How To Clean An Air Conditioner

Maintaining your air conditioner is essential to ensure it operates efficiently and provides clean, cool air. Regular cleaning extends the lifespan of your air conditioner, improves indoor air quality and reduces energy costs. This detailed guide will walk you through how to clean your air conditioner, making the process simple and effective.

Why cleaning your aircon is important

Over time, dust, dirt and debris can accumulate in your air conditioner, causing it to work harder and less efficiently. Regular cleaning helps:

• Improve air quality — Cleaning removes dust, pollen and allergens from your air conditioner, improving indoor air quality and reducing allergy symptoms.

• Enhance cooling efficiency — A clean air conditioner cools your home faster and uses less energy, lowering your electricity bills and reducing your carbon footprint.

• Extend the life of your air conditioning unit — Regular maintenance reduces wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your air conditioner and saving you money on replacements.

• Prevent potential malfunctions and costly repairs — Cleaning prevents issues like frozen coils and overheating, reducing the risk of breakdowns and expensive repairs.

• Maintain manufacturer’s warranty — Regular air conditioner cleaning keeps your warranty valid, ensuring you’re covered for repairs and replacements.

• Reduce humidity levels — A clean air conditioner effectively removes excess moisture, preventing mould growth and musty odours while enhancing comfort.

• Improve overall performance — A well-maintained air conditioner provides consistent cooling, operates quietly and responds efficiently to temperature changes.

• Boost energy savings — An efficient air conditioner uses less energy, leading to significant savings on utility bills, especially during peak cooling seasons.

• Protect your health — Regular cleaning prevents mould and bacteria growth and ensures cleaner air circulation.

Tools and materials you’ll need when cleaning your air conditioner

• Screwdriver
• Soft brush
• Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
• Mild detergent or coil cleaner
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Fin comb (optional)
• Garden hose (for outdoor units)
• Microfibre cloths
• Bucket

How to clean an aircon

Step 1: Ensure safety first

• Turn off and unplug the unit — Ensure the air conditioner is turned off and unplugged from the power source. For added safety, switch off the circuit breaker connected to the unit.

• Allow the unit to cool — If the air conditioner has been running, wait for it to cool down, preventing burns or injuries from hot components.

• Gather your tools — Collect all necessary tools and cleaning materials, and refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific safety instructions.

Step 2: Remove and clean the filters

• Access the filters — Open the front cover of the air conditioner. Most units have clips or screws that you can easily remove.

• Remove the filters — Gently slide out the filters. These are typically located at the front or behind the front cover.

• Clean the filters — If the filters are reusable, wash them with warm water and mild detergent. Use a soft brush to remove stubborn dirt. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely before reinserting. If the filters are disposable, replace them with new ones.

Step 3: Clean the evaporator coils

• Access the coils — The evaporator coils are inside the unit, behind the filters.

• Remove dust — Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the coils.

• Start deep cleaning — Spray the coils with a mild detergent or a commercial coil cleaner. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down dirt and grime. Gently scrub the coils with a soft brush and wipe with a damp cloth.

Step 4: Clean the condenser coils (outdoor unit)

• Remove debris — Clear away any leaves, dirt and debris from around the outdoor unit.

• Access the coils — Remove the protective grille or cover using a screwdriver.

• Vacuum the coils — Use the vacuum cleaner to remove surface dirt.

• Hose down — Spray the coils with a garden hose to wash away the remaining dirt. Be careful not to bend the delicate fins. If necessary, use a fin comb to straighten bent fins.

Step 5: Clean the drain pan and drain line

• Locate the drain pan — The drain pan is usually located at the bottom of the indoor unit.

• Remove and clean — Remove the drain pan and clean it with soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

• Unclog the drain line — Use a vacuum or a long brush to clear any clogs in the drain line. You can also flush it with a mixture of water and vinegar to prevent mould growth.

Step 6: Clean the blower fan

• Access the fan — The blower is inside the indoor unit, usually near the evaporator coils.

• Vacuum and wipe — Use the vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the fan blades. Wipe the blades with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt.

Step 7: Reassemble and test the unit

• Reassemble — Once all components are clean and dry, reassemble the air conditioner by reinserting the filters, replacing the covers and securing any screws.

• Test — Plug in the air conditioner and turn it on to ensure everything works correctly. Check for any unusual noises or issues.

Additional tips for air conditioner maintenance

• Schedule regular cleaning — Clean your air conditioner filters every month, and thoroughly clean the entire unit at least twice a year.

• Check for leaks — Regularly inspect the unit for any signs of refrigerant leaks or other issues requiring professional attention.

• Keep the area clear — To allow proper airflow, ensure the area around the outdoor unit is free of plants, debris and other obstructions.

• Replace filters regularly — Replace disposable filters every one to three months to maintain optimal airflow and filtration.

• Monitor thermostat settings — Keep your thermostat at a consistent, energy-efficient temperature. Avoid extreme settings that can overwork your air conditioner.

• Keep coils clean — Regularly clean the evaporator and condenser coils to ensure efficient heat exchange and prevent overheating.

• Ensure proper insulation — Ensure your home is well-insulated to prevent cool air from escaping, reducing the workload on your air conditioner.

• Inspect fan blades — Check the fan blades for any signs of damage or dirt buildup. Clean or replace them as necessary to ensure smooth operation.

• Use ceiling fans — Ceiling fans help circulate cool air more efficiently, allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.

• Maintain drainage system — Ensure the condensate drain is clear and functioning properly to prevent water damage and reduce humidity levels.

• Shade your outdoor unit — Provide shade for your outdoor unit without obstructing airflow to help it run more efficiently and reduce energy consumption.

• Hire professionals — Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance service annually to ensure your air conditioner is in top condition.

When to seek professional help when cleaning your air conditioner

While regular cleaning can significantly improve your air conditioner’s performance, some issues might require professional assistance. If you notice any of the following, consider contacting a professional:

• Persistent poor airflow or cooling
• Strange noises or vibrations
• Water leaks from the indoor unit
• Foul smells or smoke

Ensure quality aircon cleaning with Jim’s Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your air conditioner is crucial to maintaining efficiency and ensuring a healthy indoor environment. Following our step-by-step guide can help keep your air conditioner running smoothly and allow you to enjoy cool, clean air throughout the year. 

Implementing these cleaning and maintenance practices will not only enhance your air conditioner’s performance but also extend its lifespan, saving you money on energy bills and costly repairs.
For professional cleaning services, including air conditioner maintenance, consider reaching out to experts like ours at Jim’s Cleaning, who can ensure thorough and efficient service. Request a free quote today.