Inspecting your air conditioning system before summer hits is a good idea. Maintaining your AC unit properly can help keep it running efficiently and your home comfortable. Follow these helpful tips to get the most out of your air conditioner and ensure it’s in the best condition for the warmer weather.
How to Clean Your Air Conditioner Safely
Cleaning an air conditioner is mostly about keeping airflow open. These steps cover the parts of a central system a homeowner can reach without opening the equipment. Follow your owner’s manual if it differs.
- Turn the thermostat off and shut off power to the air conditioner at the outdoor disconnect or the breaker panel before touching the outdoor unit. Keep it off until you have finished and the unit is dry, and do not spray water into electrical areas or open access panels.
- Clear leaves, grass and other surface debris from around and on the outdoor unit by hand or with a soft fin brush, and keep plants trimmed back so air can move freely.
- If the coil still looks dirty, use a mild household detergent or a coil cleaner made for air conditioner coils, and follow the product’s instructions. Avoid strongly acidic cleaners, which can corrode the coil.
- Rinse the outdoor coil gently with a garden hose, using a light spray rather than a jet. Never use a pressure washer, because high pressure can bend the thin metal fins and restrict airflow.
- Replace or clean the indoor air filter as described in the filter section below.
What to Leave to a Technician
Carrier advises that the indoor evaporator coil is best cleaned by an HVAC professional and that compressed air should not be used on it, since it can blow dust and debris into the home. We also suggest leaving badly bent or damaged fins, and any cooling problem that continues after the unit has been cleaned, to a technician. Carrier also recommends a yearly HVAC maintenance check, ideally before summer. You can read its guidance on air conditioner coil cleaning.
If you would rather have your heating and cooling equipment maintained on a schedule, see Furnace King’s HVAC maintenance page.
Mind the Filters
Keeping your air conditioner’s filter clean and in good condition is essential for properly cooling your home and for energy efficiency. Replace the filter at least once a season, and clean it more often if you see that it’s clogged or dirty. Not only will this help cool your home properly, but it can also reduce your energy consumption and save you money.
Notice the Coils
The air conditioner’s coils, evaporator, and condenser can accumulate much dirt and debris over time. This can decrease the air flowing through and insulate the coils, hamper their performance, and make your home less comfortable. The blockage can even damage the compressor if this issue is not addressed. To prevent this build-up, have a technician check the evaporator coil as part of a yearly maintenance visit and clean it when needed, and keep the outdoor coil clear using the steps above.
Coil cleaners made for air conditioner coils are sold at most hardware stores; follow the product instructions and use them on the outdoor coil only. It is important to remember to shut the power off before you start the cleaning. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of cleaning the coils independently, consider hiring a professional experienced in HVAC maintenance.
Straighten the Fins
If the aluminum or copper fins on your air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils are bent, it can impede the unit’s performance. Light bending can be corrected with a fin comb, a special tool used to realign the fins, but badly bent or damaged fins are best left to a technician.
Keep the Drains Clear
Verify the condensate drain lines for your AC unit are not obstructed. Your AC utilizes these lines to capture and discharge moisture from the air in your living space outside. Obstructed condensate drains may influence the performance of your air conditioner and cause an increase in humidity that can cause damage to your walls and carpets. If you have a newer model, it may have an alert system that signals when it’s time to clean the drains; older units may need to be manually examined.
To properly clean the condensate drain line, find the end of the pipe that exits your home or the sink it drains into if inside. Ensure you have a bucket and cleaning supplies like a scrub brush and disinfectant. Clean the pipe’s end and ensure it is clear of any dirt or debris. If the pipe is connected to a sink, make sure to clean the sink and disinfect it as well. Once the pipe and sink are clean, flush them with hot water and ensure no more blockages.
To clear out any blockage in your condensate drainpipe, attach a wet-dry vacuum and let it run for a few minutes. You can purchase a special adapter from a hardware store if your vacuum doesn’t fit directly onto the pipe.
Or, you can use a drain snake or a long bristled brush to eliminate any debris stuck in the pipe.
In Closing
If you’ve tried all these tips but have yet to experience significant changes, hiring a qualified professional to service your system is time. A certified technician can detect extensive damage you may not know.
Call Furnace King for Home Service
Furnace King is a heating and cooling business located in Mississauga, Ontario. We have extensive knowledge and experience in the industry, and we provide top-notch service and education to our customers. We install energy-efficient residential furnaces, tankless water heaters, and air conditioning in Ontario, to name a few. Get a quote by calling 905-564-5464 or clicking the “Get a Quote” button on our home page!