Regular cleaning and maintenance of your air conditioner are most important, not only for its efficiency but also for its longevity and your home’s air quality. Often neglected air conditioning systems will have more frequent break downs, costly repairs and require early replacements. To ensure a healthy and long lasting cooling system, homeowners need to take the needed step when cleaning and maintaining their air conditioners. Hal Mechanical will provide a simple guide as to how to have a healthy air conditioner.

Why Maintain Your AC Unit?

A well maintained air conditioner has its many benefits such as:
• Operates more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills.
• Reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
• Improves the air quality in your home.
• Prolongs the lifespan of the unit.

Step by Step Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

Step 1. Turn Off Power – Before you start, ensure your safety by turning off the power to the unit. There should be an exterior shut-off near the condenser and, of course, turn off the power at the breaker box.
Step 2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter – The air filter is essential in ensuring the efficiency of your air conditioner. Depending on the type you have:
• Disposable filters: Replace them every 1-3 months during peak usage.
• Reusable filters: Clean them with a mild detergent and water, rinse well, and let them dry completely before reinserting.
Step 3. Inspect the Thermostat – Check your thermostat to ensure it is working correctly and keeping your home at the right temperature. If you have an older mechanical thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable one to save on energy costs.
Step 4. Clean the Condenser Coils – Over time, the outdoor condenser unit’s coils can get dirty and reduce the system’s efficiency. Use a garden hose to gently wash away the dirt, starting at the top and angling downward. Avoid using a pressure washer as it can damage the coils.
Step 5. Check the Fins – Both the condenser and evaporator units have fins which can bend over time and reduce airflow. Using a tool called a “fin comb,” available at most home improvement stores, you can straighten any bent fins.
Step 6. Clear Debris from the Unit – For the outside unit, ensure there is at least 2 feet of space cleared around it. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris that may have collected around or on top of the unit.
Step 7. Clean the Evaporator Coil – You can find the evaporator coil door inside your furnace unit. Once opened, clean the coil using a soft brush and then spray with a no-rinse coil cleaner, which you can purchase at most home improvement stores. The cleaner will drip into a drain pan. Clean this pan with soap, hot water, and a little bleach.
Step 8. Check the Drain – Over time, the drain can get clogged with algae and mold. Using a wet/dry vacuum, suck out any blockage from the drain. Consider pouring a bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water down the drain to prevent future growth of mold and algae.
Step 9. Inspect for Wear and Tear – Check electrical connections for signs of wear. If you are not comfortable doing this, it’s a good idea to call a professional.
Step 10. Schedule Professional Maintenance – While DIY maintenance can go a long way, scheduling a professional maintenance service once a year can catch issues that might be overlooked and ensure your system runs at its peak efficiency.

Emergency AC Repair, Replacement & More in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your air conditioner unit can save you money, extend the life of your system, and ensure you’re breathing clean air in your home. If you decide it is best to leave the major maintenance to the professionals, contact Hal Mechanical today.