Simple Solutions For Cleaning Your AC Unit

Posted on: 28 August 2018

Maintenance on your AC system is essential if you want to cool your home in an energy-efficient and effective manner. Many homeowners will clean the interior and exterior of their homes but forget about the simple steps it takes to clean their AC units. With this guide, you will learn a few simple solutions for cleaning your air conditioning units.

Disconnect Power

Before starting, you need to disconnect all power running to your outdoor units. If you begin disassembling and washing the outdoor units while electricity is running to the system, you may be at risk of a shock or electrocution.

Locate the breaker to your AC unit, which may be found in your garage or another area inside your home. Flip the breaker to shut off the power.

Make sure power is completely disconnected from the outdoor units before proceeding to the next step.

Dissemble Unit

You may be surprised by how easy disassembling the outdoor unit is. Basically, you will need a screwdriver and a little bit of patience.

Use the tool to remove the screws securing the casing in place around your unit. Gently lift the casing off of the unit and place it to the side. Store the screws in a safe location so they don't get lost.

Clean the Unit

Once the casing is off, remove any visible debris that may be dislodged in the actual unit. Trash, dirt, grass clippings, mulch, leaves, and even dead animals and insects should all be removed from the interior of the unit.

Use your garden hose or a shop-vac to remove any debris that you cannot remove with just your hands. Make sure all debris has been removed from the interior unit, ensuring there is nothing blocking airflow through the system and the condenser coils. You can also use a garden hose to rinse off the unit's casing.

While inside the unit, document any signs of distress. Loose parts, warped pieces of metal, wobbly fan blades, or damaged wiring may all affect the function of your air conditioning unit. Have these issues addressed by an HVAC contractor.

Once the unit is clean, you can reconnect the casing and secure the screws back in place.

Maintain the Area

Maintaining the area around the outdoor unit is also important. Shrubs, trees, and other plants that are growing too close to the unit will reduce air circulation, preventing your system from cooling your home efficiently.

Shrubs and other plants should be planted 3 feet or further away from the outdoor unit to protect air flow. Having this space between plants and the unit will also protect the condenser from falling or broken leaves and branches.

For more information about air conditioner replacement and maintenance, contact an HVAC contractor in your area today.

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