If you are still sweating through summer and yet your air conditioner is on full blast, you are likely scratching your head and asking yourself why. Additionally, if you own an air conditioner, you might start noticing that it pumps out less air and hence becomes less effective.
Well, there is a wide range of things that could cause your air conditioner to be less effective. If you wish to restore it to its full capacity, then the first thing on your to-do list should be carrying thorough and complete cleaning.
A dirty air conditioner can be stressful as well as a disrupter when chilling out in the house during summer. Most of the modern air conditioners come with self-cleaning features; however, nothing beats a thorough hands-on cleaning. Cleaning it yourself will eliminate the bits and bobs within the unit that can easily get clogged with dirt and dust over time.
If you are unfamiliar with how to clean your air conditioner, then you are in the right place. Below is a step by step guide highlighting how to clean the device and turn it back into a mean cooling machine.
Shut Off the Power
An air conditioner operates using electricity. And as we all know, electricity and water do not interact. Therefore, before you even assemble the cleaning apparatus, shut off the power.
Clean the Condenser Coils
For you to access the condenser coils, you’ll first have to remove the outer casing using a screwdriver. Proceed to remove any components restricting access to the coils. Once you can reach the coils, brush off any surface dirt using a duster or stiff brush. You can use a suitable cleaning agent to remove trapped dirt then rinse it off after 10 to 15 minutes.
Cleaning the Filters
After you are through with the coils, it is time to move to the indoor units which are the filter. Start with removing or flipping up the front grille for you to reach the filters. If you can now reach the filters, carefully remove them and take them outside. Be careful not to dislodge any of the dirt or dust inside the room. Give them a bit of bash on a railing to remove most of the grime and dust. Remaining dust can be vacuumed off.
Cleaning the Indoor Unit’s Fan Coil
The indoor unit’s fan coil deals with blowing the cool air out of the unit into the room. For you to access the fan coil, you’ll need to completely remove the chassis of the indoor unit, which will require the use of a screwdriver.
Once you gain access to the fan coils, spray it with your desired but required cleaning solution. After that, leave it for a few minutes, and then use warm water to rinse off the cleaning solution. If there is any spillage, no need to worry as the spillage or runoff will be caught in the drip pan.
Ensure that you rinse the fan coil carefully until no cleaning solution remains, but take caution not to flood the drip pan. When you are through with the rinsing, dry it partially before putting it back.
All air conditioners come with a manual showing you how to clean it. Remember to put it into consideration when cleaning your air conditioner.