How to Clean Your Air Conditioner in 8 Simple Steps

Right now, in the middle of summer, knowing how to clean your air conditioner can mean the difference between cool, energy-efficient comfort and cooling that's as ineffective as it is inefficient. It's quite likely that dust build-up, clogged air filters, and mould growth inside the AC unit can also affect indoor air quality, making it harder to breathe clean and fresh air. Which is the last thing you want.
Knowing how to clean both the outdoor and indoor air conditioner unit properly helps maintain its efficiency, extends its lifespan, and helps you to avoid expensive repair costs. Regular cleaning removes stubborn dirt from the various components of your aircon which helps to keep the system absorbing heat effectively.
By sticking to a consistent routine of cleaning and maintenance, you have a better shot at keeping your air conditioner running smoothly, even in hot weather. Here is how to go about it.
Why You Should Regularly Clean Your Air Conditioner
There are several benefits to come from cleaning your air conditioner regularly. They include:
- Your system will run at its best possible efficiency.
- You can potentially save money on energy bills.
- A clean air conditioner improves indoor air quality.
A dirty air conditioner typically demonstrates major trouble in absorbing heat properly. It ultimately forces your system to work harder and use more energy.
Dust accumulation on air filters, evaporator coils, and the drain line can lead to restricted airflow, mould growth, and unpleasant odours. Blocked air conditioner filters can also diminish the cooling capabilities of your system, leaving you with a drastically less comfy home in the middle of summer.
Whether you have a split system, evaporative cooler or even a window air conditioner, regular maintenance prevents costly repairs. It prolongs the life of your AC unit and ensures your air conditioner delivers fresh, clean air all year round.
Safety First: Preparing for the Cleaning Process
Before we really get into the nitty-gritty of how to clean your air conditioner, it’s important to make sure we’re ready to go about it with all necessary safety measures in place.
First and foremost, it’s important to circumvent electrical hazards by always shutting down the power supply at the circuit breaker. Gather all your necessary tools for the cleaning process, including:
- a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- a spray bottle with mild detergent
- warm water
- a clean cloth
- a garden hose for the external unit
Check the air conditioner’s user manual for specific maintenance instructions. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage delicate fins or evaporator coils. Wear gloves and a mask if cleaning heavy dust build-up or mould growth.
Implementing these safety precautions ensures a safe and thorough cleaning process.
Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Air Conditioner
Want to know how to clean your air conditioner properly? Follow these 8 simple steps for a thorough cleaning process of both the indoor and outdoor units:
- Turn off the power supply – If you’ve reached this point and followed the above safety measures, you should have already completed step 1.
- Clean or replace air filters – Remove dust and wash reusable air conditioner filters with warm water and mild detergent. If necessary, swap out the reusables with disposable air filters.
- Wipe down the indoor unit – Use a clean cloth and a spray bottle with a mild cleaning solution to remove accumulated dust from the indoor unit’s front panel and delicate fins.
- Clean the evaporator coils – Apply coil cleaner or a mild detergent mix, let it sit, then wipe gently with a soft brush attachment. Air dry before reassembling.
- Flush the drain line and drain pan – Pour warm water down the drain pipe to clear blockages and stop mould growth in its tracks.
- Clean the outdoor unit and condenser coils – Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a garden hose to remove stubborn dirt from the outdoor compressor unit.
- Inspect and clear debris around the outdoor unit – Remove leaves, dirt, or obstructions that could block airflow and reduce efficiency.
- Restore power and run in fan-only mode – Turn the air conditioner back on and run it in fan-only mode to help air dry any remaining moisture.
Following these air conditioner cleaning steps regularly helps to improve its performance.
Special Care for Outdoor Units and the Outdoor Compressor Unit
When you’re learning how to clean your air conditioner it can be easy to get caught up in focusing on the indoor unit. After all, it’s the part where you feel the conditioned air coming from inside. But the outdoor unit plays an equally crucial role in your comfort by releasing the heat it absorbs out into the atmosphere.
So the last thing you need is for the condenser coils in the unit to get blocked by dirt, leaves, and other debris.
It’s important to shut off the power supply before cleaning. Clear away built-up dust by using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment or a garden hose. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it can damage delicate fins. Clear any obstructions around the unit to improve airflow. Check the outdoor compressor unit for signs of wear or blockages.
When to Call a Licensed Technician
While DIY cleaning helps keep most air conditioners running smoothly, some issues require a licensed technician.
If you find your air conditioning unit struggling to cool, or it’s leaking water, or emitting strange noises or odours, there may be more serious issues affecting it that a simple DIY clean won’t resolve (such as a loss of refrigerant gas).
Bringing in the big guns to provide professional cleaning guarantees a more comprehensive service, including coil inspections, drain line clearing, and system checks to prevent costly repairs. They also have specialised equipment for duct cleaning if you have a ducted air conditioning system.
If your air conditioner frequently needs attention or isn’t performing well even after cleaning, have your air con professionally serviced. Regular expert maintenance extends the lifespan of your unit and improves efficiency.
Maintaining a Clean Air Conditioner for Optimal Performance
Keeping your air conditioner clean ensures it runs efficiently, improves indoor air quality, and prevents costly repairs. Follow these simple maintenance tips to preserve the condition of your air conditioner’s performance:
- Regularly clean or replace your air filters – A clogged filter hinders airflow and reduces efficiency. Clean reusable filters with warm water and mild detergent or replace disposable ones.
- Dust the indoor unit – Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust build-up from the front panel and delicate fins.
- Check the drain line and drain pan – Flush the drain pipe with warm water to prevent blockages and mould growth.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear – Remove leaves, dirt, and obstructions around the outdoor condenser unit to improve airflow.
- Schedule professional servicing – Getting your air conditioner professionally serviced ensures deep cleaning. They’ll also check for issues before they become costly repairs.
Regular maintenance helps your air conditioner absorb heat effectively, keeping your home comfortable while saving money on energy bills.
Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Smoothly
Knowing how to clean your air conditioner will benefit you in a multitude of ways. Your system will work more efficiently, it’ll improve indoor air quality, and help you save money on energy bills.
Accumulated dust, clogged air conditioner filters, and blocked drain lines can reduce performance and lead to costly repairs. Regular maintenance ensures your system absorbs heat effectively and delivers clean and fresh air. While DIY cleaning is essential, scheduling your air conditioner professionally serviced helps detect hidden issues.
Keeping your air conditioning unit in top condition means staying cool and comfortable, even in hot weather, without unnecessary strain on your system.
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