Having an air conditioner is crucial for comfort, particularly in the sweltering summer months. But as time passes, dust, pollution, and dirt can gather in its many parts, decreasing its effectiveness and perhaps requiring expensive repairs. In spite of increasing the life of your system, routine maintenance also improves the atmosphere and reduces energy costs. To maintain the best possible performance of your air conditioner, we’ll guide you through the necessary cleaning procedures in this article.
Why Is Air Conditioner Cleaning Important?
Let’s first examine why cleaning is important before moving on to the steps:
Boosts Efficiency: The technical performance decreases when dirt accumulation makes it work harder
Lower Energy Bills: Your air conditioner uses less energy when it operates well, which lowers your monthly electricity bills.
Enhances Air Quality: Low levels of air quality can be caused by polluted air that builds up in your unit and blows into your living areas. You can breathe more easily and avoid this by cleaning.
Extends Lifespan: By keeping your system clean and well-maintained, you may extend its lifespan and avoid unexpected problems.
You now understand the importance of it, so let’s get started on cleaning your air conditioner correctly.
Step1: Cut The Electricity
First and foremost, safety. Make sure you switch off the air conditioner’s electricity before you begin cleaning it. This keeps you safe throughout the procedure and avoids electrical shocks. Turning off the electrical switch that regulates your air conditioning system will achieve this.
Step 2: Empty The Air Filter or Clean It
One of the most important parts of the air conditioner you have is the air filter. It stops contaminants, dust, and filth from moving around your house by collecting them. Airflow is restricted by a soiled filter, which increases system load.
How to Wash the Filter: Take out any disposable filters that come with your air conditioner and give them a wash in warm water with a little soap. After it has dried completely, put it back in.
How to Change the Filters: If the filter is recyclable, simply replacement it with an alternative. Filters need to be changed or cleaned every one to three months, based on usage and local air quality.
Step 3: Evaporator Circuit Cleaning
The coils of the evaporator gather dirt and dust over time, which may have an impact on your air conditioner’s cooling effectiveness. Your system can absorb heat more efficiently if its coils are clean.
To clean the coils, remove the panel and follow the instructions in your unit’s manual.
Gently brush away any surface dirt with a soft brush.
Use a professional coil cleaner that is safe for the system if you want a deeper clean. As advised by the cleaner’s directions, let it foam and remove the dirt.
If required, wash the coils using water and make sure they are totally dry before putting the panel back together.
Step 4: Clear The Fins And Coils Of The Condenser
Because they are open to the weather, the compressor coils, which are found in the outside unit, can grow equally dusty. The machine could get hot as a result of collected dirt, foliage, and grasses that reduce heat transfer.
Clear away any material that may be around the coil and fin to clean them.
Loose particles and dirt can be removed with a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment.
To get rid of anything that is sticking to the coils, give them an external spray; however, don’t use excess pressure as this could harm the fins.
Fin combs can be used to straighten broken fins if necessary, which enhances efficiency and airflow.
Step 5: Drain Line Cleaning
The air conditioning system’s excess water goes away by the drain line. It might lead to humid problems and water leaks inside your house if it becomes blocked.
The drain line is often a plastic tube that is located close to the interior unit. Here’s how to clean it.
Make use of a wet/dry cleaner to remove any obstructions or dirt. A small amount of vinegar that has been distilled can also be poured into the pipe to dissolve any bacteria or mold growth.
To make sure the line is clear, run water through it.
Step 6: Verify The Levels Of Refrigeration
For the best performance from your air conditioner, cleaning is not enough—you also need to maintain proper levels of refrigerant. Your system may work harder to make up for low refrigerant levels, which could lead to overheating and eventual failure.
How to Check: To check for leaks, examine the refrigerant lines. Nonetheless, a specialist should check the system’s refrigerant levels and recharge it. In case your system fails to cool effectively or you observe freezing on the wires, get in touch with an expert for a thorough examination.
Step 7: Make Sure The Fan Is Clean
Your system’s blower fan circulates air, and a dirty fan can lessen efficiency and airflow.
How to Clean the Fan: Open the fan section access door after turning off the electricity.
To clear any dust collection from the fan blades, use a toothbrush or vacuum cleaner.
Make sure there is no dirt reducing the airflow by cleaning the area around the fan housing.
Step 8: Give Your System a Test
When every necessary component has been cleaned, it’s time to check your air conditioner. Restart the electricity and adjust the temperature to the desired setting. Observe the equipment for a few hours to confirm all is functioning properly.
When to Make a Professional Contact
While cleaning the appliance manually is an excellent method to keep it maintained, there are some things you should leave to the experts. If you observe any of the following difficulties, you need to call Greenworks, AC for professional support:
- Airflow issues remain upon cleaning.
- Your unit is making strange noises.
- Low levels of refrigerant or leaks of the gas.
- Your home’s AC isn’t cooling it as effectively as it used to.
In summary
Maintaining the efficiency of your air conditioner, increasing its lifespan, plus improving the quality of indoor air are all dependent on routine cleaning. You can maintain your air conditioner in its best condition all year long by following the above-mentioned measures. On the other hand, Greenworks AC is there to help you with all of your air conditioning repair and maintenance needs if you run into any problems or require expert assistance.