Simple Air-Conditioner Cleaning & Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

As heat waves hit various parts of Canada, locals are trying to protect themselves by staying indoors and cooling themselves down. Due to the extreme weather, many people are relying on their air-conditioning units to be able to beat the heat. Unfortunately, some homeowners are experiencing problems with their own air-conditioning units, causing local air conditioning service providers to be busier than normal.

The extreme heat and the need to have air-conditioning units on at all times is causing more units to break down. To prevent experiencing this problem in your own home, here are some simple cleaning and maintenance steps that may benefit you in the short and long-term:

Clean the AC unit regularly

One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make is not cleaning their air-conditioners on a regular basis. Over time, dust and debris can build up in the air filters, evaporators, condenser coils, or cooling fins. This build-up may make it harder for your air conditioner to produce its usual temperatures.

When cleaning air-conditioners, experts emphasize that air filters need to be attended to every one to two months, while the entire unit must be cleaned at least once a year. Although you can do the cleaning on your own, the removal and installation of the parts can be tricky so it’s advisable that you leave it to the experts.

If you do decide to clean your unit yourself, you can start by switching off and unplugging your unit before removing it from the wall. Take off the front panel so that you can vacuum any dust or grime attached to it. Straighten the bent cooling fins with a fin comb then clean the unit casing with a solution. Use the same solution to clean the front panel, condensation drain pan, casing, and window fins. Gently scrub all the parts and wipe away the excess debris before letting it dry. Make sure that the parts are spotless and dry before reinstalling the unit.

Replace the air filters

Is your air conditioner still releasing warm air or taking longer than 30 minutes to cool the room even when you’ve cleaned the unit? This is an indication that it’s time to change the air filter. But before doing so, turn off the unit first. Open up the air vent to remove your old air filter. Make sure that the airflow arrows on the filter are directed towards the unit before you place the air filter inside. Close the vent and turn the unit on to check.

Keep the unit’s area clear

Because your air conditioner is releasing hot air, it’s important to keep the surrounding area clear from any blockages. Any obstructions, like plants or furniture, can block the airflow and cause your unit to malfunction. Though the condensers may be a little bulky and unsightly, it’s important to keep the area clear so you can keep the pressure down and improve the lifespan of your air conditioner.

Set the thermostat properly

It’s convenient to leave on your air conditioner all day long, even when your house is empty. Entering a cool room is refreshing after a long day under the warm sun. However, leaving the thermostat at a low temperature for too long can damage your unit and increase your electricity bill.

Extend its lifespan by adjusting the thermostat every time you leave your home. You can also invest in a programmable thermostat, which adjusts the temperature during scheduled hours.

At the end of the day, you need to maintain and clean your air conditioner so that it can work optimally. However, make sure that a professional gets to check your unit regularly so that they can help you extend its lifecycle and keep it working at a high standard.

For more home maintenance tips, be sure to check our blog here.

Specially written for Balancerealestategroup.com

By: Rosalie Jaen