There are two simple methods to clean your air conditioner. If in doubt, refer to the instruction manual for your particular model’s model. Or, call the manufacture for their recommended advice. An air conditioning repair service should also include cleaning internal parts, including the evaporator coils, evaporator base, and ductwork. However, these parts tend to be difficult to access when working on an already built unit.
The most effective air conditioner cleaning method, for the most part, is “from the outside in.” Meaning, to clean the evaporator coils, you must first gain access to the outside of the unit. Typically the coil holders are mounted on the outside of the air conditioner. These mounting brackets should be removed before cleaning the unit. Once the unit is disassembled, all the cleaning can be done by simply pulling the ductwork back inside the air conditioner. If you are unsure how to do this, it is always good to call a professional Air Conditioner Cleaning service.
Once the air conditioner has been pulled out from the construction area, it is important to unplug it from the power source. Unplugging it provides a safe environment in which to perform the air conditioner cleaning. Next, disconnect the air filter from the front of the air conditioner. A plug usually located in the “A” hole on the front should be pushed through the wire harness to release the filter from the air conditioner.
When doing an air conditioner cleaning, it is important to clean both the evaporator coils and the filter completely. This is not a job for just anyone. Although professional air conditioner cleaning services will be experienced, doing the job yourself can save money and time. Some homeowners who do the cleaning themselves may opt to remove the filter only, which can lead to some unexpected problems.
The evaporator coil, or part of the unit called the compressor, is where hot air from the cooling fan passes through to warm the components. Over time, it can build up a buildup of debris and metal filings that can cause the fan to work harder and longer than it should. This causes the unit to work inefficiently and can result in higher utility bills. It can also result in breakdowns of some components of the unit. In addition, the constant grinding and scraping movement of the blades can eventually damage the motor, causing breakdowns of the thermostat and other parts as well. Having your central air conditioner cleaning performed once a year can help prevent breakdowns and expensive repairs.
If you have a window air conditioning unit, it is likely that there are areas around the exterior that receive dirt and debris much more frequently than the interior. For this reason, it is important to keep it clean. A simple cleaning will not only make it look better, but it will also be less likely to breakdown due to accumulated debris. To clean the outside, use a mild detergent spray to wash the outside surfaces and wipe away any dirt or debris. Be sure to allow any soap or detergent to dry completely before re-applying the cleaner to the unit.
If you have an older unit, you might not need to clean the filters as often as you would for a newer model. However, it is important to keep the filters as clean as possible, because dirty filters can affect the overall performance of your system. Air conditioners with filters should be cleaned or replaced periodically according to manufacturer instructions. Keeping the air filters clean and clear of any debris will help keep your central air conditioner running efficiently and provide you with healthy indoor air.
After cleaning the unit, you will want to check it to make sure that everything was operational. Turn the power on and double check that all the fans are working properly. It is also recommended that you disconnect the circuit breaker and if necessary, call an electrician to have them work on your circuit. With the filter cleaned, you can now turn to the condenser coils and clean them as well. While these coils are not as visible as the filter, they can still cause a build-up of dirt that can decrease the performance of your system. If at any time you feel that there is too much dirt buildup, you should have the condenser coils serviced by a qualified professional to remove the dirt buildup and improve the performance of your unit.