Electrical units require regular maintenance to ensure smooth running. Maintenance and service are necessary for a long-lasting machine.
You don’t need your air conditioner to break down right when you need it the most. With inadequate care and maintenance, this is likely to happen. An air conditioner is a machine that depends on airflow. And the airflow is affected by dust, dirt, and obstruction, which will make your AC performance suffer.
The lack of attention and care can hinder the functioning of your air conditioner. So, to ensure your air conditioning unit runs efficiently, there are tips you can follow for better performance of your AC unit.
TIPS TO CLEAN YOUR AC UNIT
Before you begin to clean your AC, turn off the main supply to your air conditioner to avoid any potential risk. Make sure no electricity is running through your air conditioners. Safety first!
Clean the Air Filters
Cleaning filters is one of the most effective ways to maintain your air conditioning system and is vital in ensuring a healthy environment in your home. An air filter filters the air and prevents dust and other pollutants from recirculating at home. Thus, with time the air filter gets covered with dust and causes your air conditioner to work harder. This will reduce the life span of your air conditioner, as it damages the components.
To clean the air filters, remove them from your indoor ac unit. Then you may either clean it with a vacuum cleaner, brush or wash it off to remove the dust caked on it. Make sure that both sides of the filters are clean thoroughly.
Clean Out the Drain Pipe
An air conditioner also removes the humidity from the air. It collects the moisture and moves it through the drain pipe out of the room. With time the drain pipe can become clogged and block the flow which can cause damage to your AC.
Blockage can occur when matter accumulates in the pipe such as slime, algae, or mould. To clear out the drain you need to suck out any existing dirt. To do this successfully you may use a vacuum cleaner to suck out the dirt or clear it by pouring a cup of chlorine water down the drain, followed by a gallon of water to rinse it out.
Remove the Dust from the Fan Blades
The fins and the fan blades in the outdoor unit of the AC gets covered with dust if not cleaned on time. Thus, making your AC harder to function. So, to remove the dust from the fins and fan, you need to first remove the outer panel of the AC unit. Then with gentle strokes, using a soft brush, knock off the dust from the fins, while avoiding bending the fins. Similarly, clean the dust from fan blades. You may use a damp cloth to wipe off the dust layered on the blades.
Make sure to never use a pressure washer to clean your outdoor AC unit as this may cause the fins to bend. Instead, you may use a garden hose to spray on the fins and loosen up the dirt.
Remove the Debris
The outside AC unit often has a lot of debris like leaves, twigs, pollen, and dirt which can affect the efficiency of your AC. The outdoor fans are usually protected by a few metal grates hence, the dirt is easily collected which reduces the performance of your AC. People often forget to keep it clean. Ensure to scoop out the debris with your hands or you may use a vacuum cleaner to get it all out.
Straighten the AC’s Fin
The bent fins of the AC can reduce the airflow. So, to make sure that your AC works at its maximum capacity you need to straighten the fins of your air conditioner. For this, you would require a fin tool. This inexpensive kit has teeth that allow you to comb the fins back into their place.
Clean around the AC Unit
Just like any other surface in your home required cleaning. AC unit also requires cleaning. The surface of the AC develops a film of dust, dirt, and grime which needs to be cleaned. You can do so by routine wiping with a damp cloth or a duster.
CONCLUSION
A cleaned and well-maintained air conditioner is much more efficient. It ensures proper airflow and drainage and reduces the chance of developing problems in your system. The tips above can help you extend the life span of your AC. Taking out a little time to follow through with these tips can result in a long-lasting air conditioner.
