Regularly cleaning and servicing your air conditioner is the best way to make sure it remains in great working order for years to come. If you feel unsure about any of the steps in this post, just give us a call and we can talk you through the best methods for cleaning your AC unit.
Here are some quick tips for cleaning your air conditioner:
Turn the Power Off
The first step before cleaning any part of your AC is to turn off all power running to the AC unit. This means turn off any power points it’s plugged into and, if possible, turn it off at the circuit board.
Clean/Replace Indoor Unit Filters
Your indoor air con unit has air filters that need regular cleaning (or possibly replacing – if you’re not sure whether your filters are reusable, consult your air con manual). This is usually a simple process of opening your indoor unit’s plastic cover and removing the filter (there may be more than one).
Once you have dislodged the filters, take them outside and give them a shake (you can hit them gently against something to dislodge stubborn dust) and then vacuum them or wipe them with a dry rag. If the filters are particularly dirty, you can wash them in warm water with some mild detergent and then rinse them clean. Make sure that they are completely dry before putting them back inside the AC unit.
Manufacturers recommend that you clean the filter/s every few weeks, however it really depends on how much you use your air con. We recommend that you at least clean your filters a few times per year – giving them particular attention before and after peak use periods like summer and winter.
Why do you need to clean the filters? Because clogged or dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce the efficiency of air con systems. They also cause dust, dirt and allergens to be circulated around your home or business.
Clean the Louvres
Depending on the make of your AC unit, you may be able to remove the indoor unit’s louvres (the oscillating blades that direct air flow). If you can remove these louvres, we recommend that you clean them (and the space behind them in the AC unit) thoroughly every 2 months or so. You can do this with a dry cloth or a vacuum cleaner.
Maintain the Outdoor AC Area
Make sure that the area where your outdoor unit sits is clear of surrounding grass, leaves, plants, vines, cobwebs and dirt, as these can interfere with the efficiency of the condenser coil. We also recommend that you run your vacuum cleaner along the air intake section, as this helps to clear dust from the inside.
Hire a Professional
There are many other components of your AC unit that need cleaning/maintaining, like the condenser/evaporator coils, coil fins and condensate drains. Although you can clean these parts yourself, if anything goes wrong you could void your warranty, damage the components or harm yourself. For ensured safety and security, we recommend that you hire a professional, who will be able to:
- Clean intricate components
- Ensure correct refrigerant levels
- Test for refrigerant leaks
- Capture any refrigerant that needs to be evacuated from the system (rather than illegally releasing it to the atmosphere)
- Check for/seal duct leakage in central systems
- Measure airflow through the evaporator coil
- Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary
- Oil motors
- Check belts for tightness and wear
- Check the accuracy of the thermostat
Contact Electrolite
To keep your air conditioner in great shape, we recommend that you have it professionally cleaned and serviced every year. If you have any questions about how to clean your air conditioner – or how we can help – contact our team or give us a ring on 07 3712 065. We provide a range of electrical and air conditioning services in Brisbane West suburbs including Kenmore, Indooroopilly, Inala, Chapel Hill, Forest Lake and many others.
