On scorching summer days, your air conditioner works tirelessly to keep you cool indoors. Whether you rely on a central air system or a portable unit, knowing how to clean your air conditioner effectively is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll discuss easy steps on how to clean the air conditioner unit, ensuring that your cooling system operates at its best. So, let’s beat the summer heat and keep a refreshing indoor environment.
Why is cleaning your air conditioner crucial?
Regularly cleaning your AC unit boosts its efficiency and promotes a healthier indoor environment. Dust, debris, and mould accumulation over time can impact performance and air quality. Consistent cleaning ensures a refreshing air and extends the lifespan of your cooling system.
How Often to Clean the Air Conditioner Unit?
Regular air conditioner cleaning is crucial for its optimal performance and longevity. The recommended cleaning frequency depends on the type of air conditioner you have:
Window AC Units:
Before jumping to how to clean window AC units, let’s first understand how often AC cleaning is required.
- Window air conditioners are exposed to outdoor elements, dust, and debris, making regular cleaning essential.
- Clean your window AC unit thoroughly every 1-2 months to prevent reduced cooling efficiency and ensure it operates efficiently.
Central Air Systems:
- For central air conditioning units, it’s advisable to have a professional inspect and clean the system at least once a year.
- Our professional air conditioner cleaner will check coolant levels, identify and fix leaks, and clean coils to maintain the system’s efficiency and prevent potential breakdowns.
Adhering to these cleaning schedules ensures your air conditioner functions optimally, providing cool and comfortable indoor spaces.
Essential Considerations for Cleaning AC Unit
Window AC unit
Before discussing how to clean a window AC unit, it’s crucial to understand two primary areas: filters and coils.
- Filter Maintenance
Filters play a vital role in removing dust from the air. When these filters are clogged, your AC unit works harder, consuming more energy to cool your home. It increases your energy costs and impacts the unit’s effectiveness in delivering desired results.
- Coil Efficiency
Coils are responsible for facilitating the movement of hot and cold air. That’s why cleaning dirt and dust from your window AC unit is essential.
Central AC unit
For central air conditioning systems, we recommend choosing our professional services. We thoroughly inspect the unit, checking the ductwork and confirming efficient operation. Our professional approach ensures optimal performance and addresses complex issues in the central unit.
Material You Will Need To Clean An Air Conditioner
Before discussing how to clean an air conditioner, let’s first understand the essential material required to clean an AC unit.
For Window AC Unit:
- Cloth
- Screwdriver
- Spray bottle
- Soft brush
- Mild dish soap or detergent
For Central AC Unit
- Cloth
- Screwdriver
- Hose
- Vacuum
How to Clean a Window AC Unit With Mild Dish Soap
Here is the step-by-procedure to clean Window AC Unit:
- Turn off the unit for safety.
- Remove and clean the cover using tabs, knobs, or screws.
- Detach the filter, dust it, and rinse with lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling in your window AC unit.
- Identify and clean the evaporator coils inside and condenser coils outside.
- Use a brush and slightly soapy water in a spray bottle for additional cleaning.
- Dry all parts thoroughly before replacing the front cover and turning the unit back on after cleaning the outside AC unit.
How to Clean a Central AC Unit With a Hose and Water
Here is the step-by-step procedure to clean a central AC Unit:
- Turn off the central AC unit and locate the vent.
- Use a screwdriver or push tabs to open and remove the vent cover.
- Clean the filter following the steps for a washable filter or replace non-reusable filters.
- Turn off and clean the outside AC unit using the breaker switch.
- Remove the top of the condenser unit and use a vacuum to clean inside the AC unit.
- Carefully spray down the unit with a hose, avoiding the electrical box and avoiding power washers to prevent fin damage.
- Allow 30 – 60 minutes for the condenser unit to dry completely before turning it back on.
Conclusion
Choose Patrick Refrigeration as your premier expert in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Electrical services. Our specialised operational team excels in installation, repair, and maintenance, approaching your needs with a cost-effective solution. Our licensed and qualified technicians are trained to ensure safe and appropriate refrigeration installations and repairs.
Contact us at (07) 4982 3740 for affordable air conditioning maintenance and repair services.