How to Clean an AC Unit and Maintain your HVAC

In this article, we will walk you through how to clean an AC unit and we will highlight a few simple maintenance to-dos’ that can help you create an easy routine around your AC unit in order to keep it working properly.

Because, as one of the most important systems in a home or building, the air conditioner or HVAC, works all year long.

It keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

And just like other major systems in a home, the HVAC requires a maintenance routine in order keep it working as it should.

Maintenance that if performed regularly, can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the line.

So, it is important to learn how to clean an AC unit and properly maintain it in order to increase its life and have a working HVAC for many years to come.

Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

Before teaching you how to clean an AC unit, we want to highlight a few maintenance tips that can help you properly care for and operate your air conditioner.

1. Set the Optimal Thermostat Temperature

The thermostat is the “remote control” for your entire HVAC system, and selecting the optimal temperature on your thermostat can make all the difference when it comes to your HVAC’s health and overall performance.

In addition, having the right temperature on your thermostat can also have a big impact on your air conditioner’s electricity usage. Potentially saving you money on your next electric bill.

The Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at 68°during the cooler months and 78° during the warmer months.

2. Use the Fan Setting on your Thermostat

The FAN setting allows the air conditioner system to run air through the house independently of the heater and cooling systems.

In other words, it circulates air through the house without cooling or heating; Much like a ceiling fan.

This setting comes in handy during the spring and fall when the temperatures don’t necessarily trigger the heater or cooling of the unit, but you still want a good air flow throughout the home.

3. Update your Old Thermostat

If your property has an outdated thermostat, it is a good idea to think about upgrading it to a newer version, or even a smart thermostat.

Now-a-days, smart thermostats have lots of options that not only make your life easier, but can also save you money throughout the year.

Options like smartphone connectivity, automatic schedules and auto-learning capabilities can help you optimize temperatures based on your usage and needs.

4. Change the Air Filter

The HVAC filter not only plays an important role in cleaning the air that runs through the home or building, but it also ensures that the air conditioner is free of dust and particles that could damage its internal components.

That is why it is important to routinely clean your air filter when visibly dirty or replacing it about every two to three months, depending on the type of filter you may have.

How to Clean an AC Unit

The outdoor unit of your air conditioning is known as the AC condenser.

Because of its location, the AC condenser is very exposed to rain, heat, dust, leaves, dirt, grass and other outside debris.

If not routinely cleaned, this constant exposure can take a toll on the outdoor unit and the entire HVAC system as a whole.

For that reason, learning how to clean the AC unit and its components is important in order to keep the air flowing, your home cool and your electric bill down in the heat of the summer.

Here is how to clean an AC unit:

1. Turn off the Power

The first step is to turn off the AC unit from the thermostat inside the house.

Once the AC unit is off, find the outside power shutoff and turn it off as well.

The outdoor power shutoff should be a covered metal box, usually attached to the side of the house. Like the one below.

To turn it off, either pull out the plug/block or turn the switch to the off position.

If you can’t find the outdoor switch or want to make entirely sure the power to the unit is off, you can find the main power breaker box to the house and turn the switch to the AC unit off.

2. Remove the AC Unit’s Grille

Most outdoor AC Units have a protective cover or grille used to protect the condenser fins from possible damage.

Before cleaning the AC unit, you will have to remove this grille by unscrewing it and lifting it off the unit; Exposing the condenser fins.

3. Remove Debris from the AC Condenser Fins

Once exposed, the best way to clean the condenser fins is by using a shop-vac and a soft brush attachment. 

Make sure all dirt, leaf and debris are properly removed either by hand or with the shop-vac.

Being careful not to bend or damage any of the fins, slowly vacuum all sides of the AC unit and external components.

4. Rinse and Clean the Air Conditioner Coils

In order to remove any left-over dirt or debris from the AC condenser unit, use a water hose on medium pressure and spray the fins and coils.

Again, you need to be careful not to bend any of the fins by using high pressure on the water hose. 

Additionally, for an extra clean unit, you can purchase a coil cleaner to help you get rid of hard-to-remove impurities from the fins and coils.

5. Straighten the AC Condenser Fins

If your unit happens to have any bent or curved condenser fins, it is a good idea to carefully straighten them by using an AC condenser fin comb.

This inexpensive tool can help restore the fins to their original position and allow air to flow through the unit more efficiently.

How to Clean the Condensation Drain Line

Most air conditioner units have a condensation drain pipe that is used to remove excess condensed water when it builds up in the system.

Over time, bacteria, mold, algae and mildew can form due to the humidity in the pipe.

In order to prevent this from happening and ensure your drain line is always clean, it is recommended to pour a mixture of water and bleach down the drain pipe.

The trick is to keep a small bottle with about 5-parts water to 1-part bleach close to the unit or somewhere you can remember.

Every couple of months, pour about two tablespoons into the drain pipe. 

The bleach will work on cleaning and preventing any build up and keeping the drain line clear.

5. Professional Air Conditioner Maintenance

Lastly, it is important to have an HVAC professional perform air conditioner maintenance about once every year.

An HVAC professional will perform higher level tasks such as checking and cleaning the burner, checking pipes, checking electrical wiring and connections, lubricating the motor, test for Carbon Monoxide and many other tasks that only a trained professional can perform.