The cool comfort of an air conditioner on a hot day cannot be beaten. To maintain that refreshing feeling, however, your AC must remain clean.
How often you need to clean depends on your lifestyle and the climate where you reside; however, at minimum, a monthly cleaning routine should be implemented.
To keep your AC in top-notch shape, remember to change the filters and clear out any debris – and for a stress-free maintenance plan, read more here.
Air filter
As important as taking your car in for regular tune-ups or hitting the gym regularly, maintaining and cleaning your air conditioning system are two other crucial ways to prolong its longevity and help evade costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Dirty filters can restrict airflow and force your unit to work harder to cool your home, straining various components such as the coils. This can cause further damage.
Change your filter regularly depending on your lifestyle and family size; at minimum, once every month during peak usage season. To clean them effectively, take them out and spray them down with water (or cleaner). Remove and wipe away any surface dust before leaving them to dry completely before reinstalling them.
This will extend their lifespan and prolong their longevity! Changing filters is one of the simplest yet most significant maintenance tasks for optimal air quality!
Coils
An air conditioner coil that has become dirty can be a severe cause of concern, making the system work overtime to cool the space, increasing wear and tear and electricity bills. Furthermore, refrigerant leaks may occur that will be costly to fix.
To avoid damaged coils, it’s wise to have them professionally cleaned. The first step should be a visual inspection of the evaporator and condenser coils for large debris, such as leaves or twigs, and signs of corrosion. A professional can easily use a coil brush available at most hardware stores or AC shops capable of cleaning these easily without bending coil fins.
Before beginning work on your unit, switch off its electrical breaker box. Next, obtain a commercial coil cleaner or mix household detergent and water in equal parts to create a 50:50 mixture as a coil cleaner solution. Also, remove any foliage around it to help minimize blockages.
Fan blades
Cleaning fan blades isn’t only beneficial in improving cooling performance; it also relieves strain on fan motors and extends their lifespan, keeping dust at bay, decreasing health risks, and making the home more pleasant to live in.
Before undertaking air conditioner cleaning or maintenance, always switch off the power to the unit and never use harsh chemicals or pressure washers on it, as these could potentially harm delicate coil fins and components of the AC. Instead, use a mild detergent mixed with water or a specially tailored cleaning solution instead for the best results.
Secure a ladder and find someone to assist you with this task while covering nearby household items with drop cloths or old blankets to protect from dirt and debris accumulation. Furthermore, prepare all necessary cleaning supplies, including products, extended reach dusters, cloths and towels, in advance.
Remote control
Like filters and coils, remote controls require regular cleaning more frequently during warmer seasons when they are utilized often. Before beginning cleaning operations, always remember to switch off power first by closing a circuit breaker or unplugging it.
Cleaning air conditioners is best achieved using a mild detergent mixed with water or unique air conditioning cleaning solutions designed specifically for their delicate components. Never use pressure washers, as this could damage them irreparably.
Regular AC unit maintenance will keep it operating more efficiently, extending its lifespan, avoiding premature breakdown or replacement, and saving both money and effort in energy use. Hiring professional cleaners can detect problems before they worsen, saving even more in the long run.