It is expected that during summer, we could experience hot weather and a changing climate. Everyone is outside with their family and friends. Summer flowers are blooming and the trees are full of them. While the weather may be pleasant outside, you may notice high humidity levels inside your home that your fan can not remove. The time has come to turn on your air conditioner. But, your air conditioning seems unwell. Perfect timing, to say the least. Perhaps you are wondering why your air conditioner isn’t working. This is the exact issue: your air conditioner has been sitting idle for a long time, collecting dust, dirt, and particles that can affect your system over time. Even when it isn’t in use, you need get cleaning for your aircon to make sure that it is ready for the hot summer months.
Below are the following “Do it Yourself” tips for cleaning your home aircon:
1. Turn Off
Please keep in mind to turn off the power to your AC before you start cleaning it. Cleaning an air conditioner while it’s running is risky and therefore should be managed to avoid it. Help find the service panel on the exterior condenser or compressor to turn off the power. A shut-off box is usually located near the unit. It is recommended that you deactivate the system at the breaker box if you are having trouble finding the service box.
2. Air Conditioning Filters Should Be Replaced or Cleaned
Cleaning or replacing your air filters is the simplest and most essential step in cleaning your air conditioner. Replaceable or reusable filters are located inside or near the end of the air-inlet side of your air conditioning system’s furnace or air-handler cabinets. Sanitize or replace your air filters twice a year or when they become clogged with dirt, hair, or dust to ensure proper air circulation.
3. AC Condenser Coils Should Be Cleaned
Remove the side and top panels, also known as the protective grilles, from the condenser unit to clean the air conditioner condenser coils. This can be done with a screwdriver or a nut driver, depending on the type of fastener needed. Simply unscrew and pull the side panels away from the unit. Remove the top, which may be heavy, and be careful not to pull on any of the fan’s wires.
Start cleaning the AC coils from the outside of the air conditioner with a soft brush or a refrigerator coil brush. Cleaning the coils should be done with extreme caution. It is not recommended to bend the delicate fins or coils. When the fins bend, try to make them straight using a fin comb. After cleaning the outside, vacuum the AC condenser coils from the inside.
From the inside, spray the commercial air conditioning coil cleaner to remove stubborn dirt and debris from the condenser coils. Please avoid spraying the fan or any other electrical components. To blow dirt out of the coils from within the unit, use a hose with a trigger-style nozzle. Do not bend the fins, flood the unit, or spray water on the electrical components; instead, cover them with a trash bag.
4. Remove All Debris From The Condenser.
To clean your air conditioner, remove leaves and debris from the core of the condenser. If the air conditioning condenser has a drain, make sure it is clear of any debris. Use a vacuum and a rag to thoroughly clean the fan blades of the blower. Then, secure any loose mounting bolts. If the fan motor has oil ports, put a few drops of lightweight oil in them. Wipe up any spills inside the unit. Reassemble the condenser after you’ve finished cleaning the air conditioner. Remove any weeds, twigs, or vines that could obstruct airflow in the condenser unit.
5. Inspect Refrigerant Pipes
To prevent energy loss, refrigerant lines are usually insulated with insulating foam. These refrigerant tubes pass from the air handler’s evaporator coil to the condenser, which is located outside your home. Replace the insulation on the refrigerant lines if it is damaged when cleaning your air conditioner to improve the efficiency of your system. The first step in resolving this problem is to purchase and install a refrigerant line foam insulation sleeve. You can also use insulation tape to wrap the refrigerant lines.
6. Check Again the Aircon by Testing it
After you’ve finished cleaning the central air conditioner, turn on the condenser. Users can do this by first turning off their room’s thermostat. Then, at both the unplug box and the main panel, turn on the power. Finally, switch the thermostat to the cooling mode to turn on your air conditioning unit. Maintaining your air conditioner can help it last longer and save you money over time. To take it a step even further, when the fall and winter seasons arrive, wrap your air conditioning unit in plastic and protect it with a rope or bungee cord. If your air conditioner still does not work properly after cleaning it, call a professional technician right away.