How to Clean AC at Home

event
345 bookings near you
|
star
4.74 (25k reviews)
video-thumbnail-imgAC Servicing

Cleaning AC at Home – Learn How to Clean AC at Home with Simple Methods

If you want to know how to clean AC at home, a good understanding of the functioning is required. Your air conditioner contributes significantly towards making your house a haven of relaxation. Over time, you may notice that your unit is working hard to sustain the same degree of cooling. Hence, cleaning your air conditioner is an integral part of upkeep to help your equipment last longer. As a result, there will be fewer major repairs and a reduced energy cost.

You can clean your air conditioner for increased effectiveness with a bit of time, care, and technique. However, it requires an understanding of the internal as well as external parts like coils and evaporators. Here are some simple methods, tips and tricks on how to clean your AC in your home without paying hefty bills. In fact, there are also a lot of home AC cleaning kits available in the market. Go through the details to learn the functioning as well as practical ways to clean AC at home.

How to Clean Air Conditioner (AC) at Home – Methods?

To keep the coolant flowing and the cold air circulating, air conditioners use a set of fans and compressors that are constantly moving. Unfortunately, filters, coils, vents, and other functioning parts all gather dust and debris over time, so routine maintenance is required to maintain your air conditioner in top shape. Depending on the kind of air conditioner and the individual parts, a range of cleaning techniques is available. Here are some simple tips on ‘How to clean AC at home’ you need to do:

Vacuum

A vacuum may be used to cleanse the air conditioner’s significant elements, such as the entry panels and accompanying filters, and any additional dust-collecting screens or covers. To get the most incredible benefits, repeat this process every 90 to 120 days to maintain the air flowing freely. After removing the access panels, you may use the vacuum to clear general dust or dirt off the coils and other internal parts of the air conditioner.

Using High-Pressure Cleaning

A high-pressure cleaning comes in sound whether you have a split or window mounted system in a metallic box or an outdoor unit. The pressure washer allows you to wash the external covering and will enable you to blow clean all of the dirt and debris fixated in the interior. Please turn off the unit while you’re doing this, and keep it off for at least another 24 hours. It will ensure that each of the components has entirely dried.

Now, depending on the type of AC you own, the cleaning methods might differ.

How to Clean Window AC at Home?

Window air conditioners are enormous, heavy, and require a relatively narrow windowpane to sit on. So replacing them frequently isn’t an appealing prospect. But they also need to be kept clean! A clogged air conditioner can only bring you issues.

Issues with dust, air quality, and energy bills, to name a few. So, is it possible to clean a window air conditioner without having to remove it? The answer is YES! To start with, you need to follow these steps to clean the window AC at home:

    • Turn off the power supply as the first and foremost step.
    • Get rid of the grill and the filter, and finally, the case of the unit.
    • Get a vacuum and spray to clean the inner parts of the team.
    • Clean the condenser coils and reassemble the conditioner unit.

Cleaning a Split AC at Home

Split air conditioners are a popular type of cooling system because of their small, ductless design. The inner unit resembles a long rectangle installed into your home’s wall, but the outdoor unit reaches a giant metal carton. Remember, any air conditioner is only as good as its internal workings. Therefore, it’s critical to inspect and clean your split AC regularly. Here are the different ways on how to service your split AC at home.

How to Clean Split Ac Unit Outdoor at Home? 

