Preparation
Cleaning a home air conditioner requires preparation before you start. Depending on the size and design of the air conditioner, you’ll need to purchase the appropriate cleaning materials and safety equipment beforehand. Make sure you have all the necessary materials such as gloves, a damp cloth, and a vacuum cleaner to help make the cleaning process easier and more efficient.
Additionally, you should also know the type of air conditioner you possess and its manufacturer’s maintenance instructions to ensure that you are cleaning it properly:
- Identify the type of air conditioner you possess.
- Purchase the appropriate cleaning materials and safety equipment.
- Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
- Gather the necessary materials such as gloves, a damp cloth, and a vacuum cleaner.
Gather the necessary tools and materials
To properly clean and maintain your home air conditioner, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and materials. Start by gathering:
- A damp cloth
- An old toothbrush
- A vacuum cleaner with a wand attachment
- Box cutter or tin snips
- A screwdriver
- Pliers
- An adjustable wrench
- Clamps (if your system needs them)
- Multi-purpose lubricant (to distribute throughout the system)
- Oil absorbing mats in order to collect any spills that occur while cleaning
- A hand brush (for cleaning any visible dust)
Additionally, you may want to have rubber gloves on hand. They are not always necessary but will help keep your hands from getting too greasy during the job. Once you have all these supplies assembled you can move on to the actual cleaning process.
Make sure the air conditioner is turned off
Before beginning cleaning your home air conditioner, it is important to make sure the unit is turned off. This is done by unplugging the unit or turning the switch to ‘off’ on the wall. After the power has been shut off, you should wait for about ten minutes for the system to cool down before beginning any cleaning work.
It is also a good idea to double-check that there is no residual electrical current from fluctuating power sources that could shock an individual working on the air conditioner.
Cleaning the Coils
Cleaning the coils on your air conditioner is a key component of regular home maintenance. Coils are important because they draw in air and heat it before the air is released. When the coils become dirty, they won’t be able to cool the air as effectively, and energy will be wasted. In order to keep your AC unit running efficiently and keep energy costs low, you’ll need to clean the coils regularly.
Let’s look at the steps involved in cleaning the coils:
Vacuum the outside unit
To ensure the best possible efficiency and performance of your air conditioner, it is important to clean the outside unit periodically. Start by using your vacuum cleaner to clear away any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the cabinet and coils. Use a brush extension on your vacuum to brush away dirt and debris from the fins, fan blades, and coils.
Once you have removed all of the surface dirt, check to see if there are any leaves or other larger debris stuck in the coils or fan blades that may be causing blockage. If necessary, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment to dislodge any clogged objects.
Once the outside of the air conditioner is free of dirt and debris, you can move onto cleaning the inner components.
Clean the evaporator coils
The evaporator coils are one of the most important parts of a home air conditioner system. They help the air conditioner absorb heat from the air inside your home and pass it outside. Over time, dirt, dust and other debris can accumulate on the evaporator coils and reduce their efficiency. Regular cleaning can help maintain the efficiency, prolong the life of your air conditioner, and prevent expensive repairs.
To clean the evaporator coils, you will need:
- an all-purpose cleaner
- an old toothbrush or hand brush
- a vacuum cleaner with an attachment hose (optional)
- a small bowl or container to contain the cleaning solution
- rubber gloves to protect your hands from debris
Begin by turning off power to your unit at the breaker box or disconnect switch. Turn off any other accessories that may be connected to it such as humidifiers or exhaust fans. Unplug any connected power cords if necessary. Remove any panels that you can access and locate the evaporator coil within its frame or enclosure. Place a bowl under it to catch dripping water when you begin cleaning.
If possible use a vacuum attachment hose to lightly suction dirt away from hard-to-access places around appliance components before beginning full-scale cleaning with cleaner and brush. Mix an all-purpose household cleaner according to package instructions in a small container or bowl until foam begins appearing on top – this indicates that sufficient bubbles have been generated for cleaning purposes (not all cleaners require this step). Dip in brush into mixture gently and clean coil thoroughly.. After you have finished scrubbing each section–front side first then back side – use a damp cloth to rinse remaining residue away from surface of coil before allowing excess water to drip into placed container below unit (if necessary).
Clean the condenser coils
Cleaning the condenser coils is a very important part of maintaining your home air conditioner. These coils are responsible for transferring heat from inside the room to the outside air, so if your coils are clogged, your air conditioner will be inefficient and not work as well. Fortunately, cleaning the condenser coils is a relatively straightforward process that can help keep your system running efficiently with minimal effort.
To begin, turn off power to the unit at the circuit breaker. Next, remove any dirt or debris from around the unit using a vacuum cleaner or broomstick. Now you’re ready to clean the condenser coils with warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth rag. Make sure to rinse them off thoroughly and dry them with a soft cloth before re-installing them on the unit.
