How to Clean Your Air Conditioner: A Step-by-Step Guide

Is your air conditioner not cooling your home as efficiently as before? It might be time for a thorough cleaning. Cleaning your air conditioner regularly can help improve its performance, extend its lifespan, and ensure clean and fresh air for your home.

You can hire a professional air conditioning technician to clean your aircon unit, but you don't have to as with a few easy steps, you can clean your air conditioner like a pro and save money in the process. In this article, you can follow our step-by-step guide to restore your air conditioner's performance and keep those energy bills in check.

Why Clean Your Air Conditioner?

Don't wait for your air conditioner to struggle or break down! Regular cleaning is a simple, proactive step that helps you avoid costly repairs and unexpected discomfort during hot weather. The benefits of cleaning your air con units include:

• Improves indoor air quality
• Enhances energy efficiency
• Prevents breakdowns and costly repairs
• Extends the lifespan of your aircon system

Essential Tools and Necessary Cleaning Supplies

Before you start cleaning your air conditioner, it's important to take some preparation and safety measures to ensure a smooth and safe cleaning process.

To clean your air conditioner like a pro, you will need a few essential cleaning supplies. Gather the following items before you begin:

• Screwdriver: You may need to remove screws to access certain parts of your air conditioner
• Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment: This will help you remove dust and debris from various surfaces
• Soft brush or paintbrush: Use this to gently clean delicate parts
• Fin comb or straightening tool: This tool will help you straighten bent fins on the outdoor unit
• Water hose with a spray nozzle: Use this to wash away debris and dirt
• Mild detergent or coil cleaner: This will help you remove stubborn dirt and grime

Make sure you have all these supplies within reach before you start cleaning your air conditioner.

Preparation and Safety Measures

Before diving into cleaning your air conditioner, prioritise preparation and safety. First and foremost, always turn off the power to the unit at the circuit breaker or isolator switch, don't just rely on the remote control.

Protect yourself by wearing gloves to avoid cuts from sharp components and safety glasses if you'll be using cleaning sprays. Gather your cleaning solutions, vacuum, and any necessary screwdrivers in a clean workspace.

While basic cleaning is manageable for most people, be aware of your limits – tasks like cleaning the external unit's coils might be best handled by a professional. Remember, safety is always the top priority when dealing with electrical appliances, even when switched off.

How to Clean a Split System Air Conditioner

Step 1: Turn off the power

Before you start any maintenance on your air conditioner, it's important to turn off the power. This will prevent you from getting shocked or accidentally starting the unit while you're working on it. To turn off the power, locate the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the air conditioner and turn it off.

Step 2: Clean the filters

The air conditioner filters are responsible for trapping dust, dirt, and other particles from the air. Over time, these particles can build up and clog the filters, restricting airflow and reducing the efficiency of the unit. To clean the filters, simply remove them from the unit and wash them with soap and water. Allow the filters to dry completely before reinstalling them.

Step 3: Clean the evaporator coils

The evaporator coils are located inside the air conditioner unit and are responsible for absorbing heat from the air. Over time, these coils can become coated with dirt and grime, which can reduce their efficiency. To clean the evaporator coils, you can use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Be careful not to damage the coils while cleaning them.

Step 4: Clean the condenser coils (outdoor unit)

The condenser coils are located on the outside of the air conditioner unit and are responsible for releasing heat from the unit. Over time, these coils can become coated with dirt, leaves, and other debris, which can reduce their efficiency. To clean the condenser coils, you can use a garden hose with a nozzle to spray the coils clean. Be careful not to damage the coils while cleaning them.

Step 5: Clear the drain line

The drain line is responsible for draining water from the air conditioner unit. Over time, the drain line can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can cause water to leak from the unit. To clear the drain line, you can use a wire hanger or a wet/dry vacuum to clear the clog.

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Conditioner?

Most manufacturers recommend a thorough cleaning of your air conditioner at least once a year. However, the optimal cleaning frequency depends on several factors:

Usage: If your AC runs non stop during hot weather, you might need to clean it more often, perhaps twice a year.

Environment: Dusty areas, homes with pets, or if someone in the house has allergies, can necessitate more frequent filter cleaning.

Type of System: Central ducted air conditioners may require professional cleaning more often due to their complexity.

Don't wait for a breakdown entirely; keep an eye (and nose) out for these signs your AC needs attention:

Reduced airflow: Weak airflow from the vents indicates it's struggling.

Musty odours: This could signal mould growth inside the unit.

Increased energy bills: A clogged AC works harder, driving up electricity costs.

Remember, regular cleaning is preventative maintenance. It saves you money and helps ensure reliable cooling when you need it most.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Air Conditioner

Cleaning your air conditioner is worthwhile, but a few missteps can cause more harm than good. Here's how to avoid these common mistakes:

• Not turning off the power: This is a major safety hazard! Always disconnect power at the breaker or isolator switch, not just via the remote.
• Using harsh cleaners on coils: Some chemicals can damage the delicate fins of evaporator and condenser coils. Stick to recommended coil cleaners or mild soapy water.
• Neglecting to rinse: If a cleaning solution requires rinsing, do so thoroughly. Leftover residue can attract dirt or cause corrosion.
• Bending coil fins: These fins are easily damaged. Use a soft brush and gentle movements during cleaning. Damaged fins severely reduce efficiency.
• Skipping professional maintenance: While DIY cleaning is great, some tasks are best left to professional HVAC technicians. We have the tools and expertise to deep clean your system and spot potential issues.

An Overview of Cleaning Your Air Conditioning

Cleaning your air conditioner regularly is important for optimal performance and clean air in your home. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• Ensure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies before starting the cleaning process
• Make sure there is proper ventilation by opening windows and doors
• Turn off the power supply to prevent accidents and injuries
• Shut off both the outdoor and indoor units of your air conditioner
• Clean the outdoor unit by removing debris, cleaning the fins and coils, and clearing drainage channels
• Dust and wipe down surfaces, clean the blower and fan, and inspect for mould or mildew in the indoor unit
• Remove and clean filters, and replace them if necessary
• Check for leaks and any damage to the air conditioner
• Test the air conditioner after cleaning to ensure proper functioning
• Schedule regular cleanings and maintenance checks to keep your air conditioner in top shape

When to Call a Professional Air Con Technician

While basic air conditioner cleaning is a great DIY task, there are times when calling a professional is the best course of action. Getting your air conditioner professionally serviced and cleaned means that not only will your aircon system be performing to its optimal, our technicians have the knowledge and tools to diagnose problems and conduct complex repairs.

For the best, and most thorough, air conditioning maintenance and cleaning services throughout Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast, Redland, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast, call our friendly All Purpose team on 1300 405 295 or complete our online enquiry form.