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How to Clean an Air Conditioner

How to Clean an Air Conditioner

Tools and Materials

Tools

  • Screwdriver

Materials

  • Spray Bottle
  • Cloth

 

Prepping Your Air Conditioner for the Season

When the warmer temperatures outside are coming your way, it’s good to know you can retreat to the welcoming cool of an air-conditioned indoors. However, with your A/C sitting dormant outside or stored away during the winter, the unit may have accumulated dirt, dust and debris, clogging the filter and reducing airflow. Before you crank it up at the first sign of a hot day, follow these steps for a clean A/C unit.

How to Clean a Window A/C Unit

Follow these general steps to clean your window A/C unit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

 

Step 1: Unplug the A/C

Safety first! Turn off the unit, then unplug it from the wall.

 

Step 2:  Remove The Front Cover

 

Consult your owner's manual for instructions on how to remove the front cover. Most front covers are attached with screws, tabs, knobs or some combination of the three.

 

Step 3: Clean the Front Cover

Fill your spray bottle with slightly soapy water, then spray the front cover and use the cloth to wipe it clean. Set the front cover aside to dry.

Step 4: Remove the Filter

Check your manual for instructions on finding and removing the filter. Most filters are located in the front of the unit behind the front cover.

 

Step 5: Clean the Filter

Wipe off the A/C filter with your cloth. Next, rinse the filter with the cleaning solution from your spray bottle. Set the filter aside to dry.

 

Step 6: Clean the Coils

Check your manual for the location of the coils. Most window A/Cs have two sets of coils: evaporator coils should be inside the front of the unit, while condenser coils are usually outside the back of the unit. Use your cloth to brush away any loose dirt. Next, spray the coils with slightly soapy water from your spray bottle.

 

Step 7: Let Everything Dry

Be sure everything is completely dry before you put your unit back together.

 

Step 8: Reattach the Filter and Front Cover

Put the filter back in, then reattach the front cover.

How to Clean Your Central A/C

Hiring someone to clean your A/C is costly and time-consuming. Check out the six steps below to see how you can efficiently clean a central A/C yourself.

 

Step 1: Replace the Filter

Check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. Also make sure there’s nothing blocking the airflow of the vent, register or grilles. 

Step 2: Check the Condenser Lines

 

Outside your house is the condenser unit. Visibly inspect the lines leading to and from the condenser to see if you need to replace any damaged or missing insulation on those lines.

 

Step 3: Turn Off the Breaker

Turn the breaker off at the unit or at the breaker box. Remove the top of the condenser unit.

 

Step 4: Clean the Unit

Clean out any debris at the bottom of the unit by hand or with a vacuum. Check the fins on the condenser. Minor damage to the fins can be adjusted with a fin tool. Major damage may require calling a professional.

 

Step 5: Clean the Coils

Clean coils are an important part of a clean air conditioner. To clean the coils, spray the fins on the inside of the unit with an A/C coil cleaner, following the manufacturer's instructions. To remove the cleaning detergent, spray with a hose to push the cleaner through the fins to the outside of the unit.

Step 6: Rinse and Replace

 

Rinse off the outside of the unit and then replace the top. Turn the power back on and you’re good to go.

 

Tips to Keep Your A/C Unit Maintained

Below are a few tips to keep your A/C unit maintained year-round.

 

  • Change the air filter on a regular basis, every one to two months, to reduce allergens and allow good airflow.
  • Check the measurement of the filter so you get the correct replacement size.
  • Check the vents and make sure there’s nothing blocking the airflow. This helps cool your home more efficiently.
  • Deep-clean the condenser unit once a year.
  • A/C units run more efficiently in the shade, so consider planting bushes that don’t shed leaves to provide a cool spot for the unit to do its job.
  • For proper airflow, remove foliage, bushes, furniture, etc., and keep at least a 2- to 3-foot clearance around an outdoor A/C unit. Obstructions may affect the performance of the air conditioner and cause it to work harder.

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