The weather can feel warm and nice, but too much heat can be very uncomfortable. Add the mould buildup caused by extreme humidity, the dust, dirt, and other particles that affect the air quality. All of these can take a toll on our health. The great news is that we have a reliable home appliance that will not only give us the ideal temperature for our comfort but also ensure that the quality of the air is safe.
An air conditioner is a huge investment that will help you improve your indoor air quality for, hopefully, a very long time. But how do you prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner? You can start with the simple things that you can do at home.
Here are some simple ways you can maintain your air conditioner’s top shape.
Major Air Conditioner Components
Before we start, let’s get to know the air conditioner’s components and understand how the unit works. This will help you detect possible problems in the future.
Most air conditioners have two units: indoor and outdoor. The indoor unit contains the evaporator coils and filter, while the outdoor component includes the condenser, fan, and compressor. The outdoor unit is more exposed to outside elements like direct sunlight, dust, dirt, weather changes, and other things that can wear it out.
The air compressor absorbs the heat from the room and releases it outside through a refrigerant. You may troubleshoot some problems with the compressor based on its noise. This complex AC component requires professional upkeep.
Another important component, the condenser, extracts heat from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. Some issues with condenser coils will also need professional repair or replacement. The evaporator component is the one that’s responsible for turning the liquid into gas and cycling it back as cold air into the indoor unit. Regular cleaning of the unit is highly recommended to prevent the component from slowing down and consuming more energy.
How Do You Clean Your Air Conditioner at Home?
While some air conditioner parts require professional cleaning and maintenance, there are a number of things you can do at home to maintain the efficiency of your unit.
- Dry your air conditioner before the cleaning process. You can do this by running the fan mode to evaporate the excess moisture.
- To ensure your safety, disconnect your AC unit from the power source.
- Detach the front panel from your air conditioner to access the interior parts. You may use a plastic bag to surround your unit so all the dust and drippings will be contained.
- Remove and wash the air filters with mild soap and cool water. Rinse the filter properly and let it air dry. Replace your air filters regularly when needed, especially if you have pets at home.
- Use an air blower to clean the cooling fins.
- Don’t forget to clean the coils using an evaporator cleaner.
- Get your unit checked at least once a year to ensure the parts are working well. Components, especially those that are placed outside, may collect more debris over time, which may clog or damage the unit. If you live in a dusty or humid area, we recommend getting your AC checked every six months.
- Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning the air conditioner.
- Check the warranty to confirm if the needed repairs are covered.
- Contact a professional immediately in the case of refrigerant leaks.
Cleaning the Outdoor Unit
You may do some simple cleaning and maintenance to prevent your outdoor unit from clogging or accumulating various debris that can harm your unit in the long run. Start by removing anything that can hinder proper airflow, like leaves and branches. You may also remove bird droppings with mild soap and a cloth.
Cleaning the Indoor Unit
Clean your air filters every month, or replace them if necessary. Get your air conditioner deep cleaned and disinfected by professionals every six months to prevent damage and bigger repairs in the future.
Conclusion
Cleaning and maintaining your air conditioner might seem like a daunting task, but small steps can go a long way in maintaining the efficiency and quality of your unit and will save you hundreds or even thousands in the future. Plus, you’ll enjoy the best of your air conditioner longer!
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