If money is tight, the last thing you want is to pay for an AC cleaning. Why hire it out when you can do it yourself? Here is a step-by-step guide to basic air conditioning cleaning. However, it is important to note that if your AC unit is under warranty and the warranty warns you against cleaning the unit yourself or else it will become void, it is best to get professional AC cleaners to do the cleaning for you.
1. Gather the materials you need to open up the machine and the cleaning supplies needed for the unit. Rags, a plastic scrubber, water with dish soap, and clean water (you can use the garden hose) are all you need. If the unit is a bit greasy from being exposed to cooking (like an AC unit in the kitchen) or from being exposed to outdoor elements, you might need to use a stronger cleaner to cut through the grease. Just make sure to rinse it well. You also will probably need some screwdrivers or ratchets to take apart some inside and outside parts of the unit for deep cleaning.
2. Unplug the AC unit if you are able. If there is an on and off switch, then turn it off. It’s best if all power is cut off when cleaning the unit so you can turn off the breaker to the electric circuit feeding the unit and surrounding areas. Be sure to double check with an electrical reader to make sure that there is no power going to the unit before working on it. You don’t want to get electrocuted or have your hands chopped off by the fan so don’t forget this important step.
3. Take pictures or take note of how the machine is put together so that you can put it back together properly later before taking it apart. Have the manual handy to know where you can begin to take it apart or to learn the different parts of the machine. Take apart the protective shell from the unit. Be careful not to hit any electrical wires or coils. Unscrew any screws and take apart any bolts. Store all the small parts like the screws and bolts in a small clear bag so that they’re together and will not get lost. It’s frustrating to have one missing bolt when putting things back together later.
4. Vacuum away cobwebs with a shop vacuum and wipe away dust with a rag. Wash the metal shell parts that have no electrical or coils. You can wash them down with a soapy rag to get rid of any residue and dust and then the parts can be rinsed free of soap with fresh water. If you’re in a hurry, you can just spray the metal shell parts clean with a garden hose.
5. If you have an inside AC unit, check the manual to see how you can take off the plastic filters inside. You can gently wash these plastic filters with soap and then rinse them with fresh water for a quick clean.
Have you had your air conditioner installed by Brisbane Air AirConditioning & Electrical? If you have any questions about the maintenance and cleaning of your particular air conditioning unit, don’t hesitate to talk to them. They can give you the best tips on how to keep your AC clean and working well for a very long time.