How To Clean Your AC Unit for Optimal Performance

Taking care of your air conditioning system helps elongate its lifespan, reduce energy bills, and prevent future headaches. However, the thought of cleaning your AC unit can feel daunting. The good news is, the process is much easier than you may think.

So how do you clean your unit? Let’s dive into it.

Step #1: Turn off the power to the AC unit and the breaker that is connected to the unit. This will prevent electrical shock and help ensure your safety throughout the process.

Step #2: Clean the outdoor unit. Clean the outdoor AC unit of debris, dirt, and leaves, using a wet rag or cloth. You may need to use a vacuum as well, especially for the fins. Once debris is removed from the fins, spray a coil cleaner onto the fins and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step #3: Clean the indoor unit. Clean the filters and replace them if necessary. If the filters are not coming clean or if they appear to be damaged, that means it’s time for them to be replaced. Vacuum the evaporator coils to remove debris. Look at the drain line and use 1-part water, and 1-part vinegar mixture to flush the line of blockages.

Step #4: Check the performance of the unit. Make sure the unit has normal cooling performance and is not making any unusual noises. If the unit’s airflow isn’t as hard as it should be, try replacing the filter if you have not already. If this doesn’t work, or if the unit is making unusual sounds, give us a call. Our experts at Calfo Home Services are happy to take a look at your unit and identify the issue.

Having a regular AC cleaning schedule is ideal, especially in the Pittsburgh area, where the air quality isn’t ideal. But, life gets busy, and sometimes cleaning your AC unit can slip your mind. There are a few things you can look for to see if it is time for cleaning:

You already know cleaning your AC unit is necessary, but how often does it need cleaning? Generally, your system only needs to be cleaned once a year. However, your air filters need to be cleaned more often. Here’s a breakdown of how often each aspect of the system needs to be cleaned:

Regular cleaning of your AC unit is crucial for maintaining its efficiency, improving the air quality in your home, and preventing health hazards associated with mold and mildew. By taking the time to clean and maintain your AC unit, your system will be more efficient and your home will have healthier air and a safer living environment.

A clean AC unit operates more efficiently, in turn, using less energy to cool your home. Cleaning your unit can improve the airflow from the unit because it will remove any debris obstructing the airflow. Regular cleaning can also prevent overheating of the unit, which can cause excessive energy use.

Maintaining a clean AC unit can keep your family healthier. The Pittsburgh area regularly receives warnings for poor air quality, which makes it that much more important that you’re paying close attention to the state of your AC unit and it’s filters. Dust, allergens, and pollutants can live in your AC unit and circulate through your home if it goes uncleaned for long periods. This can cause heightened sensitivity in families with allergies and asthma. Regular cleaning of your unit can also prevent odors from occurring.

Mold and mildew can grow in a dirty AC unit when moisture accumulates. The South Western PA region is no stranger to rain and snow in their weather forecast. This moisture can easily seep into your unit along with the general moisture that is created through the cooling process naturally. This helps make your AC unit a perfect home for mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can cause several health issues including:

You may be wondering how exactly cleaning your AC unit can save you money on your energy bills, but it’s quite simple. A clean AC unit does the following:

By investing in regular cleaning and maintenance, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your AC unit. Being proactive can save you money on repairs and replacements and increase your daily comfort.

Regular cleaning removes debris that causes friction and strain on the system.

If you are regularly checking on your unit, you’re more likely to catch issues early, rather than when they build and become major problems for the unit.

A unit that is working at its optimal performance has a reduced workload and works more efficiently.

Debris and dirt on the evaporator and condenser coils can interfere with the heat exchange of the unit, causing the system to work harder, and wearing it down over time.

Overheating of a system can cause serious damage and can lead to premature failure of the system.

Proper refrigerant levels ensure a unit is not overworking to maintain temperatures.

Clean filters provide proper airflow, reducing the strain on the system.

Electrical connections that are not maintained can cause short-circuiting.

A clean AC unit is a happy AC unit. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your system has several benefits to your home, health, and comfort. If you find anything unusual while completing your regular cleaning, call our team at Calfo Home Services and allow us to identify any issues and get your unit back to working as it should.