Did You Neglect Your AC in Winter? Here’s How to Clean it in 4 Easy Steps!

There is a very slim chance that you would have ever needed to turn on your air conditioner during winter.

So if you haven’t used the AC in winter and are planning to switch it on after a huge gap, then it should be cleaned prior to using it.

Neglecting the cleaning of your AC until summer can prove costly.

It can reduce the efficiency and results in malfunctions. Moreover, it can be lead to serious health issues.

When you don’t regularly use or at least clean the air conditioner, bacteria and fungi build up in it and can get into your body.

So let’s see how you can clean them in a few easy steps.

4 Easy Steps to Clean Your AC

1. Wash the filter

The filter is the most important component of the air conditioner, which is often neglected.

• Reusable filters are to be cleaned every month, and more frequently if you have pets.
• Disposable filters should be replaced every month.

But many people are unsure of how to clean the AC filters. Follow these steps below to know how to clean them.

1. To clean the filter screen, first turn off the switch and unplug it.
2. The front panel is secured with screws. Remove the front grill/panel of the unit and then remove the mesh filter.
3. Either slide the filter down or pull it up, depending on the model of the unit. If you aren’t sure of how to remove the AC filter, refer to your manual.
4. Once you remove it, wash it with warm soapy water.
5. If the dirt is stuck, use a vacuum hose attachment to clean it.
6. Dry the filter with a paper towel and leave it for air drying.

#DIYTip
Do not turn on the AC unit if the filter is removed. Also, avoid putting a wet filter in the unit. It will attract more dirt and mildew.

2. Vacuum Inside the Unit

Clean the sides of the unit, the bottom, the metal grill and the backside of the front cover.

If vacuuming isn’t sufficient, you can use a moist rag to clean the inside of the unit.

3. Clean the Coils

AC unit has two coils – condenser coil and evaporator coil.

The evaporator coil is located under the filter while the condenser coil is at the back of the unit.

• The coils should be cleaned once in three months or depending on the frequency of use.
• You can use compressed air to clean the dirt off the evaporator coil.
• For stubborn dirt areas, take the air nozzle close to the dirt and ensure there’s a consistent airflow.
• You can also clean the coils using a  plastic scrub brush. But avoid using hard bristle or wired brushes as it can damage the coils.

4. Clean the Fins

• Remove the outer cover. With a brush scrub the outside dirt.
• Spray water through the fins using a garden hose. Fins are delicate and you need to be careful while washing the fins and use a gentle stream rather than pressure washing.
• If the fins are extremely dirty, use a commercial cleaning product to clean it. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
• Bent fins can restrict the airflow and reduce the efficiency. So use a fin straightening tool or a butter knife to straighten the fins.

Not everyone invests in central air conditioning units.

So if you’ve been wondering, “How do I clean my window AC?”, here’s how you can clean it.

8 Simple Steps to Clean Molds in Window Air Conditioners

1. At the back of your air conditioner unit, there is a metal cover located behind the front body grill.
2. Unscrew it and lift it upwards.
3. Clean any visible mold growth on the interior side and the front grill.
4. Make a solution of half cup bleach and one tablespoon mild dish soap. Add three gallons hot water to it.
5. Using a sponge or cloth scrub the moldy areas of your air conditioner.
6. Let the solution sit on the surface for a few minutes and then wipe it with clean water.
7. Let the unit dry completely before reassembling.
8. Once dry, plug the unit back to the power source and get ready to enjoy cool pleasant air in spring.

These are super easy ways to get your air conditioning unit cleaned in no time.

But if you’re not confident of doing this, you can easily hire a local air conditioning repair company on Same Day Pros.

You can also hire them through your smartphone by simply downloading the Same Day Pros app, available on Android and iOS.

For more tips, tricks and hacks on how to get your air conditioner cleaned, follow Same Day Pros on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.