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Air Conditioning Unit Cleaning: Best Practices

how to clean an air conditioning unit

Air conditioning units need regular cleaning to function effectively through the summer. Dust buildup in the system can reduce its efficiency, and your indoor air quality will worsen if you continue to run a dirty air conditioner.

Below, the professional team at the #1 company for air conditioning services in Tampa Bay looks at the best practices for air conditioning unit cleaning to ensure you do the job right.

Turn Off the Power Supply

It’s dangerous to clean an air conditioner while the system is running. Turn it off and disconnect the power. Even better, you can shut down the system from your breaker box.

Clean Your AC Filters

The filters in your AC unit trap dust, allergens, and other pollutants while the system runs.

Over time, they will get too dirty, so you should clean them at least twice a year. However, some air conditioners do not have reusable filters. In this case, you have to replace the filters.

Replacing AC filters for a window unit is straightforward, but it’s trickier on central or commercial air conditioners.

Clean the Condenser Coils

To begin this part of air conditioning unit cleaning, you need to first unscrew and remove the protective grilles. Be careful to avoid cutting any wires.  

You can clean the coils using a soft brush, but be gentle during the cleaning process, as the coil fins are delicate. Clean the coils from the outside first, then move indoors to complete the cleaning with a vacuum.

If you have caked-on dirt and debris on the coils, you can clean them off from the inside using a designated air conditioner coil cleaner. Be careful when using this option to avoid spraying electrical components.

You can also use a garden hose to remove dirt from the coils. To effectively use this option, you must cover the electrical parts with a plastic bag.

Clean the Condenser Unit

Dried leaves and debris often accumulate at the bottom of an air conditioner condenser. The drain compartment will also get dirty. Take the time to clean these compartments with a household cleaning brush and some rags.

Clean the blower fan blades with a rag. After this, it’s time for some light maintenance work.

Apply a few drops of WD-40 or other such lightweight oil around the motor. Finally, clear any vines, twigs, and branches growing too close to the condenser unit, as they may prevent airflow through the condenser unit.

Get Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance Services

Air conditioning unit cleaning sounds like a simple DIY job, especially for owners of split and window unit systems. However, with so many fragile parts to avoid, you risk damaging your air conditioner if you’re inexperienced.

Hiring a team of heating and cooling experts from AirZone Air Conditioning & Heating for your air conditioning unit cleaning accomplishes two things. First, the technicians will clean your air conditioner thoroughly. Secondly, they will complete minor maintenance work to keep your unit working perfectly through the summer. 

Schedule a cleaning today by contacting AirZone!

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