Appliances Cleaning: Air Conditioner Cleaning

What Type of Air Conditioner do you have? There are several types of air conditioners. Knowing their types will help you to target the proper way of cleaning it. Most of the time, uncleaned air conditioner is the cause of some common air conditioner problems like water leak (both inside and outside the house), AC Refrigerant leak, dirty air filter, frozen evaporator coil, failure of electric control, and AC fan failure.

One of the benefits of cleaning your air conditioners in a proper way will help to prolong its lifespan. It will also give you better airflow and provide you an acceptable temperature.

What are the Types of Air Conditioner

HVAC

It is the technology used to keep and provide acceptable indoor air quality. HVAC is an acronym for its function, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Window-Type Air Conditioner

Window-type Air conditioner is quick to install, portable, and cheapest among cooling appliances. It is the type of cooling system you need if you are aiming to low the temperature of a small room or space.

Split-Type Air Conditioner

A split-type air conditioner has two units, the indoor head unit, and the outdoor condenser. This type of air conditioner offers higher capacity. And yet, it proves the same single space cooling like the window air conditioner.

Central Air Conditioning

This is one of the most common cooling solutions for your entire home. It allows for thorough cooling and removal of vapor from a gas-vapor mixture of your home.

Now that we know the different types and it's functionality, let us now go to cleaning!

How to Clean Your Air Conditioner

HVAC

Cleaning the HVAC system might be a little uncannily striking. Most especially if you haven't done it before or your first time to do it. But here are the 7 simple steps.

The first thing that you should always do before cleaning your appliances, turn them off. Never work on powered appliances.

1. Replace your filters

It's not all the time you will need to replace your filters. But it is advisable to replace your filter at least every three months. If you have pets or family members who suffer from frequent allergies, you might want to change it more often.

2. Clean the area surrounding your HVAC unit

Clean the surrounding area of your HVAC, at least two feet, or closer to your unit. Removed any dirt, leaves, branches, grass, or other plants growing or sticking out close to the unit. It is alright to wash away dirt and debris collected on the condenser coils.

Note: Do not use too high water pressure, a garden hose is OK for cleaning your unit.

3. Clean the vents and registers

Wipe down and vacuum each vent and register in your home.

4. Test the air conditioner

5. Reset your thermostat

6. Have a professional inspect and clean the ducts.

Ducts should be inspected every three to five years. Clogged ducts block airflow and increase bacteria, insects, and dust mites accumulation. Taking a professional look into your unit will help prevent any problems with your unit. Plus, it can save you money, and have a healthy home.

Window-Type Air Conditioner

Removing your window-type air conditioner is a bit of a hassle. But there's another way to clean your window type aircon without removing it.

1. Never work on powered appliances, turn them off.

2. Wipe down the case and the detachable framing with a warm soap.

3. Remove the filter and wash it with warm soapy water.

You may use a small amount of dishwashing liquid in cleaning your filters, case, and frame.

4. Vacuum and wipe down all major areas.

5. Spray a clean warm soapy water in the interior, especially the fins.

6. Brush down the fins in a gentle manner to remove grime and dirt. Don't brush it too hard, you don't want the dirt to go deeper.

7. Let it dry and test your aircon.

Split-Type Air Conditioner

With a split-type air conditioner, it is better to start cleaning the inner head unit. Then, move to the outdoor condenser or compressor. Again, first thing first, never work on powered appliances, turn them off.

1. Put a Cleaning bag around the air conditioning system

This will prevent any dust or dirt from reaching the floor.

2. Remove, rinse, or replace the filters

Take the air filters to a sink and run the water. If any case you need to deep clean the filters, you may do so, by using a mild cleaning detergent and wipe it using a sponge. Rinse them off and let them dry. Deep clean your filters if necessary. Air filters ensure that only clean, cool air makes through your filter. Secure the air filters back and make sure it is dry.
It is advisable to clean your filters at least once every other month. But in any case that you need to replace it, do so.

3. Blow the dust off of the cooling fins using a blower. It will help to free the dust from the back of your split air conditioner.

4. Clean the coils with no-rinse evaporator spray.

Buy an evaporating cleaner and spray it to the coils. Make sure to cover all the coils and let it sit for at least 20 minutes.

5. Spray an anti-fungal or air conditioner spray.

The antifungal spray will sanitize your air conditioner. It will also help to prevent toxic particles and spores from growing in your appliance. Once sprayed, let it sit for at least 5 minutes before you put back the air filters.

6. Flush the drain lines.

Use a pressurized flush kit to force water or cleaner down the drain pipe. Let the drain line air-dry for at least an hour to make sure all the water has evaporated.

7. Test your air conditioner

There's a possibility that your unit will eject particles. Keeping the cleaning bag is the best option for you to catch all those dirt particles or dirty water.

Cleaning the condenser: (Never work on powered appliances, turn them off)

1. Vacuum brush the condenser fins

2. Clean the surroundings.

3. Straighten the metal fins.

You may use a dinner knife and slit it through the deep recess or notch on the surface.

4. Detach the grille and fan.

Check your manufacturer's guide for the safest way to take out your outdoor condenser fan.

5. Rinse your condenser.

Let the inside of the outdoor unit dry completely. Do not use a high pressured washer, a garden hose, or a garden sprayer attachment to clean the surface.

6. Secure your fan back and reattach all the displaced parts.

7. Test your air conditioner.

Central Air Conditioner Cleaning

It contains several parts like a condenser, evaporator, tubes to drain moisture, and fan. It is advisable to clean it every year. Also, you'll need to vacuum the compressor unit and replace the inside air filter. Cleaning of the compressor or condenser is the same as cleaning the Split-type AC. While cleaning the inside unit has fewer steps than the split-type AC.

1. Remove, wash, or replace your air filters.

Air filters should be replaced every 6 months. Air filters are often located near the evaporator unit. Reusable air filters can be washed and reused by using a small amount of dish soap and warm water.

Note: Reusable air filters are made of a rubbery frame and metal mesh. If you have a thick, papery material then, you have a disposable filter and you might need to purchase a new one.

2. Clean the drain using a stiff wire. This will ensure that your pipe isn't clogged.

Summary:

This is just a guide for us to help you clean your air conditioner and have better air quality. We strongly suggest to have a specialist check your air conditioners at least a year. Taking care of your unit and checking it frequently can save you money and the opportunity to spot any major problems of your unit.

For Housekeeping needs, always feel free to get in touch with our representative through phone call or send us a free cleaning request.