An air conditioning unit consists of a compressor, cooling tubes, a fan, and an internal unit that cools the air.To clean the unit, you will need to replace the inside air filter and vacuum the compressor unit.The air conditioner unit needs to be cleaned every year.
Step 1: The power to the unit should be turned off.
There should be an outdoor shut off.This will look like a square box on the wall.You can slide the switch to theOFF position inside.You will need to manually pull the plug if there is no switch.The power supply needs to be turned off before you disassemble the condenser.If you cannot find the power outlet where the compressor unit is plugged in, or if you are more cautious, you can simply flip the switch to "OFF" in the circuit breaker box which controls power to the AC condenser.
Step 2: The fins need to be vacuumed
The fins on the compressor unit are made of metal and can be cleaned by running a vacuum cleaner over them.The best tool for this job is a wet/dry vacuum.The air is sucked in through these fins.These will become dirty with bits of leaves, grass, and dust over time.If you don't have a wet/dry vacuum, ask your friends or neighbors if they have one.You can rent a wet/dry vacuum from your local hardware store.
Step 3: Remove the fins from the condenser.
Some fins on the condenser can become bent due to normal wear.If you notice that any of the fins are crooked or twisted, you can use a knife or kitchen utensil.To bend the fins back into position, apply gentle, steady pressure.You risk snapping off the fins if you use excessive force.
Step 4: The fan should be removed if you want to.
The compressor's fan unit is usually covered by metal wiring or a grate.Use a screwdriver to remove the wiring from the fan.You may not be able to fully lift off the fan because of the wires connecting it to the compressor unit.Lifting the fan out of its housing is all you have to do.
Step 5: The fan blades have to be washed.
Use your garden hose to wash the blades of the fan.If you want to make sure the fan blades are clean, you can wipe them off with a cloth or rag.Water can be sprayed through the compressor's fins from the inside of the unit.The unit can effectively draw in air if the fins are Rinsing from the inside.
Step 6: The compressor unit needs to be repaired.
You are ready to put everything back together once you have cleaned the compressor and fan blades.Remove the screws holding the fan to the metal frame.The metal wiring over the fan needs to be done the same way.The power supply can be turned back on at this point.
Step 7: Air filters are changed twice a year.
The metal grate should be removed to change the filter.Set the replacement unit after removing the air filter.The air filter is usually located indoors.It is two feet wide and one foot high.The air filter will become dirty over time because it has removed all of the dust and dirt from the air.A dirty filter will cause the system to function with less efficiency.
Step 8: Twice a year the air filters are cleaned.
If your AC unit's air filter can be washed and reused, you can simply place it back in the unit and not purchase a new one.Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean your filter.Most filters are cleaned by running them under tap water and applying dish soap.If you want to quickly tell a disposable from a reuse, inspect the material it is made from.Reusable filters are made of a rubbery frame and metal mesh.
Step 9: The drain has to be cleaned.
As the unit cools and de-humidifies air, it produces liquid.The air runs from the top of the unit to the bottom through a thin plastic pipe and a drain in the floor.You can run a wire through the drain to make sure it isn't blocked.To make sure that the plastic pipe is not blocked, poke the wire into the bottom of the pipe.Some modern units have a pipe that runs directly into the floor, instead of a drain.You don't need to clean the setup.If you see water pooling around the base of the unit, you should call a professional cleaner.
Step 10: Plants and foliage can be trimmed around the condenser.
In order to function properly, condenser units need to be surrounded by open space.Use a pair of garden shears to trim the plants that are encroaching on your unit.Make sure you have enough space on all sides of the unit.The space will allow plenty of free-flowing air in order to maximize the unit's efficiency.
Step 11: Dust and pollen should be washed off the condenser.
The water from the garden hose can be used to rinse the condenser.Work the spray from the hose over the unit.If you rinse from top to bottom, the top portion of the condenser won't stain the bottom portion.The outdoor unit can become covered in dirt and pollen over time.The efficiency of the unit can be reduced by blocking it from pulling in air.
Step 12: The unit needs to be inspected and cleaned annually.
While maintaining the function of the air conditioner unit is important, it is still smart to have it inspected by a professional.You should schedule your inspection in the spring before you start using the AC unit.AC professionals will be able to inspect all parts of the air conditioning unit and can prevent or repair problems early on.If you live in an apartment or a rental house, the landlord or property owner will likely have an annual inspection performed.Contact your rental agency if you notice that your AC unit is malfunctioning.