July 27, 2023 by Mulberry Maids
Many people aren’t aware of how important it is to make sure that your air conditioner is running clean, not just for the health of the appliance, but also the indoor home air quality as well. As the top cleaning service in Fort Collins, we are here to provide you with a simple and efficient air conditioner cleaning routine.
As with most aspects of cleaning, this task does not need to be difficult, but the more consistent you are in cleaning it, the easier it will be. Keep reading on to learn more about easy ways to clean your air conditioner. And for those of you who simply just don’t have the time to keep up on your cleaning, you can instead read about all the benefits of booking your home cleaning online to save your precious time!
Why is it important to keep your air conditioner clean?
Now that summer is in full swing, your air conditioner is probably running most of the day. Just like cleaning your dehumidifier, keeping these appliances clean is crucial to the health of your home, in addition to making sure that the appliance continues to run problem free.
When cleaning an air conditioner, there are a couple different things to focus on. One is the filter, which removes dust and other particulates from the air. This is crucial to clean, as a clean and unclogged filter will help to improve the air quality in your home, and it will also allow the unit to run more efficiently.
Another area to focus on are the coils, which help to move the hot and cold air. You do not want the coils to be clogged with any dust, dirt or other common allergens found in the air.
How should I clean my air conditioner?
Windows unit air conditioners that are running frequently during the summer may need to be cleaned every two weeks, while central air conditioning units should be cleaned annually, ideally by a HVAC professional.
Luckily, cleaning a window unit is pretty simple, and does not require any special cleaning tools. Before you get started with the cleaning, make sure that the unit is turned off, and unplugged.
Once the air conditioner is off and unplugged, you can get started with the cleaning:
- Remove the front cover, which is usually attached with screws or tabs. If you are unsure how to remove this, consult the owner’s manual.
- Clean the cover with a warm soapy water solution, or another mild all purpose cleaner of your choice. You can use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the cover, and you may also need to use a small brush to help clean the corners and edges.
- Find and remove the air filter. You can dust the filter with a clean and dry microfiber cloth, and then rinse it in a warm soapy water solution. Let the filter thoroughly dry before reinstalling it.
- Clean the coils that are found on the inside and the outside. You can use a clean microfiber cloth to dust and wipe away dirt and debris from the coils. You can also use a soapy water mixture, or other mild all purpose solution for added cleaning power. Dry the coils after all the dirt and debris is removed with a clean and dry microfiber rag.
- Before you turn the unit back on, make sure everything is properly reinstalled, and completely dry.
If you are brave enough to tackle a central air conditioner cleaning yourself, you can roughly follow the above steps, but with a few differences.
- Make sure that the unit is turned off, and turn off the power at the breaker.
- Remove the vent cover, and remove and clean the filter, as described in the above steps.
- Remove the top of the condenser, and vacuum out any debris that is in the unit, such as leaves or dirt.
- Finish the cleaning by gently spraying down the unit with a hose, making sure to not get any electronics wet.
- Wait for up to an hour for everything to completely dry, before putting it all back together and turned back on.
What about maintenance throughout the summer months?
Depending on how heavily your air conditioner is used, and how the interior air quality is in your home, you may need to clean your air filter on a monthly basis. Factors that affect this include how many people are in your home, and if you have pets.
You will also want to periodically clean the condenser unit on the outside of the air conditioner, as well as try to keep vegetation a couple feet away from the unit on the outside to keep it cleaner. Additionally, keep a lookout for any blockages or things like leaks or poor airflow.
A cleaning service in Fort Collins that you can trust!
At Mulberry Maids, we are very proud to be Fort Collins’ premier company that works with the most trustworthy cleaning pros in town! We are a service oriented company, who are here to help you out while you deal with your own busy schedule. So take some time to relax at the Fort Collins Coffee House while we clean and pamper your home.
Give us a call today with any questions that you have or to get on our schedule for your next home cleaning. We can’t wait to help you out!