    • Ensure that the power is turned off. Remove the sheet metal screws from the top of the device. Lift the fan unit and grille once you’ve removed them. Most units have enough cable slack to lay the top down and lean it against the wall without disconnecting any wires.
    • The quantity of trash at the bottom of the air conditioner will vary depending on the unit. Because entry-level versions typically lack guards that prevent debris from entering the fan unit via the top, you may even find leaves or tiny twigs in the base pan.
    • You may either scoop up the debris manually or use your vacuum to get everything out.
    • Clean the AC coils and fins now. You’ll need a coil cleaning solution, which may be found at any home improvement store. It should be noted that condenser coil cleaning is highly acidic and can cause burns. Because the vapours are hazardous, you should not use this cleaning on your interior coils.
    • Add your cleaning solution to your pump sprayer after mixing or diluting it according to the recommendations. It should be sprayed upon the coils. It will froth up in a few minutes and maybe be washed away with the hose.
    • This is not a job for a power washer. The fins are fragile, and pressure can eradicate them.
    • Try to sort the Air Conditioner’s Fins since bent fins restrict airflow. Thus, this is an important step. The best method to do this is to get a fin tool. These low-cost kits include teeth that allow you to comb a specific number of fins per inch. All that remains is to search the fins back into place delicately.
    • Remove the fan cage and reattach it to the device using the screws you removed earlier. To ensure optimal airflow, ensure that the unit’s space is free for at least 2 feet in all directions.

How to Clean the Inside Units of a Split Ac at Home? 

You can get the answers to ‘How to clean split AC indoor unit at home?’ in these simple steps:

    • If the air conditioner is presently being used, it will contain moisture and maybe water. It is critical to dry the air conditioner before actually beginning the cleansing process. Configure the air conditioner to ‘Fan Mode’ and leave it on for 30-40 minutes to dry the moisture.
    • Now, unplug the machine from the power supply. Before you begin disassembling your air conditioner for cleanup, be assured there is no power supply to it.
    • After detachment, unfasten the air filters, remove the bacteria filters.
    • After successfully removing the air filters, dust them and wash them with a mild soap. Now rinse off with cold water to remove any remaining dirt and grime. Rub the filters lightly with a sponge or cleaning pad to remove any remaining dust particles.
    • Similarly, you can also clean the bacteria filter.
    • Now let’s move on to the cooling fins. The cooling fins resemble a series of metal bars fitted into the AC and are exposed after the air filters are removed. Wipe down the dirt from the cooling fins with the help of an air blower.
    • Now clean the coils. The coils are circular metal components that may be cleaned quickly with a no-rinse evaporator spray. Allow the evaporator cleaner to settle on the coils for 20-30 minutes before wiping it away.
    • Then, sanitize the coils and fins where toxins are most prone to develop using an antifungal spray.
    • Reinstall the air and bacteria filters inside the air conditioner. Wipe away all moisture with a dry towel before you fix them.
    • Disconnect the AC drain pipe that connects the interior and outdoor units. Dislodge the AC tubing with the aid of a pressured nozzle and force of water or cleaner. Allow the drain line to air dry for at least two hours before reconnecting the pipe and turning on the AC.
    • Now start the power supply to the AC unit to be sure the equipment is working fine.

How to Clean Central AC at Home? 

Vacuum the compressor unit and change the inner air filter to clean the central air conditioner. The air conditioner unit should be serviced once a year to ensure that it continues to function correctly.

    • You must turn off the power supply before dismantling any part of the condenser.
    • Cleaning the condenser fins using the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner will remove the dirt and allow the condenser to suck in the air without restriction.
    • Some condenser fins can get bent as a result of regular wear. If you find any of the fins are crooked or twisted, gently straighten them with a knife or cooking tool. Bend the fins back into place with moderate, steady pressure.
    • Remove the wire on top of the fan using a screwdriver, then unscrew and remove the fan itself.
    • Rinse any debris from the fan’s blades using your garden hose. You may also wipe the fan blades clean with a clean cloth to ensure that they are clean.
    • When you’ve cleaned the fan blades and the interior of the compressor, it’s time to reassemble everything. Replace the fan and re-insert the screws that attach it to the metal frame. Do the same with the metal wiring that runs over the top of the fan.
    • Now you can switch on the power supply.
    • To clean the inner unit, use the same steps as for the split ac.

Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Your Air Conditioner

There are a few things you should keep in mind before learning how to thoroughly clean your AC unit:

    • It will take time for this to happen. Spend around an hour and a half on the task at hand.
    • There will be some cleaning that calls for dexterity and accurate motions.
    • To finish the cleaning, specific instruments might be required.

