How to Clean Your AC Unit
Is your air conditioner not working efficiently anymore? While AC systems have limited lifespans and do eventually fail, a loss in performance doesn't always signal that your unit is failing. Your AC may just need a clean.
Wondering how to clean your air conditioner to restore its cooling power and extend its lifespan? Join us as we cover everything you need to know, including:
Follow our step-by-step AC cleaning process to keep your home cool all summer.
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Why You Need to Clean Your AC Unit
Several components within your air conditioner are sensitive to dirt buildup, including the coils. Because these components absorb heat from indoors and dump it outside, even a thin layer of grime can force your system to work much harder.
Over time, reductions in efficiency increase your energy bills. Additionally, the added strain causes components to fail earlier, increasing maintenance costs. If all this wasn't enough reason to prioritize cleaning, dirty filters can also lower air quality throughout your home.
How Often You Should Be Cleaning Your AC Unit
Cleaning air conditioners is central to ensuring they work at peak efficiency and experience minimal breakdowns.
Wondering how often you should clean your AC? It's easiest to approach it by the specific cleaning task, as not all need to be done as regularly.
Here's a quick guide on when to clean air conditioner units by task:
- Monthly tasks: Each month, look at all visible components and check the air filters and vents. You should also trim any vegetation around the outside unit, leaving a decent clearance.
- Quarterly tasks: Every 90 days, replace disposable filters and clean washable filters. You should also deep clean the coils and check the drain pan's condition.
- Annual tasks: Once a year, organize a professional tune-up and deep clean.
Window units generally need more frequent cleaning than central AC systems, including monthly air filter changes. However, this depends on individual usage patterns.
Step-By-Step Guide for Cleaning Your AC Unit
You can make it easier to clean your air conditioner by approaching the process step by step:
- Prepare: Start by assembling cleaning supplies and equipment. You'll need soft brushes, coil cleaners, compressed air, and a fin comb.
- Disconnect power: Next, cut the power to the AC unit for safety.
- Inspect system: Check for any damage or signs of wear.
- Clean casing: Wipe down the external casing, limiting pressure on delicate areas.
- Clean coils: Use compressed air and then a specialized coil cleaner to clean the evaporator and condenser coils. The cleaning solution will drip into the drain lines, removing dirt with it.
- Clean fins: Trace a fin comb through the fins to remove any dirt, dust, and cobwebs.
- Restart: Restore power and test the system to ensure it's working properly.
Differences Between Cleaning a Window Unit and a Central AC Unit
Window units are simpler than central units, as all components that require cleaning are accessible from one location. The filters are also usually easier to replace. Central AC systems, in contrast, require specialized equipment like coil cleaners and fin combs.
It's fine to perform a superficial clean on either type of AC unit, but it's often easier to leave cleaning and tune-ups to a professional if any ladder work or overly delicate cleaning is required.
When to Call a Professional
Although most homeowners can change air filters and perform some light cleaning, many of the other tasks required may be beyond homeowner expertise. It's also not ideal to take your system apart and clean it yourself if it's under warranty or you're not familiar with the components. An HVAC technician can save you money and stress by doing things correctly and providing a more comprehensive tune-up.
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