You already know the importance of a well-maintained air conditioner. It keeps your home cool and comfortable, helps to dehumidify the air, and can help improve indoor air quality. But keeping up with regular maintenance for your AC system can be tricky if you don’t know where to start!
From ensuring the condensation line is clear to inspecting the filters regularly, we have tips to keep your air conditioner working its best. So get ready to roll up your sleeves and learn how to clean your air conditioner in no time!
Preparation
Before cleaning, turn off the power to your AC unit at the circuit breaker. You should also wear protective gloves, eyewear, and clothes that don’t mind getting dirty. Additionally, you’ll need a few essential tools, such as a garden hose with a spray nozzle, an air compressor or vacuum cleaner, and some non-abrasive detergent or CLR (calcium lime rust remover).
Cleaning the Outside Unit
Once everything is ready, spray the outside unit with water from the garden hose. Dirt and debris can build up in the fins of the coils, which will disrupt airflow and decrease efficiency. To clean these fins, use an air compressor or a vacuum cleaner with an appropriate attachment. After they are cleaned, spray them with water to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Finally, wipe down all surfaces with a cloth dampened in detergent or CLR solution to remove any stubborn stains.
Cleaning the Inside Unit
The inside unit comprises evaporator coils that need to be cleaned every year before spring rolls around to keep it running smoothly. Begin by turning off the power at the circuit breaker and removing any dust buildup from around the fan blades using a soft brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner.
Next, spray down all surfaces with water, then use an air compressor or vacuum cleaner fitted with an appropriate attachment to clean any dirt between the fins of each coil section. Finally, use a cloth dampened in detergent or CLR solution to wipe down all surfaces once more before putting everything back together again and turning on the power at the circuit breaker box.
Perform Regular Maintenance Checks
It is also essential to perform regular maintenance checks on your unit to ensure everything runs smoothly. Check for any signs of wear or tear, such as loose wiring or damaged components. If something seems off, then it’s best to call a professional who can inspect and repair any issues before they become more significant problems down the line.
Conclusion
Cleaning your air conditioner is essential for maintaining its efficiency and avoiding costly repairs in the future. With this guide as your reference, you can tackle this job without having to call in an expensive professional service technician! Always turn off the power at the circuit breaker box before beginning work, wear protective gloves, eyewear, and clothing, have the correct tools like a garden hose with spray nozzle, opt for non-abrasive detergent/CLR, and use soft brush attachment when vacuuming fan blades.
Don’t forget to use a damped cloth for wiping down surfaces after spraying them down with water/air compressor/vacuum cleaner attachments for cleaning between the fins of each coil section. Then, reassemble everything once finished and turn on the power at the circuit breaker box! Finally, enjoy feeling confident knowing that you have successfully taken care of one more task associated with being a homeowner!