How to Clean Air Conditioners Without a Professional

Nothing is more satisfying than stepping into a cold, fresh home when summer heat sets in. But did you consider the importance of clean air conditioners to maintain an optimal indoor environment for comfort and health?

Dirty air filters can cause unwanted problems like overheating, increased consumption, and high costs for long-term use. And YES, it can affect your health because if your AC is not functioning well, you’ll end up breathing unclean and stagnant air.

Plus, inadequate cooling can lead to the most common problem, an uncomfortable temperature in your room. And there is no doubt that air quality plays a vital role in setting up your mood, and who wants a low mood in summer?

Regular cleaning of your air conditioning unit does more than improve its potency and lifetime. It also contributes to a better quality of the air you’re breathing. In this article below, we’ll discuss how cleaning your AC can enhance its efficiency and let you live the summer you desire and enjoy!

Tools you need to clean your air conditioners

Cleaning your air conditioner regularly prevents the accumulation of filth and debris. It also increases its longevity. Using the right tools in cleaning is vital to make it more effective.

Screwdriver: When cleaning your air conditioner, a screwdriver is a must-have instrument. It makes it simple to remove the front grille of your AC unit to access and clean the inside components. To avoid any mishaps, make sure the equipment is disconnected before beginning any cleaning.
Cloth: A soft cloth is vital for cleaning the surfaces of your air conditioner. It aids with the removal of dust, filth, and other particles that collect on the outside. Microfiber cloths are an excellent choice since they are soft on the surface with good dust-trapping properties. Dampen the cloth with a light cleaning solution to remove harder stains or sticky residue.
Soft brush: A gentle brush is required to clean your air conditioner’s delicate fins and coils effectively. These brushes typically have tiny bristles that can remove debris without damaging the surface.
Spray bottle: For tough filth and grime, a spray bottle filled with water and mild detergent is suitable.

A step-by-step guide on how to clean air conditioners

Step 1: Get Ready

To avoid errors, ensure the air conditioner is switched off and removed from the power supply.
Prepare all of the essential equipment and supplies that we discussed above.

Step 2: Take Off the Front Grille

Find the screws that keep the front grille in place. They are often found on the unit’s top or bottom border.
Remove the screws with caution using a good screwdriver.
Set aside all the screws you removed in a secure location; you do not want to lose these.
Lift and remove the front grille from the air conditioner gently.

Step 3: Clean the Outside

You can begin by wiping off the air conditioner’s external surfaces using a soft microfiber cloth. This aids in the removal of dust, debris, and grime.
Dampen the cloth with the mixture you had put in the spray bottle.
Gently wipe the affected regions if there are persistent stains or sticky residue.
Make sure that no liquid enters the inner components.

Step 4: Cleaning the AC’s fins and coils

Brush the air conditioner’s fins and coils gently with the soft brush. To remove accumulated dirt and debris, use gentle sweeping movements.
Pay special attention to places with a lot of accumulation and dirty residues.
During the cleaning procedure, take care not to bend or harm the delicate fins.

Step 5: Cleaning Solution Usage

Using the spray bottle filled with the cleaning solution, spray lightly onto the coils, fins, and other easily reached areas of the internal components.
Allow for a few minutes for the solution to soak in and soften the dirt.
Be cautious: Excessive water or strong chemicals should be avoided since they might harm the components.

Step 6: Agitation and Dirt Removal

Gently stir the cleaning solution on the coils and fins with the soft brush once more. This will aid in the removal of any leftover dirt or debris.
To avoid harming the fins, avoid applying too much pressure.
Using the soft cloth once again, wipe away the surfaces thoroughly.

Step 7: Cooling and putting the unit back

After the cleaning part, please let your air conditioner dry and make sure that no liquid has entered the internal components.
To avoid the formation of dampness or mold, ensure that all parts are fully dry.
When the front grille is dry, gently reconnect it by attaching it with the screws left aside.

Following this guide, you have successfully cleaned your AC using the right tools with easy, safe steps. Finally, you can do a random check-up by turning your AC on and ensuring you haven’t left any loose components.

How often to clean your air conditioner?

Cleaning your air conditioner is determined by various factors, including consumption, environment, and manufacturer recommendations. In general, it is advised that you clean your air conditioner at least once a year. If you live in a dusty region, have pets, or notice problems in your unit, you may need to clean it more frequently. Regular maintenance and cleaning help keep dust and debris at bay, guaranteeing optimal airflow and energy efficiency.

Read More: The Best Portable Air Conditioners

When to call a pro?

Lack of experience: Call trained technicians if you have no idea how your AC system works. If you clean without knowledge, it may cause further damage.
Complex repair: Electrical issues, leaks in refrigerant, or motor failures should be addressed by professional personnel with the requisite skills and understanding. These problems can’t be solved by cleaning your AC.
Safety concerns: It is critical to get expert assistance if you detect any weird scents, strange noises, excessive vibrations, or other signs. Such issues may mean electrical concerns or damaged system integrity.
System performance issues: Performance issues such as breakdowns, inadequate cooling, etc. With their essential tools and experience, professionals can identify such problems.

I hope this guide will help you ensure a clean, properly functioning air conditioner with prolonged longevity and healthier living space!