An air conditioning unit tends to serve a very important function of ensuring that your indoor air is safe and clean at all times. At some point though, for instance after months and series of uses, you might find that your AC unit is working fully hard to produce the same level of coolness as it used to earlier.
Also, if you have an HVAC system, the heating may become less effective after some time have passed. Well, to overcome the problem, you should know how to clean an air conditioner so that you can clean your air conditioner at home rather than seeking the services of a specialist. Luckily, this guide will assist you in obtaining the relevant information as well as what you are expected to do when cleaning an AC unit.
Why Do You Need to Clean Your Air Conditioner?
Most air conditioner units have one filter that safeguards it by purging the air that goes through the system. But load of debris, which the filter was removed from the air, accumulates there for a long time, and that’s why it must be cleaned. Otherwise you may gather so much dirt on the coils that cold air will not circulate and then you are stuck with the unit running at full blast and praying that everything is okay.
Therefore your electricity rises simply because you have not cleaned the unit or maybe because the air filters have become congested. Also, things could turn bad and there is required of you to fix them. We suggest that you clean your air conditioner so as to address any problem that leads to the repair or the entire acquisition of the unit. And that is all you need to know on how to clean an air conditioner, do continue reading.
What Tools and Materials Do You Need to Clean Air Conditioners?
In the case of an air conditioning cleaning checklist you will find out that in order to clean your air conditioner effectively you require few items from your store. Therefore, before you can get started to ensure you have the following materials:
- Screwdriver or nut driver
- Spray bottle
- Soap or mild detergent
- Warm water
- Soft-bristle brush or Fin comb
- Reusable cloth
- Drip tray to place underneath the AC unit
What Are the Steps to Follow When Cleaning the Air Conditioner?
Step 1: Turn off the power supply to the air conditioner
Heating as well as cooling systems often have several moving parts; therefore, for safety reasons; ensure that you cut off your system power supply at the breaker. Also, cleaning an AC unit while it is running is not safe, and you should not engage in it. Rather, search the exterior air conditioning condenser which is also known as compressor to turn off the power on the panel. However, if you cannot locate the service box, you can turn off all the system as explained above, by flipping the breaker box.
Step 2: Open up the air conditioning system.
Air conditioner units have a door to the air filters and all the other parts over time. However, relying on the central air conditioner, you may need to peel off the foil duct tape off. The system has a few screws or bolts are holding the door in place.
Step 3: Clean the evaporator coils
To clean the coil use a soft brush in order to enjoy rid of dust on the coil. This dust will have the debris that populates the inside of your home, including the pollen, hair, dirt, skin cells and other debris, so if you are prone to allergies, we recommend you wear a mask.
The solvent to use in this case is a non-rinse coil cleaner which you can purchase from your hardware store. This spray forms foam and then drains it into the air conditioner’s drain pan along with the debris. You want to apply the non-rinse foam on as evenly as possible and make sure it gets into some small gaps you cannot access with your hand. Also, the best time to do the cleaning is on a warm day so that when your turn the air conditioner back on, the condenser rinses off the coils.
Step 4: Clean the condenser coils
In order to clean the condenser coils, it is advisable to refer the tops and side panels – which are often referred to as the protective grilles – off the condenser. It can be done using nut driver or a screw driver. Thereafter, rotate the side panels counter clockwise, and then pull them out of the unit. Then remove the tops, they can be quite hefty and be careful not to drag along any wires connected to the fan motor.
Secondly with a soft brush, start wiping the AC condenser coils from the outside of the condenser unit of the air conditioning system. Then you should gently wash it to prevent breakage off the fragile fins or coils. If you bend the fins, then you will require to use the fin comb in order to straighten them. In this case, if the outside is clean, the Ac coils should be vacuumed from the inside. However, to remove tough dirt particularly on the condenser, there is a kind of an AC coil cleaner that one can spray from the interior.
We recommend being careful not to spray the fan and other parts of the equipment. You as well, can use a hose that has a trigger nozzle for the purpose of washing the interior of the unit. Protect parts of the fan as well as other electrical parts in the fridge when you are spraying the coils.
Step 5: Clean the AC drain pan
To be sure that the coil cleaner has done its work, now you need to clean the drain pan. More specifically, warm water with a gentle soap should do the job and if further deep cleaning is needed, bleach can be used. Create a 50/50 water/bleach solution and flush the drain until it is not foggy. But if you would prefer to have a long term solution in preventing algae in your drain, you can can purchase AC drain pan tablets at the local home improvement stores and hardware.
Step 6: Clear the AC drain.
If the bleach solution which you prepared in step 6 washes easily down the drain, this step can be, omitted. But if it is slow, your drain is likely to be plugged. In case you do not clean drain at least once a week you will find that algae and molds will start growing on it. The AC has a PVC pipe of about 1-inch wide, the pipes gets clogged easily so it does not take much accumulation to block the pipe. Also, your drain could be outside around the condenser unit. Otherwise, it will vent into a drain or a utility sink at the floor of the basement level.
If your AC system is located in the loft it might drain along one of your outer walls. Go around the drain with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. If you are still worried about placing dirt on the air filter you can always pull it off from the vacuum cleaner. After that, insert the vacuum hose to the end of the drain tube. It can be avoided by covering it with a towel around the gap and stop any kind of air from passing through it. Besides, if you need the hose and drain to be even more secure, use duct tape to attach them. Next you may proceed to switch on the vacuum and let it operate for approximately five to ten minutes in order to sweep across the debris and in addition, the dirt and dust that may have gathered on the floor.
Step 7: Close the AC access panel.
