Cleaning an Air Conditioner

Air conditioners, if used constantly, get rusty and may become less effective. They might become completely nonfunctional or might fail to accomplish their underlying purpose and result in insufficient or improper cooling. The most common air conditioner problems are mainly caused due to accumulation of dust and molds on the inner parts of the conditioner.

Cleaning the air conditioner unit just before the summer starts is a better idea so that optimum cooling when it is most required is ensured. Before you start cleaning it, make sure you have gathered all the standard tools and materials such as screwdrivers and wrenches. Make it a point to use hand gloves to avoid cuts.

The first and most important thing that you need to do is to ensure that the appliance is switched off. To get access to the AC coils, take off the covering of the appliance. This could vary according to the different models.

Some have access systems, whereas in others, the cover has to be taken off. Remove the casing and keep the screws at a safe distance. Once the coils are within reach, use compressed air and try to remove the dust and debris. Then use a scrub brush for getting rid of any hard-to-remove dirt.

Like AC coils, filters too, when exposed to dust, contribute to air conditioner problems. Take the filter out and use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the dust. Now, take a tub, big enough to keep the filter in, fill it with water and vinegar in equal proportions, and submerge the filter completely in the solution and keep it for a few hours.

Doing so, will kill all the allergens and bacteria present on the filter. Remove the filter and let it dry thoroughly, after which you can fix it back.

Locate the condenser and run the vacuum all over the exterior. Take off the cover to clean its interior. Use an appropriate screwdriver to get the casing out, and vacuum all the components. At this point, you can clean the parts with a damp cloth for better results.

Use appropriate tools to remove the fan from the assembly. However, you will not be able to take out the fan as it would be connected by wires. Let the wires be connected, and clean every part of the fan that's accessible. After this is done, you can start reassembling the unit.

To clean the ducts, take off the vent covers. Check if mold is accumulated. If there is, you again need to use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean it. Scrub the mold-covered surface thoroughly with this solution. Now clean the vent walls and also the inside of the vent cover. Put the vacuum pipe into the vent and try to get the dust out.

For efficient functioning of a portable air conditioner, the best way is to keep the nearby area clean. Make this activity of cleaning an air conditioner a regular practice to ensure best results.