A Beginners Guide to Air Conditioner Cleaning

An air conditioner cleaning has a number of benefits which improve its efficiency as well as the life of the unit.

Do You Need an Air Conditioner Cleaning?

If your outdoor AC unit is dirty, it can lead to poor air quality inside your home which reduces its efficiency.

Signs your AC needs maintenance

• Poor indoor air quality – Excessive amounts of dust, pollen, and mildew can accumulate in your AC unit, eventually being blown into your home. This can be especially problematic for those with allergies or asthma.
• Reduced efficiency – A clogged or dirty AC unit can reduce efficiency which in turn will drive up your energy bills. A clogged or dirty unit can also result in a shorter lifespan for your AC unit.
• A decrease in airflow – If your unit is dirty, it will reduce the amount of air flowing through it. This can lead to increased energy usage and poor indoor air quality.

Make sure you have clean air filters

For your AC unit to work properly, you need to have clean air filters. Similar to how your car will not run as smoothly if you don’t change the oil, a clogged air filter will cause your unit to work much harder than it needs to. That could mean less efficient cooling and a shorter lifespan for your AC unit. Changing out the furnace filters is a task that should be done every few months but if you have pets or notice dust, you’ll want to do it more often.

Ensure none of the vents in your home are blocked

When your AC unit is running, it’s just as important that nothing is blocking the vents where the air is flowing out of your home. If the vents are blocked, the unit will have to work harder and may not adequately cool your home. Vents can become blocked by leaves, dust, and other debris. As autumn approaches, it’s especially important to keep your vents clear of leaves, as they can easily block your vents. You may also want to check your vents during spring and summer as well, as pests such as mice are also known to nest in vents.

To keep your vents clear, consider installing a leaf blower attachment on your vacuum. This will allow you to quickly and efficiently remove leaves and other debris that may have built up around your vents.

Check that your outdoor AC unit isn’t obstructed

To ensure that your unit is operating at peak efficiency, you should periodically check that nothing is obstructing it. You should make sure that any trees, plants, or shrubs are not growing too close to your unit.

This could result in damage to your unit and reduced airflow through it. You should also make sure that there are no fallen branches or other items near the unit that could be blown or thrown into the unit during high winds.

Air Conditioner Cleaning by a HVAC Professional

In order to clean the coil of your outdoor AC unit, a professional will use a cleaning solution that’s specially formulated to break up the dirt and grime on the coil. The cleaning solution is then vacuumed out, leaving the coil clean and operational once again. The process is relatively quick and shouldn’t disrupt the operation of your AC or cause any damage. And, it will help prevent the coil from becoming blocked by dirt and debris, allowing the unit to operate more efficiently. This can translate into reduced energy bills and a longer lifespan for your AC unit.

A Professional AC Tune Up

A professional AC tune-up or annual AC Maintenance will allow a technician to examine your outdoor AC unit and diagnose any issues that may be contributing to reduced efficiency or reduced lifespan. During the tune-up, the technician will examine the condition of the coil, check for possible damage caused by animals or weather, replace any filters that may be dirty, and thoroughly clean the unit. A tune-up is recommended every two years. If you notice reduced airflow, an increase in utility bills, or that your unit is making strange noises, it’s best to have it examined as soon as possible. A technician can help identify potential issues and resolve them before they become serious problems.

Keeping your air conditioning unit clean can help ensure that it’s operating efficiently and that it lasts a long time. To keep your outdoor AC unit clean, you should check it once a month during the hotter months and more frequently during the cooler months when leaves and debris tend to build up quickly.

Dean’s Club Evaluations Help You Avoid Costly Repairs

Dean’s Club Members get the added value of a Dean’s Club evaluation where we we examine the coil for damage, check for any obstructions, and clean the air filters as needed. Keeping your AC unit clean can help reduce energy usage, cut down on utility bills, extend the lifespan of your unit, and keep your home cooler and more comfortable all year long.