Summer is almost at an end, and the weather is starting to cool. You’re probably starting to use your air conditioner less and less. As such, it will be a good time to check your air conditioner system’s parts and their condition. AC parts such as coils, fins, and filters require regular maintenance for the entire system to function optimally.

Your AC unit needs the attention of an Edmonton air conditioning professional at least once a year. However, there are certain maintenance steps that you can do on your own. Here’s how to take care of your AC’s three critical parts:

Filter
Almost all AC filters are washable. If you know where your air conditioner filter is located, simply pull it out (careful not to damage the aluminum vent behind it) immerse it in a soapy basin, and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush. Let it dry naturally, and then put it back into the unit.

Coils
Your AC unit has two coils—the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. These tend to collect dirt over time. The filter protects the evaporator coil from dirt, but given enough time, dirt will still accumulate on it. To clean both coil types, buy a can of no-rinse coil cleaning product. This is easily available at any hardware store. To use, simply spray directly to the coil surfaces, then let soak. After the cleaner drips off the coils, check the level of cleanness, and reapply the cleaner as necessary.

Fins
Fins get dirty because the central fan behind them sucks air, pulling in dust and other debris into the fins, which can end up blocking the airflow and reducing the unit’s cooling ability. Cleaning the fins requires your utmost care, as these can easily get bent. To clean the fins, use a vacuum cleaner to pull any stuck debris back out, and then follow it up with a gentle scrub using a soft-bristled brush.

Call an AC technician if there’s a problem

If something goes wrong with your AC unit, it’s important to have a professional AC technician take a look at it. The knowledge and expertise of an Edmonton air conditioning professional such as those from Capital Plumbing and Heating Ltd. can prevent the problem from getting worse.