How to clean a air conditioner at home

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a air conditioner at home. Remember, the type of AC (window, split, etc.) might slightly alter the steps.

Key Points: How to clean a air conditioner at home

Frequency: Clean your AC filters every 2-4 weeks during peak usage. A full cleaning like this should be done at least once a year.
Professional help: If your AC is very dirty, has mold, or if you have doubts about any part of the process, it’s always safer to call in a professional technician or AC Repair Services
Refer to your user manual: Your specific AC model may have additional instructions or warnings.

Safety First

Turn off the power: Before anything, switch off the power to the AC at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Wear protective gear: Gloves and a mask are good ideas to keep dust and potential mold at bay.

Tools You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Clean the Air Filters

Locate and remove filters: These are usually behind a removable grille on the indoor unit.
Clean:
- Vacuum: Gently vacuum away dust and debris.
- Wash: If heavily soiled, rinse with lukewarm water and mild detergent. Allow to air dry completely before reinstalling.
- Replace: If your filters are damaged or very old, replace them entirely.

2. Clean the Indoor Unit (Evaporator Coils)

Access the coils: Carefully remove any covers or panels according to your AC model’s instructions.
Dust and debris: Use the vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove loose dirt.
Spray with cleaner: Use either a no-rinse coil cleaner or mix a mild detergent with warm water in a spray bottle. Apply to the coils and let sit for a few minutes.
Wipe and dry: Wipe away the cleaner with a cloth. Make sure everything is completely dry before reassembling.

3. Clean the Outdoor Unit (Condenser Coils)

Turn off water supply: If you plan to use a garden hose for cleaning.
Remove debris: Clear away any leaves, twigs, or obvious dirt buildup by hand.
Brush the coils: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove dust from the condenser fins. Be gentle to avoid damaging them.
Hose down (optional): If the coils are very dirty, a gentle spray from a garden hose can help. Avoid high pressure, as this can bend the fins.
Straighten fins: If any fins are bent, use a fin comb to carefully straighten them for better airflow.

4. Clear the Drain Line

Locate the drain: Usually a PVC pipe near the bottom of the indoor unit.
Check for clogs: Blow through the line gently or use a thin wire to dislodge any light blockage.
Flush: For stubborn clogs, use a mix of mild detergent and water to flush the line out.

5. Reassemble and Test

Put it back together: Replace all panels, covers, and filters.
Turn power back on: Restore power from the circuit breaker.
Test run: Run your AC for a while to make sure everything’s working smoothly.