Summer isn’t official here, but the warmer weather sure is! Whether you have turned your AC unit on already, or are waiting for that super hot day to do so, it’s important to clean your air conditioner to ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible. Continue reading to learn more about how to clean your air conditioner.
It is good practice to clean your air conditioner unit on a regular basis. Hire a professional for regular scheduled cleaning and maintenance. If you are unable to schedule regular maintenance, be sure to clean your unit before the start of the season and at the end of each season.
Steps to Clean your Air Conditioner
Replace or Clean the Filter
The first step in cleaning your air conditioner is to check the filter. If the filter is new, then you can simply wash the filter to get rid of any dust. To wash the filter, remove it from the unit and start by using a vacuum to pick up dust and debris. Once vacuumed, you can soak the filter in equal parts warm water and vinegar for an hour. Once complete, remove the filter from the water and allow it to dry completely before placing it back into the unit.
If the filter is old, rather than cleaning it you are better off purchasing a new filter. Old filters will not perform as well and can lead to poor air quality in your home and an inefficient machine.
Check Condenser Lines
The next step is to check the condenser lines. The condenser lines are located outside and run from the unit into your home. As they are exposed to external elements, it’s important to check for any damage to the lines. Damage can include leaks, cracks, or complete tears of the lines. If you notice any damage, get connected with a Pro immediately to resolve the problem.
Clean the Unit
Before proceeding with this next step, you’ll want to ensure that you have turned off the breaker connected to your air conditioner unit. Once the breaker is turned off, you will begin by taking off the top of the unit. Once removed, clear the unit of any loose debris collected throughout and at the bottom of the unit.
Clean Coils
While inside your unit, it’s important to clean the coils. To clean the coils, you can purchase a special coil cleaner. Simply follow the instructions on the cleaner. Clean coils are essential to keeping your air conditioner clean and running smoothly.
Clean the Exterior
Once the interior unit of your air conditioner is cleaned, you can replace the top and begin to clean the exterior. Do not use a power washer or high pressure cleaner as this can damage the exterior of the unit (and possibly the interior parts). Use your garden hose on low pressure to rinse any debris off the unit. If needed, you can scrub any hard to remove debris with your hands or a brush.
Regular cleaning is highly recommended to ensure the most efficiency out of your air conditioner. Hire a Pro to schedule regular cleaning and maintenance throughout the season. If you’re unsure if your unit requires maintenance or cleaning, check out these 3 common central air conditioner problems and their solutions. In the event that your unit breaks down unexpectedly, here is what you can do.
