently for as long as possible.

You can complete all the tasks discussed in this article, but you should also have the unit inspected and tuned up annually by a licensed HVAC professional. This will help you catch any small problems before they become major repairs and help you get the most from your A/C.

Seasonal air conditioner maintenance checklist

Seasonal air conditioner maintenance is something you can perform every year, either at the beginning of cooling season (spring) or at the end (fall). The tasks include:

• Inspect electrical connections for wear, corrosion, or loose terminals
• Test the thermostat
• Clean or replace the filters
• Check the evaporator coil for dust and debris buildup and clean it if necessary
• Inspect and clean the blower motor, fan blades, and housing
• Clear the condensate drain line
• Check ductwork for leaks
• Remove leaves, dirt, grass, and other debris from around the exterior unit
• Clean the condenser coils
• Check the refrigerant lines for damage
• Inspect the fan blades and motor for damage or wear
• Level the unit if necessary
• Make sure the system starts up and shuts down properly
• Listen for unusual noises
• Schedule professional maintenance

Energy-saving tips during air conditioner maintenance

Several air conditioner maintenance steps can maximize the efficiency of your cooling system, keeping operating costs lower and your home more comfortable.

For example, keep airflow moving freely and prevent additional strain on the system by:

• Cleaning/replacing the filter regularly
• Keeping the blower in good working order
• Keeping the outdoor unit clear
• Clearing vents

Moreover, whole-home energy saving tips like sealing leaks in the ductwork and around your home prevent air conditioned air from escaping and forcing the system to work harder to keep your home cool.

You can also shade the outdoor unit to keep it cool and help it perform more efficiently.

Finally, install a programmable or smart thermostat to ensure optimal efficiency and comfort.

Common mistakes to avoid during air conditioner maintenance 

Some of the most common mistakes people make when performing A/C maintenance include:

• Not turning off the power
• Not changing the air filter
• Using the wrong tools, like high-pressure water, abrasive brushes, or harsh chemicals
• Ignoring the condensate drain
• Blocking vents or returns
• Attempting DIY refrigerant handling
• Neglecting annual professional maintenance

Recognizing when to call a professional

There are some air conditioner maintenance tasks you can perform by yourself, but others should be left to a professional, and that includes most major repairs.

For example, if your A/C is blowing warm air, you should have it professionally inspected. Similarly, call an HVAC expert if your energy bills keep going up or spiking.

Other issues that indicate the need for a licensed technician include water leaks, restricted airflow that’s not related to a dirty filter, frequent cycling, strange noises or smells, and frozen coils.

For troubleshooting tips on getting a malfunctioning A/C working again, check out our HVAC FAQ page. And remember never touch anything you feel uncomfortable with or are unsure of. Some problems are easy to fix while others are more complex and you do not wish to damage your unit or turn a small issue into a big one!

FAQ

Should you spray water on your AC unit?

Yes, you can and should spray water on the outdoor condenser unit to remove debris as part of your regular maintenance routine. However, here are some tips: Turn the unit off first, don’t use high pressure, don’t spray electrical components, and let the unit dry before turning it back on.