Once you’ve finished cleaning your condenser coils and checked for signs of damage like dirt buildup, corrosion or breaks in insulation, it’s time to replace any filters that need replacing as per your manufacturer’s instructions – this is typically done every 3-6 months depending on usage. Finally, put power back on to the unit and check for proper operation before closing up the access panel. With just a bit of effort, you can keep your air conditioning system running smoothly all year round!
Cleaning the Filters
Cleaning the air conditioner filters are one of the most important components of keeping your home’s air conditioner running efficiently and clean. The filters are the first line of defense against contaminants and dust and they should be checked and cleaned regularly.
This article will discuss how to properly clean the air conditioner filters and offer tips on identifying problems with the filters.
Remove the filters and clean them
Removing and cleaning the filters on a home air conditioner or furnace can help improve the system’s efficiency and reduce its energy consumption. It’s also important for proper maintenance and keeping the indoor air quality as good as possible.
To clean air conditioner filters, start by turning off the power to the unit. Then, open the access panel on top of the filter housing and pull out the filter. Give it a quick massage to loosen any dirt or dust, then use a vacuum cleaner hose with a small brush attachment to dislodge any stubborn debris.
To make sure that your filters are thoroughly cleaned, you can use an all-purpose cleaner on them before putting them back in place. Alternatively, you can run them through your dishwasher on a regular basis as part of your normal home cleaning routine. Also be sure to change paper filters regularly:
- Yearly for residential models;
- Quarterly or biannually for commercial models; and
- Twice per month for industrial-grade models.
Be mindful that some systems require specific replacement parts; double check before purchasing new ones. After changing out old filters for new ones, be sure to turn the power back on so that your unit can begin operating again.
Replace the filters
It is important to regularly check and replace the filters of your home air conditioner to maintain optimum performance. The filters are the most important component of the A/C system, as they help keep your home’s air clean and healthy by trapping dust, dirt and other particles from entering into the indoor air.
Replacing the filters on a regular basis can not only reduce energy consumption, but also increase your system’s lifespan. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine what type of filter is right for your particular model and when it should be replaced.
To replace or remove a filter, start by turning off the power to the A/C unit at the main switch or breaker box. Once power has been cut off, you will need to access the filter compartment which is usually located on either side of the unit itself. To open this compartment, you may need to use a Phillips-head screwdriver or an Allen wrench that should be included in your user manual.
Remove any debris from inside before taking out any old filters that may be present in order to avoid contamination with new ones. Make sure both sides of each filter are completely clear before replacing them with new ones that are an exact match for size, material and type listed in your owner’s manual. After inserting new filters, refasten all screws securely back into place so that no contaminants can pass through loose openings. You may need dust masks throughout this process if there is dust accumulation or other allergens present during cleaning and removal of old filters.
Finishing Up
After you’ve followed all the steps for cleaning your home air conditioner, you are now ready to put the unit back together. Make sure that everything is connected properly and all components are in the right place, then test the unit to ensure that it works correctly.
If you did your job correctly, you will have gained a better air conditioner that will provide clean air in your home.
Reassemble the air conditioner
Once you’ve finished cleaning the components of your air conditioner, it is important to reassemble them correctly. Make sure that all parts are dry before replacing them or putting them back in the unit, and use the manufacturer’s instructions to guide you to ensure that everything is put together correctly. It may be helpful to take a few pictures of the unit before taking it apart, so you know how it should look when reassembling it.
If certain parts need lubrication, be sure to use a light household oil such as oiling glycerin. Be careful not to over oil any part – a light coat is all that’s necessary for most fans and blowers. Once you have replaced all the components, cover any holes with insulation foam or duct tape and gently reinstall the filter grate or grill if applicable. Finally, plug in your air conditioner and turn it on – if everything was put back together correctly it should run like normal!
Turn the air conditioner back on
Once the unit is completely reassembled, you can turn the air conditioner back on. Check to make sure that all wires are connected securely and that all of the screws are tightened to the proper level. Make sure to adjust the air conditioner back to the temperature setting you had before.
To turn it on, move the circuit breaker from “off” to “on” and press the “reset” button or flip switch found near the compressor. Listen for any unusual sounds and watch for movement inside of the fan as it rotates. After several minutes your unit should be blowing cool air again, making sure that your home remains comfortable during summer weather conditions!
Test the air conditioner
Once all cleaning work is finished, it is important to test the air conditioner to ensure that it is working properly and that the external part of the system has been properly reassembled. Turn on the air conditioner and check for any unusual vibration or noise, and if you hear anything out of the ordinary, investigate further. Ensure that cool air is coming through upon completion, as this will be your indication that all reassembly was done successfully.
Depending on your model, there may be a few additional switches to adjust in order to best suit your preferences. Be sure to read through any instructions related to all settings and adjustments prior to testing, as they may provide tips and guidance on proper usage:
- Adjusting the temperature
- Selecting the fan speed
- Switching between cooling and heating modes
- Setting the timer
Once complete, enjoy your clean home air conditioner!