Although you can perform this kind of maintenance on your own, a professional may be more qualified for the job given the patience and fine motor skills needed. If your AC unit is very dirty it’s best to hire professional cleaners.

How to Clean Split AC Filter At Home? 

Wondering how to clean the central AC filter in the house? Cleaning the AC filter helps in cleaning the indoor air quality.

There are various ways to clean the AC filter. Some of those ways are:

    • Turn off the power source.
    • Vacuum the filter and wash it.
    • Replace the filter and repeat it frequently.

AC Condenser Clogged? Here’s How to Know

To determine if your AC condenser is clogged, look out for the following signs:

    1. Reduced airflow: If you notice weak or limited airflow from your AC vents, it could indicate a clogged condenser.
    1. Poor cooling performance: If your AC system is struggling to cool your space effectively, a clogged condenser may be the culprit.
    1. Increased energy consumption: A clogged condenser forces your AC system to work harder, resulting in higher energy consumption and utility bills.
    1. Overheating of the outdoor unit: Touch the exterior of the AC condenser; if it feels excessively hot, it could be a sign of a clog obstructing proper heat dissipation.
    1. Unusual noises: A clogged condenser may cause strange noises like rattling, hissing, or banging, indicating a potential airflow obstruction.

Condenser Coils and Evaporator Coils: What’s The Difference?

It is helpful to have a basic understanding of how your AC system operates before you begin cleaning it. Each of the internal and outdoor parts of an air conditioner contains a certain type of coil that needs to be cleaned.

Evaporator coils are located in the interior of the appliance. These coils typically consist of coolant and are composed of copper, a material that readily transfers heat. The refrigerant evaporates to a gas form as warm air travels over the coils, absorbing heat in the process.

The heated air is then transferred via the refrigerant to the outdoor unit, where it travels through the compressor and condenser coil. The compressor now transforms the refrigerant back into a liquid condition. An exhaust fan then assists the condenser coil in discharging heat into the surrounding air.

You must work on both the inside and outside parts of your air conditioner in order to clean it.

Our crew is prepared to assist you with cleaning, diagnosing, and fixing any issues you may be experiencing if you feel overwhelmed by the intricacy of cleaning your air conditioning unit or if you worry that it may need extra maintenance. To arrange an AC expert’s visit, get in touch with us right away.

How to Clean AC Evaporator Coils Inside the House?

With the help of the simple instructions given below, you can easily clean the evaporator coils:

    • It would help if you had a mixture of warm water with a detergent such as a spray bottle, garden sprayer, or hand sprayer.
    • Next, apply the mixture to the coils that need to be cleaned.
    • Let the debris loosen as the mixture rests for some time and clean it with the help of a dry cloth.

The suggestions mentioned above answer the most important questions like, ‘How to clean AC at home?’ and others. With these guidelines, AC Cleaning at home is no more a hassle! However, If you are overwhelmed by the intricacy of cleansing your air conditioning unit, or if you are concerned that it could require extra maintenance, our staff is here to assist you with cleaning, diagnosing, and repairing any problems you may be experiencing. Contact us immediately to set up an appointment with an AC professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can I have a clean AC at home?

Ans. You need to clean from the outside as well as inside of the AC. But you need to learn about the internal as well as external functioning of the AC.

Q2. How often should I clean my AC?

Ans. For efficient results, cleaning every month would be better. However, the best time is around the arrival of the hot season.

Q3. Why do I need to flush my AC system?

Ans. The internal parts of the air conditioner can collect and retain some dirt and impurities in the form of debris attached to the elements. To prevent this from disrupting the functioning, you need to flush the AC system.

Q4. Is it mandatory to have a home AC cleaning kit?

Ans. Yes, for a thorough and efficient system cleaning, having a home AC cleaning kit is necessary. Check online for the best quality kits.

Q5. What are some things to keep in mind while cleaning AC myself at home?

Ans. There are some primary guidelines like stopping the power supply, having all the protective equipment, and using the right chemicals.