How To Clean An Air Conditioner?

When the sun becomes hotter and days become sweaty, everybody searches for a chilled room. You turn on your room’s Air Conditioner and do your work inside. Oops! Your AC is not functioning correctly? Do not worry! Call an expert and fix the issues. But before that, learn how to clean an air conditioner to examine if your worker is solving the problem reliably or not.

In this blog post, we will find the answers to different questions, including how to clean AC filters, how to clean AC coils, how to clean AC units, and how to clean a window AC unit. Do not delay and fix your AC issue so you do not get sick due to striking sunheat.

Signs that my Air Conditioner Needs Cleaning

When anything gets damaged inside an air conditioner, air quality becomes damaged, and sometimes it stops working completely. The bad air quality can significantly impact your health. Therefore, it is necessary to identify these harmful conditions and fix the issues on time. You can observe your AC’s performance and physical condition to directly identify potential problems.

Factors to Consider Before Starting Window AC Cleaning

When starting window AC cleaning, it is vital to consider filters and coils. Filters remove dust particles from the air, getting out for cooling. In clogged contaminants, filters stop working, and AC needs more energy to work harder and to meet your atmospheric needs. Similarly, coils rotate hot and cold air inside the unit. When dust particles get assembled in coils, they damage the AC’s normal functioning.

Sources of Air Conditioner Cleaning

Specialists use many things for cleaning AC units. The list of these items is given below:

• Mild Detergent Mixed with Water
• Specialized AC Cleaning Solutions
• A mixture of Water, Vinegar, and Baking Soda
• Vacuum Cleaner
• Soft Bruhs Cleaning

Materials You Require for AC Cleaning

A Detailed Guide on How to Clean a Window AC Unit

1.Turn Off Your AC Unit!

Before cleaning your AC unit, turn it off for protection. You may also turn down the breaker, which is the best choice while working with electricity appliances.

2.Remove & Clean the AC Cover!

Your AC unit might have an outer cover attached with tabs, knobs, or screws. If so, carefully remove it with the assistance of your expert helper.

3.Remove & Clean the Filter!

Today, manufacturers use different types of AC filters: Washable and Replaceable. You must know if you can wash your AC filters or if only the replacement option is available. Determine the filter type and take the step correctly. If you need replacement, make sure that you replace your AC filters after every three months. Now, locate the filters that are mostly fixed on the front. Clean them properly and set them back.

How to Clean AC Filter?

1. Remove filters carefully.
2. Use a vacuum or soft piece of cloth for dust removal.
3. Rinse the filter under the tap or using a hose and remove all the dust particles.
4. Dry the washed filter perfectly.
5. Examine if any dust is left inside and rewash it if needed.

 4. Clean the Coil!

When we talk about window AC, we deal with two types of coils: Condenser Coils and Evaporator Coils. Condenser coils are fixed at the back and outside of the unit, while the evaporator coils are set in front and inside. After cleaning AC filters, locate rings and clean them using the appropriate method.

How to Clean AC Coils?

1. Remove the top side and condenser lid.
2. Check debris and remove it gently.
3. Use a vacuum to remove more dust particles.
4. Fix the fins and clean the protective grille.
5. Check the fins and spray the foam coil cleaner.
6. After 5-10 minutes, wash the unit inside using a water pipe.
7. Clean the unit outside with water and resemble the parts.

5. Final Drying

Once you have done with all washing, ensure that parts of the AC are dried. Fix them at their appropriate places and close the unit correctly.

Seasonal AC Maintenance

• Replace the Filters

According to research conducted by Mejean, changing the AC filters after every 30 days is recommended. It becomes more crucial in the places where children and pets live. However, where there is no rush of kids and pets, they can change the filters after 2-3 months. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning surveyed 2000 American homeowners and found that only 36% of AC users replace filters after some months. Rest are those who are nourishing the source of sickness in their homes.

• Clean the Condenser Unit

Regarding AC maintenance, cleaning the condenser unit once a year becomes crucial. However, if your AC unit is open to debris clouds, you may need to do its cleaning more than once a year. According to research, one must prevent plants or wildlife from growing near the AC unit. It is suggested because the strategy can decrease the amount of cleaning activities.

• Treat Blockages

Smooth airflow is mandatory for the normal functioning of your AC unit. The machine will only work correctly if something like beds, dressers, clothes, or books will not cause a blockage. There should be nothing blocking of vent to 12 inches. The advice will let smooth airflow and not damage the cooling performance of your AC.

• Identify & Fix Common Issues

Sometimes, AC causes ice blocks or throws water droplets. Is it normal? Not at all. It might be a sign that your AC needs maintenance services. Keep an eye on these signs and call an expert for prompt solutions. Otherwise, you can experience significant damage.

• Get the Assistance of an Expert

If you feel an instant increase in your utility bill while using the same electricity quantity, you must get assistance from an expert. There could be an issue that can damage your HVAC system.

Activities Involved in Seasonal AC Maintenance

Mistakes to Avoid When Doing AC Services

Many technicians make mistakes during AC cleaning, sometimes leading to significant damage. The common blunders that your worker may also make include:

• No turning off the AC switch
• Ignoring the blower motor and fan blades during cleaning
• Choosing and using the bad or wrong type of AC cleaning solution
• Using a pressure washer during AC cleaning

All these mistakes can damage your AC unit, and you may need to invest a considerable amount to repair it.

How Much Will It Cost to Clean an Air Conditioner?

The average AC unit cleaning cost ranges between $112 to $324. However, the exact expense can be determined by identifying the size of your AC unit and the services you need. If you plan to consider your HAVC system, you must involve estimators for HVAC Estimating Services. These services will enable you to complete your needs within a limited time and cost-effective budget.

Bottom Line

In the USA, the highest temperature that has been recorded is 56.7°C. In such terrific atmospheric considerations, air conditioners become a need for life. If you are a regular user and use air conditioning units in your living and working place, you must take proper steps for their cleaning and maintenance. Otherwise, it will stop functioning, and you will have to give a considerable amount to professionals for repair. One must clean his AC while considering filters, coils, indoors and outdoors. You can do the job yourself. But if you call a professional for AC cleaning, you may need to pay between $112 to $324.

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