How to Clean an AC Unit

Summer has officially arrived, and most people’s hydro bills are skyrocketing. Plus, many people face issues with their AC blowing warm air in the summer.

Thankfully, there is a solution to both of these problems. Cleaning your AC unit can lower your energy use drastically. It can also keep your AC unit blowing cool all summer long.

Calling a professional for AC cleaning can cost over $100. But, you can also get the job done yourself with a few supplies and about an hour of your time.

Just follow these simple steps on how to clean an AC unit, and you’ll be lowering your energy use in no time! Read on to learn more.

1. Turn Off Your AC Unit

Always put your safety first, especially when it comes to DIY methods. The first thing you should do before you get started is turn off your AC unit. This is a crucial step, as you could hurt yourself or your unit if you leave the power connected during washing.

To turn your unit off, look for a shut-off box outdoors. It should be located somewhere close to your AC unit. Then, you need to go to your breaker box indoors and turn your unit off there as well. Do not continue until you have completed this step.

2. Remove Debris

After you have safely turned off your unit, begin cleaning up the area and removing debris. Take a close look at your AC unit and gently remove any stuck leaves and twigs by hand, if possible.

Look for clumps of dirt and debris stuck between the fins. You can even use a toothbrush to remove dirt and dust from the fins. Once all the debris are removed from your unit, it will be so much easier to clean and hose down.

3. Prepare the Area

Prepare your unit for cleaning by getting the surrounding area ready. Look for overgrown landscaping that is located near the unit. This includes tree limbs and shrubbery.

Now is the time to trim any trees or bushes blocking the area with gardening shears. This will allow the air to circulate more freely around the AC unit, making your unit more efficient.

You should also avoid surrounding the unit with fencing or other structures like sheds. This can also block airflow and even cause damage to your structure or AC unit. Provide the unit with a wide berth of three to six feet by removing any fencing or overhang blocking it.

4. Clean the Fins

The next step is to clean and straighten the fins. You should begin cleaning the fins by hosing them off from the inside out to wash away tough dirt and debris.

Repairing your air conditioning system promptly can help extend its life, but keeping your unit clean can also make a huge difference. However, if cleaning doesn’t work, you can hire a professional for ac unit repair, or replace your AC unit completely. Not sure which is the right choice?

According to FurnacePrices.ca, many factors come into play when determining if you need a new AC unit. So, you’ll want to do your research before making a decision.

5. Clean the Air Filter

Cleaning or replacing your air filter is an essential step in the AC unit cleaning process. Air filters are a vital part of a healthy HVAC system, yet they are often overlooked. You breathe cleaner air with this lightweight barrier that traps dust, allergens, and other debris.

A good blast from the garden hose will clean the reusable type of air filter. However, if further buildup occurs, you should replace it. Don’t use too strong a stream of water to avoid damaging your air filter and the coils inside your unit.

Do not clean your AC unit with a harsh hose stream or power washer. Power washers and harsh streams can damage sensitive parts of the unit that cool down the air. Simply use the water hose and place your thumb over one portion of the end of it if you need to make the stream stronger to remove the dirt.

6. Check and Clean the Coils

Check and clean the coils inside the condenser. Accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris on the coils can negatively impact the performance of the cooling system. After giving this a good vacuum, make sure to hose down the area to remove any lingering debris.

Make sure not to damage the coils when you are cleaning them. In addition, be careful not to bend or bend the delicate coils or fins.

Once the outside of the AC condenser coils have been cleaned, vacuum the AC condenser coils from the inside, and then gently wipe down the fan blades with a wet rag. If you see that the fins are bent, you can straighten them with a fin comb.

How Often Should I Clean My AC Unit?

Just like your car, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance. Regularly cleaning your air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins will ensure peak efficiency. In addition to shortening the life of your AC unit, failure to do this could lead to costly repair calls.

Neglecting your AC unit will cause its performance to deteriorate while using more energy, which will increase your utility bills. The costs of wasted energy often exceed the cost of a simple tune-up performed by yourself or even a licensed air conditioning contractor.

Now You Know How to Clean an AC Unit

With these steps on how to clean an AC unit, you’ll be well on your way to lowering your energy bill. If you’re still having issues or you’re not comfortable cleaning an ac unit, it’s best to call a professional.

Do you need more home maintenance tips and tricks? Check out more on our blog!