In this step, replace the access panel it by the screws that were removed during the cleaning process. In case you have an HVAC system, metal foil tape, you can use to cover the entire access panel.. However, do not mask this at any cost because one day a technician will have to fix something or service the unit and he or she needs to locate the label to do this.
This is all you need for regular cleaning; however, there are some problems that might appear you won’t have to solve on your own. Also, if you are dealing with A frame evaporator coils, you will find some areas that are somewhat out of sight since generally, both ends of the coils are not easily accessible. Thus, if you have not cleaned them for a long time, you can be sure you need to hire a service provider to clean them..
Tips on How to Clean Your Air Conditioning Filters
The first, though probably obvious, clear would be the act of washing the air filters of the window AC unit. Your air conditioning and heating system come with either fixed or modifiable air filters, which are located in the furnace or air-handler compartments. Some maintain that the air filters should be cleaned or replaced frequently at least biannually or when dirty, dusty or hairy to let fresh air through.
1. Vacuum the air conditioning filter
For regular care and maintenance, seeing the carpet only requires vacuuming. Due to the risk of damaging or upsetting the air filter, an attachment without the use of a brush should be used. Then move the vacuum horizontally across the filter. You will see dust coming out.
This might mean you will have to put your hand through the air filter several times if you have your pets at home because hair will always remain. However, do not become too aggressive on air filter while vacuuming the carpet, upholstery or any other part of the car. If not, you are likely to scratch or rip it away apart from spoiling its purpose faster than expected.
2. Soak the air conditioner filter
Take a large vessel or plastic container and pour room temperature water, then, add one or two drops of liquid detergent and stir until the water forms foam. Then, place the air filter in the container and ensure that the filter with water are have contact. After that, this filter needs to be shifted back and forward so that it is wetted on each side by soap; it should be left with soapy water for about 10-15 minutes.
When washing it, do not use brooms or any other materials that could scratch it because they will do so. The particles of dust and dirt should be washed off by a hose. Rinse each side at a time until it is pumped clear.
3. Spray the AC filter
The next step is to use a spray bottle and spray a one to one ration of water and vinegar. Make sure you spray the both sides of the air filter and give it 10 minutes to kill all bacteria. Wash the air filter under running water, then turn it upside down in a container with water to drain out the rest of the dripping water.
4. Dry the air conditioning filter
AC filters need to be dried in the open air and it may take some time to get completely dry it may take several hours of drying. To facilitate this, it is recommended to lie newspapers on the floor and tilt the air filter against the wall and every three hours, the air filter is restored in the air conditioner.
What Are the Main Benefits of Cleaning an Air Conditioner?
1. Enhance air conditioner efficiency
Cleaning your AC enables it work efficiently as cleaning frees it from pressures that it has to endure from accumulated dust and debTOP OF THEothermaterial.C Normally, dirt accretion on the filters affect the airflow, and this puts pressure on your unit. In addition, when it is dusted or dingy, the evaporator coil is often unable to absorb heat well because of decreased efficiency and capacity to cool your house so some rooms remain warm in the surroundings.
2. Ensures better indoor air quality
Your air conditioning system generally performs well beyond the basic function of cooling your home; it is critically involved in purifying the air that circulates through your house. However, as anyone can learn if a unit is dirty then bacteria, mold, fungi and germs will have the perfect home to grow from. And every time you switch on your air conditioning system, these particles are spread throughout the room and make the air dangerous to breathe, thus raising your risk of respiratory problems.
3. Reduced repair costs
This is one of the benefits of routine air conditioner cleaning; chances of developing a problem are detected and fixed prior to worsening. Also, incorrect components of your unit are cheaper to replace than the entire air conditioner system, due to excessive damage or a breakdown.
Furthermore, if you fail to maintain your air conditioner units in the right way, you will always incur bigger problems and even total breakdowns of the systems. Over time your air conditioning unit is likely to accumulate a fair amount of dirt and dust, and it will become difficult to clean therefore introduce the best air conditioning cleaning.
Moreover, your unit will be easily overloaded because the evaporator coils are unable to release heat efficiently. Moreover, there will be an inclination for the system to develop ice build-ups. Some of these problems can be prevented by frequently cleaning the air condition system.
4. Lower electricity bills
Cooling systems are always considered the major power consumers by taking large part of the monthly electricity. In the same context, an air conditioner that is not maintained use more power as it has to over-work hence the power consumed elevates the running costs. Normally, it is about 5 to 10% electricity extra is consumed by such air conditioners. Cleaning your air conditioning unit will help your system not to struggle in putting out fresh air hence saving you money from your electricity bill.
5. Better Sleep
When you are used to living in a warm weather, whenever you go to bed you are fully aware of the fact that it is nearly impossible to get to sleep because the heat does not let up. Having your air conditioning running gives a lot of relief and makes sure you have a good place to sleep in for the night.
However, if your air conditioning unit is covered in dust, not only will it be far less efficient and cause difficulty in regulating the room temperature for the night, you risk suffering from health problems from dusty air around your bed, waking up with a sore throat and a dry mouth and nose in the morning. An effective air conditioning system that is clean will help improve the quality of your sleep and be ready for the day without the nasty attitude that comes with having to deal with a grumpy tummy.
Why Get Professional Cleaning?
According to Advanced Clean Air’s leading air conditioner cleaning experts in Brisbane, the harsh climate in Queensland can cause air con systems to clog up during hot and humid months. Though it is possible to regularly clean up your air conditioning unit to ensure that it is free from big clumps of dirt and hair and clean the filter yourself, some forms of air conditioning may call for additional skills that are perhaps best provided by a professional. If you are not sure how to do this though, you might accidentally cause damage to coils and other parts of the system so it is always best to choose a professional clean for the best results and for your peace of mind.
