4 Tips for Cleaning Your Air Conditioning System

Discover four tips for cleaning your air conditioning system.

One of the most important components of your air conditioning system is the filter. The filter on your air conditioner traps contaminants, such as dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens. When the filter traps these particles and contaminants, it prevents them from getting inside your home.

After you have ran your air conditioner all summer, you will likely want to change your filter as it is probably full of contaminants. When you change your filter, you can improve indoor air quality, as well as extend the life of your air conditioner and improve efficiency.

Finding the filter is the first thing you will need to do. The filter is most likely located either in the return air duct or near the blower system. Once you have located the filter, look for the size, which should be printed on the filter. When you know where the filter is and the right size you need, you are ready to change it.

Before you change the filter, shut the air conditioner's power off. Next, take out the old filter, place it in a plastic bag, and throw it away. Last, insert the new filter.

Another way to rid your home of dust particles, dirt, and other allergens is to clean your vents and air ducts. Cleaning your vents and air ducts is especially important after running your air conditioning system all summer long. Like your filter, these parts accumulate a lot of contaminants.

When you clean your vents and air ducts, not only will you remove contaminants, you also improve indoor air quality and get rid of unpleasant odors. You can clean your vents and air ducts by performing the following steps:

• Clean the supply and return registers with a cleaning brush.
• Turn off the power to your air conditioning system.
• Unscrew the air duct covers and clean out the ducts using the long hose on your vacuum cleaner.
• Clean the blower compartment.

Since you will stir up a lot of dust and debris when you clean your vents and air ducts, you will probably want to vacuum and clean the rest of your home afterward. This way, you can start a brand-new season with a nice clean home and air conditioning system.

The primary function of your air conditioning system's evaporator coil is to absorb heat from the air so that it can send cool air inside your home. If the evaporator coil does not work as it should, your air conditioning system will have a harder time keeping the air inside your home cool.

Because the evaporator coil plays such an important part of cooling your home, you should inspect on a regular basis and clean it if it is dirty. The evaporator coil is usually near or in the air handler. If you cannot find it, check your owner's manual.

After you shut off the power, use a soft cleaning brush to remove debris and sediment. Using an evaporator no rinse foam is also recommended. Even if you think your air conditioner is working just fine, you should still clean the evaporator coil.

The last thing to do to prepare your air conditioning system for fall is the clean the outside unit. The primary reason for cleaning the outdoor unit is remove debris, which can block the flow of cool air.

First, shut off the power. Next, vacuum debris away from the fins of the unit. This debris usually consists of grass and leaves. If any weeds or plants are too close to the unit, you will want to remove them as well.

The next thing you will want to do is remove the fan from the unit. Remove debris from the interior and spray the fins with water from a hose. Once you are finished, put the fan back inside and screw the top grille back on.

If you want to clean your air conditioning system but need some help, contact Central York Corp. Our certified and licensed HVAC technicians provide air conditioning service and maintenance to residents in Richmond and central Virginia.