You may not need to pay a professional to do the basic maintenance on your air conditioner. Sometimes, all you need to do is clean the filter, clean the condenser coils, or replace the thermostat and check the wiring in your walls.
If you’re unsure about how to do these maintenance tasks, try these simple tricks. You won’t have to spend a fortune to clean your air conditioner, and you can save a bundle of money. Here are the most common maintenance tasks for your air conditioner.
Cleaning the Filter
The first step to performing some do-it-yourself air conditioning maintenance involves cleaning the air filter. To clean the filter, remove it from the unit. Next, use a hose to rinse away any waste and dirt. Replace the filter when it gets dirty. This maintenance task is important, as it prevents strain on the unit. It will also remove a host of airborne allergens and toxins.
If your AC unit is on a disposable filter, you can clean it yourself by using a solution of water and vinegar. You can then rinse and dry it. However, you should not use a pressurized nozzle or pressure washer to clean it. Once you’ve cleaned the filter, place it back inside of course.
Once it’s dry, you can reinstall the filter. Changing the air filter is another simple and important step in DIY air conditioning maintenance. Most air conditioners come with filters that need to be changed at least once a year. To make sure you clean yours properly, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t know how to clean the filter, then don’t.
If the cleaning instructions are confusing, you can hire a professional to perform the maintenance job for you. The maintenance service should also include fins, coils, and drainage. A soft brush can help remove the dirt that collects in the coils. This includes dead skin cells, pollen, and other particles. If you’re allergic, you should wear a mask while cleaning the coils.
This product foams up and drips into the drain pan, taking away all dirt from the unit. The next step is doing some do-it-yourself air conditioner maintenance like this link for HGTV which explains the cleaning process of the condenser. It’s important to remove the filter before performing the maintenance process.
Afterward, remove the filter from the condenser using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. Once removed, remove the filter from the condenser and place it outside. If you’re using a reusable filter, remove it and put it outside in a plastic bag. The frequency of air conditioner filter cleaning depends on the make and model.
Cleaning the Condenser
During your DIY air conditioner maintenance, cleaning the condenser coils is important, but you need to use the correct cleaner. If you need help identifying parts of your machine, follow this link for help: www.howstuffworks.com/ac. You should purchase a specific cleaner designed for use on condenser coils and rinse it with a hose afterward. Make sure to apply good water pressure and wash the condensate off of the coils slowly.
Then, you can proceed with cleaning the evaporator coil. You can use the same tools used earlier, including a wet/dry vacuum and a long wire. To remove any debris that might get stuck in the coil, use a solution of bleach and water to clean the evaporator coils. You can also use a spray bottle to control the water discharge.
After winter, you should remove all debris and cover the condenser with a protective cover. This will prevent accumulated dirt and debris from building up inside. If you forget to cover the condenser during winter, moisture and vermin can build nests in it and cause it to break down early. To avoid this problem, clean the condenser periodically.
Generally, it’s recommended that you clean it at least once a month. But you can even clean it more frequently. A filter should be changed every six months, or as recommended by the manufacturer. For best results, check the manufacturer’s instructions. The steps below will work for most reusable filters.
Cleaning the Coils
Performing DIY air conditioning maintenance requires a great deal of patience and dexterity. While cleaning the coils, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re unsure, consult a technician for AC repair in Elgin to perform the cleaning for you. Remember to disconnect the power source before beginning the process to avoid any potential electrocution.
Before beginning, shut off the power source to the air conditioner and the electrical panel. Take a wet/dry vacuum and remove the filter before getting in there. A soft-bristled brush or pipe cleaner will work for this task. After the cleaning, you can spray the coil cleaner and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Another tip for cleaning the condenser is to use a coil brush. Known as a soil brush, this tool has stiff bristles that are halfway between a wire brush and a hand broom. To clean the coil properly, you need to guide the bristles parallel to the fins.
A clean filter will also prevent soiling of the evaporator coil. Dirty coils will reduce airflow and decrease the ability to absorb heat. Outdoor condensers, which are usually placed outside, can easily become dirty in a leafy, dusty environment. If you’re unsure of the exact procedure to use, you can always consult your manufacturer’s manual.
