Keeping your air conditioner clean is essential for optimal performance and efficiency. It's important to take steps to minimize dirt and debris near the condensing unit, such as dryer vents, leaf fall, and lawnmower clippings. Regular maintenance should include vacuuming with a brushless accessory to remove dust and pet hair. Additionally, you should remove debris from the outside, vacuum or wash dirt from the vents and grilles, and change or wash the filters as recommended by the unit manufacturer.
For more thorough maintenance of central air conditioning systems or if something is wrong, it is best to call a professional. This will save you money and extend the life of your heat pump or air conditioning unit. Air conditioners have an interior component and an exterior component, each containing a different type of coil that must be cleaned. The cold coil absorbs heat from the air and cools it before the air circulates back to your home.
Condensation from air conditioner coils contains bacteria that can form sludge and clog the drain pipe of the condensate tray. From there, the refrigerant transfers the hot air to the outdoor unit, from where it passes through the compressor to the condenser coil. To clean your air conditioner, you must work on both the interior and exterior components of the unit. It's important to disconnect the power to the switch box for safety reasons. Dirty filters obstruct airflow, reducing efficiency, increasing energy bills, and perhaps even making unnecessary repairs.
In addition to replacing the air filters, make sure you also clean the outdoor condenser. An easy way to keep up with maintenance is to make sure that the system is kept as clean as possible. Cleaning your air conditioner in spring before putting it into operation will help it work better during hot summer days. When it's time to pack your home air conditioner condenser after summer make sure you cover it with heavy plywood. Cleaning your air conditioner is a fundamental element of maintenance that will keep your system in good condition for longer. Regular cleaning and maintenance will save you money and extend the life of your heat pump or air conditioning unit.
