Essential Equipment for Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Unit

4-in-1 Screwdriver

Air Conditioners have an interior and exterior unit. Bolts and screws are used to secure both units. Thus, you’ll need to remove the grilles. Use a screwdriver to remove the fasteners and gain access to the coils.

If you are working on a window air conditioner, remove the mounting frame and case. The case screws are usually located on the bottom edge. Pay attention to the position of the odd-length screws, as they will need to be returned to the same position during assembly. If you do not do this, the air conditioner will not work correctly.

Vacuum

Once you’ve disconnected and removed the AC grille, use a wet/dry vacuum to clean leaves and other debris found inside the AC unit. For thorough cleaning, opt for a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to suck up accumulated dust and dirt.

Gently vacuum the condenser fins in an up-and-down motion. Vacuuming the fins from side-to-side can easily break and bend them. If you have a pet, you may need to go over the filter a few times to get as much hair out as possible. When pumping the vacuum, do not push the filter too hard. If you press too hard, it may tear or warp.

Hose

Before you re-install the fan unit, take a hose and spray the unit from the inside out. Use the gentle pressure of the garden hose to remove dirt and debris that may have accumulated between the fins. Never use a pressure washer. The high pressure will damage the delicate fins. Also, don’t forget to hose off loose debris found on the exterior component of the AC.

Soft Brush

Inside the evaporator coil, use a soft brush to remove dust from the coil. Gently scrub the fin-shaped aluminum fins of the outdoor unit from top to bottom. For heavy accumulations, specifically use a nylon-bristle brush in the direction of the fins.

Pump Sprayer

You’ll need a cleaning solution when cleaning the AC coils and fins. A pump sprayer is used for storing and administering your cleaning solution. Follow any given instructions for mixing or diluting the cleaning solution before adding it to the pump sprayer.

Spray on both sides of the filter and wait 10 minutes for the solution to kill bacteria. Rinse the filter under running water before continuing. Then, spray on both the surfaces of the coils and let the foam work. Lastly, spray the exterior equipment with the coil cleaner. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes while the cleaner foams and mixes with the dirt on the coil. Rinse the coil cleaner with a hose.

Fin Comb

This step is important to maintain efficiency since bent fins reduce airflow. The best way to solve this problem is to buy a fin comb. This inexpensive tool has teeth that can comb several fins per inch. Make sure the number of fins per inch on your device is aligned correctly.

All you have to do is carefully reposition the comb with the fins. Align the right end of the air conditioner fin comb with that of the coil fins. Then insert the air conditioner fin comb and pull it up to straighten the fins. Wear leather gloves to avoid cuts.

Conclusion

An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and condenser fins require regular maintenance for the appliance to operate efficiently and effectively. Regular cleaning means a significant reduction in repair costs and energy costs. A well-maintained air conditioner also equals a healthy home or work environment. The importance of maintaining an air conditioner hence can’ be stressed enough.

In case you require assistance in cleaning your air condition unit, you can seek out professions to do it for you. It is essential to have the right person for the job to ensure it’s done well. If you live around the Brisbane area, be sure to check for professional Brisbane Air Con Installation and maintenance services.

Autobiography

Eric Reyes is a passionate thought leader having been featured in 50 distinguished online and offline platforms. His passion and knowledge in Finance and Business made him a sought after contributor providing valuable insights to his readers. You can find him reading a book and discussing current events in his spare time.