As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to take care of your air conditioner so that it functions optimally. One of the things you should do to take care of your unit is to keep it clean. What is the easiest ways to clean your AC? Well, you need to give each part of your unit the cleaning it deserves. To clean your unit, here is how to go about it as given by AC repair services:

Clean the outdoor condenser and compressor

To ensure proper airflow, clean the unit at the start of the season and as needed, such as after a storm. You also should remove any shrubs or plants that may obstruct airflow, leaving at least two feet of clearance.

Sweep away any loose material that has gathered at the base. Use a shop vacuum, utility vacuum, or brush to remove leaves, twigs, or other debris lodged in the grille slats.

Before wet cleaning, turn off the circuit breaker and disconnect the unit. Remove dried, stuck-on filth from the sides and top grilles with a brush dipped in a sudsy water solution.

Rinse away the detergent from the outside with a garden hose held at a 45-degree angle, and without removing the outer grille, flush as much dirt as possible from the internal coils.

Never use a power washer to clean the coils. This is because the powerful force can harm them.

Some people remove the outer grille to better clean the coils and straighten any bent fins. While you can do this efficiently even with basic skills, this task is better left to a specialist.

Clear the interior of vents and filters.

You should make cleaning interior vent covers and replacing filters part of your regular cleaning practice.

Using your vacuum’s soft dusting brush tool, clean the wall slats, ceiling, and floor registers where cool air enters a room.

Depending on your home and family’s demands, you should check and replace the return air vent filter every three months.

If you have pets or allergy problems, you should replace them once every month or two. Homes with air conditioning not continually running or with heavier filters installed might go longer, possibly up to a year, between replacements.

The proper way to clean your window air conditioner

Always clean window units before installing them in the spring and again before storing them over the winter. Then, in the middle of the season, repeat these actions as needed.

Regularly vacuum the front grilles, body, and control panel to remove loose dirt using a soft dusting brush. If necessary, clean areas with a slightly moist cloth.

You should check the foam filter every month. To remove dirt, lint, and hair, vacuum it with low suction using the upholstery tool.

If the foam filter is particularly dirty, clean it with warm, sudsy water and thoroughly rinse it. Allow it to air dry completely before returning it to the air conditioner.

If your unit has a remote control, clean it regularly using a moist—but not wet—cloth or disinfectant wipe.

Before proceeding, remove the batteries and ensure that no moisture enters.

This is also a good opportunity to check the seals around the unit to ensure that cold air is not escaping. You should seal any leaks with weatherstripping.

Things to avoid when cleaning your AC

If you do this task independently, avoid using a blower or pressure washer to clean the coils. You should never use refrigerant or other chemicals on your central air conditioner.

Another thing you should avoid is trying to clean your air ducts. Ductwork is complicated and essential for your air conditioner.

If you damage your ductwork, your air conditioner will be less efficient and struggle to keep your home cool.

This can result in your home being uncomfortable in the summer and winter, higher electricity costs, and increased wear and tear on your air conditioner.

When to hire an AC expert to clean your unit

While most homeowners can clean their air conditioners, there are instances when contacting a professional is advisable. You should note that attempting to perform a job that you are uncomfortable with may end in a hefty repair charge.

For example, you should consider hiring a professional if the coils are bent and need to be fixed.

If in doubt, get a skilled HVAC specialist. Situations where you should consult a professional include:

• If your air conditioner is still not producing cool air after cleaning the coils.
• If you don’t know where the evaporator coil is in your home.
• If you’re confused about handling the liquids and chemicals you come across while cleaning your air conditioner.
• If you are not comfortable removing and replacing parts.
• If you have small children at home, they may get in the way as you clean.
• If you don’t have the necessary tools to finish the work properly.
• If it’s been over a year since your last HVAC tuneup.
• If you need to clean your air ducts.

There is no shame in hiring an expert to maintain your HVAC system. In many circumstances, this is the best course of action. Consider purchasing a cheap HVAC house warranty to provide comprehensive coverage for your HVAC system.

Air conditioning and heating contractors have extensive experience and training. So they know which sections are prone to damage.

They also know how to prevent touch with specific components, and if they harm another portion of your system, they are liable. So, if you need assistance cleaning your air conditioner or with other HVAC system maintenance, find a reputable professional.

As mentioned, when hiring, ensure that the professional you are hiring is reputable and experienced at what they are doing.

The last thing you want is someone who causes more problems than were originally there. Hiring  HVAC repair companies Ronkonkoma who doesn’t know how to clean the air conditioner properly is even worse.