A dirty air conditioner could cost you significant amounts of money. When you neglect to keep your air conditioner clean, it will slowly stop being efficient, and start using more fuel to make the same amount of cool air. It may also start to need repairs, as parts get overwhelmed with dirt. Dirty filters can also eventually become fire and safety hazards. And air conditioners that are both dirty and have moisture issues can grow mold and fungus, undermining your air quality.
There are countless reasons to give your air conditioner a yearly deep clean. So, how do you keep your air conditioner clean? Here are some tips for homeowners about how and when to clean their air conditioner.
Tools for Cleaning Your Air Conditioner
What kind of tools should you use to clean your air conditioner? It depends on specifically which part of the air conditioner you’re cleaning, but here are some options:
- Stiff brush
- Wet cloth
- Wet vacuum
You definitely shouldn’t use these tools, as they may damage the air conditioner:
- Pressure washer
- Dry vacuum
Turn Off the Air Conditioner First!
Of course, before you clean the air conditioner you should make sure that it is completely turned off, and not just sitting idly. Turn it off at your thermostat and cut the power to both the indoor and the outdoor unit.
Are you looking for a professional to help deep-clean your air conditioner unit? Let our team get the job done right and contact us today.
How to Clean the Outside Unit?
Even if you’re not mechanically inclined you can clean the outside of the outdoor unit very simply. Just use a brush, broom, or cloth to remove the leaves, dirt, and any other debris sitting on or next to the unit. Cleaning the nearby area will also make sure that it doesn’t just collect debris the moment that you’re done with it.
Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter
Your air conditioner’s air filter picks up airborne debris all year. Clean it out so that it can better protect the air conditioner from a build-up of debris, and better clean this debris from your home’s air.
What to Use to Clean Window Air Conditioner?
You can use a number of different cleaning tools to clean a window air conditioner. If you are just cleaning the outside of the unit, a damp cloth is a great option. Interior parts may require specialized cleaners and a wet vacuum.
How Long to Wait After Cleaning?
Your air conditioner should be completely dry before you start it back up. The time you must wait varies based on how you cleaned it and your weather conditions.
Ask the Professionals for Help
A professional HVAC technician can give your air conditioner a deeper clean, and perform other important maintenance steps that can keep it working for longer and more efficiently. Contact our team at Air Treatment ClimateCare for help cleaning your AC unit today.
