Your home’s central air system is bound to get dirty over time. Dust, pet hair, leaves, and other debris all accumulate in your unit throughout a few sunny, humid summers. And if you live in an older house or one with many different rooms, you might have several systems to take care of. So, how to clean home AC system? Thankfully, the process of cleaning your AC system isn’t very taxing. All it takes is a bit of patience and diligence, along with the help of some simple household tools. Read on to find out how to clean your home AC system.
What is an Air Conditioner?
An air conditioning system is a machine that changes ambient air temperature. The most commonly used terms for this process are refrigeration, recirculation, and air-conditioning. These terms are used for convenience only and have no scientific or technical meaning. In general, the cooling process used in air conditioners is based on evaporation.
The air is pulled from the room (source) and then passed through a coil (heating) that changes the pressure and temperature of the air. This heat-conditioned air is then released into the room (sink) and cooled (again) before entering the coil.
Air conditioners are like refrigerators for your home, office, or other building – they change the air inside the building to make it more comfortable. Air conditioners can make it cooler or warmer – and they can also make it more comfortable. You can use an air conditioner during the summer to make your home more comfortable and an air conditioner in the winter to keep your building comfortable.
Air conditioners come in many different sizes and types. They can be fixed to a wall or portable enough to move from room to room. Some air conditioners are designed to cool an entire building, while others are designed to cool a single room or area. You can also buy air conditioners designed to cool food or beverages.
The Best Way to Dry the Room After AC Cleaning
Drying your room after cleaning your AC is important for cleaning your air conditioner and preventing mold and mildew. When using a dryer for this purpose, ensure you don’t use fabric softener, bleach, or other cleaners because these can damage your air conditioner. You can also use ceiling fans to speed up the process. Another option is to use a dehumidifier.
The best way to dry your room is to use ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are excellent for circulating air, which helps to cool the room much faster and prevents moisture buildup. You can also use a dehumidifier to speed up the process. In both cases, ensure you don’t directly blow air at your air conditioner. This will only worsen matters because now you’re drying your air conditioner while blowing dust and dirt into the room.
Frequent parts of air conditioners need special care
The compressor and condenser are usually the first parts to require cleaning. These parts are located in your ductwork and can become extremely dirty over time. Cleaning these parts will extend the life of your air conditioning system.
The evaporator, fan motor, and fan blade also require regular cleaning. These parts are much smaller than the compressor and condenser, so cleaning them doesn’t require special expertise.
The outside of your unit can also build up a layer of dirt over time, causing reduced cooling efficiency and increased energy costs. Cleaning this part will increase the lifespan of your air conditioner, so make sure to schedule an appointment with your technician if you want to clean it yourself.
Cleaning the AC System
Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature is just part of maintaining cleanliness. Your AC also plays an important role in keeping the air clean and dust-free, which is why you need to clean it periodically. AC cleaning is not that difficult once you are the know-how. And, with a bit of help from this guide, you’ll be AC cleaning like a pro in no time!
How To Clean Home AC System
The best way to clean your air conditioner is with the same cleaning products you use to clean your washing machine. These products are designed specifically for water-based systems like your air conditioner. You can use these products to clean your air conditioner, wash your clothes and cool off simultaneously. These cleaning products are also designed to break down odors, so they’ll help to reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
If you’re not sure how to use these products, don’t worry. All you need to do is follow the instructions on the bottle, and you’ll be cleaning your air conditioner in no time.
Step 1: Vacuum or Sweep the Base of the System
If you have a central air system that’s indoors, you’ll want to sweep the dust and debris off the base of the system first. This can be done manually with a broom, dustpan, or vacuum. If your air conditioner is located outdoors and is accessible, you might want to give the base a quick sweep, too. Even if you’ve got a large, remote unit, the dust that collects there can impact the efficiency of your unit.
Vacuum: If you’ve got a central air system with a unit located indoors, chances are you’ve got a vacuum handy. Most models are designed to clean air ducts and other interior surfaces, so they’re a great choice for cleaning your system’s base and walls.
Sweeper: If you’ve got a central air system with a unit located outdoors, you’ll probably have a sweeper handy. You might not think that cleaning the blades of a cylindrical sweeping tool is the most beneficial use of your time, but the truth is that the dust inside your central air unit affects your health. Cleaning your system will help you avoid respiratory issues and improve the efficiency of your cooling system.
Step 2: Wipe Down the Outside of the Unit
Once you’ve swept the base of the central air system, you’ll want to wipe down the outside of the unit. This includes the unit’s exterior, the exterior of the ductwork, and the ductwork itself. You can do this with a rag dampened with water or a cleaning solution. Try to wipe down the unit as thoroughly as possible, paying special attention to the walls, ductwork, and base. If you’ve got a window unit, be certain to clean the glass, including the frame.
Step 3: Clean the Inside of the System
Next, you’ll want to clean the inside of the central air system. You can do this using a bucket and microfiber towel. Before beginning, make sure that the unit is turned off and unplugged. You don’t want the unit sucking in dust or debris while cleaning it. Start by emptying the bucket into the unit. Then, use the microfiber towel to wipe down the inside of the unit, paying special attention to the fan coil and the fins. The fins are the vertical sides of the unit, and they’re where the air enters and exits from the unit. Remove any dust, hair, and other debris from these surfaces.
Step 4: Mop Excess Moisture and Debris
After removing the dust, hair, and debris inside the central air unit, you’ll want to remove the moisture accumulated on the wall, base, and fins. You can run the system for a few minutes, empty the bucket and wipe down the fins. If you’ve got a window unit, you can use a squeegee to remove any moisture or debris from the glass.
Step 5: Bucket and Microfiber Towel
A bucket is the best tool for mopping the inside of your central air system. Running the air conditioner for a few minutes will cause moisture and dust to accumulate on the room’s walls and floor. A bucket can be used to remove any excess moisture and dust buildup.
FAQs for Air Conditioning Maintenance
Now that you know what an air conditioner is let’s talk about how to clean it. You’ll need to clean your air conditioner at least once every six months. Cleaning your air conditioner will extend its lifespan, prevent the buildup of dirt and dust, and ensure that it’s operating at peak efficiency. The most important thing to remember when cleaning your air conditioner is not to get it wet. If you get it wet, dry it out as quickly as possible. You can clean your air conditioner with the same cleaning chemicals you use to clean your washing machine.
Your cleaning routine will depend on the make and model of your air conditioner. Most cleaning products are designed for water-based systems while cleaning agents for air conditioners are available. If your air conditioner doesn’t have a removable filter or cover, you’ll need to remove it before cleaning it.
How often should I clean my air conditioner?
Most air conditioners should be cleaned every six months or once a year. If you clean your air conditioner more frequently, you’ll prevent dust from building up, and your unit will last longer. How do I clean the air conditioner? Use a cleaning solution designed for air conditioners. If your air conditioner doesn’t have a removable filter or cover, you’ll need to remove it before cleaning it.
What if I get my air conditioner wet?
Your air conditioner is not designed to work when it’s wet. Make sure you dry it out as quickly as possible and schedule an appointment with your technician if it leaks.
Now that we’ve covered what an air conditioner is, how to clean it and how to dry the room after cleaning, let’s take a look at the frequent parts of air conditioners that need extra care. If your air conditioner is getting old or dirty, don’t wait until it breaks down to get it cleaned. Clean it regularly, and it’ll help extend its lifespan and prevent major issues in the future.
Three parts build up a lot of dust and dirt over time. These are the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. These parts are usually located in your ductwork, meaning you’ll need to clean them in your basement. Luckily, this is also the quickest and easiest part of the job.
If you’re unsure whether your air conditioner needs this kind of care, schedule an appointment with your technician. They’ll be able to tell you exactly what your unit needs from you. Now let’s take a closer look at these parts and how to clean them.
Conclusion
Your central air system is one of the most important parts of your home’s infrastructure. Keeping it clean will ensure you get the most out of it and don’t experience any malfunctions. Keeping your central air system clean is a simple process that doesn’t require too much effort or expense. All you need to do is vacuum the base, wipe it down and wipe it out from inside with a bucket and microfiber towel.
