In a tropical country like the Philippines, having an air conditioner is practically a blessing. Indeed, there are times when it gets unbearably hot even if it’s already supposed to be the cool season. That’s why it’s important to keep your aircon in good shape so that it always delivers top-notch performance. One of the best ways to ensure this is to keep your air conditioner clean.
Besides optimum cooling, there are many other reasons to keep your aircon unit clean. These include an extended lifespan, along with energy savings. You’ll also save on replacement and repair costs. A clean air conditioner can also prevent health issues such as allergy attacks and respiratory problems.
The good thing is that it’s relatively easy to clean your air conditioner using simple tools and some household items. To make it even easier, below are a few aircon cleaning tips you can follow:
Ideal Schedule: Every 6 Months
You already know that you have to clean your aircon filters regularly. The question is, how often is “regularly”? The ideal answer is every 6 months or twice a year. This schedule allows you to not just clean the aircon, but also inspect it for possible problems. If there are longer gaps between cleanings, you might not be able to detect and address issues on time.
Do note that the cleaning schedule can vary depending on how much and how often you use your air conditioning unit. If you don’t turn it on daily and/or only use it for short hours, you can take a little longer between cleaning sessions. However, make sure to still inspect the unit every 6 months to see if there are any problems needed to be fixed.
Use Warm Water
When washing the aircon filters, it’s better to use warm water and white vinegar solution. This will help dislodge dirt and dust better than just plain water. The acid in the vinegar can also break down compounds that cause unpleasant odors. If the filters are very dirty or if the dirt and dust are a little sticky, you can use a mild detergent or dishwashing liquid. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and dry completely before placing the filters back in the unit.
Don’t Forget to Clean the Coils
When you DIY your aircon’s maintenance, you often think of cleaning only the filters. However, if the filters are dirty, you can expect that the evaporator and condenser coils are in the same state. You have to clean these parts, too, to ensure that your aircon functions properly. Use a soft brush to remove dust and dirt or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Just be very careful so that you don’t bend the coil fins.
After brushing or vacuuming, spray some water on the coils using a hose to wash away the grime. You’ll know that you’ve done a good job when the color of the fins change. If there are some stubborn bits of dirt or the coils are extra-dirty, you can use a cleaning spray. Make sure to follow the directions from the manufacturer to get the best results. Then, rinse the coils thoroughly. As a final note, remember to clean the water pan as well to prevent molds from forming.
Straighten the Fins
After cleaning the coils, you might notice that some fins may be out of “alignment.” Some might also be bent. Make sure to straighten these fins because any misaligned or bent fins can affect the airflow, and thus reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner. There are fin straightening tools available in the market (they look like small rakes) or you can also use a butter knife. Again, be extra careful. This time, you don’t want to puncture the tubes that are embedded inside the fins.
Clean the Surroundings of the Exterior Unit
The job isn’t done after you clean the aircon. There’s still one final task that you should do, and that is clean the area surrounding the outdoor unit or exterior side of the aircon. If there are any bushes or trees nearby, trim them so that there are about 2 feet of space in all directions. This ensures proper airflow.
If you want, you can also cover the top of the aircon with a mini roof to minimize the debris that gets into the unit. Keep in mind the space allocation of at least 2 feet. In addition, don’t cover the sides. This can result in moisture build-up and corrode the components inside. For more regular maintenance, sweep the area around the aircon.
As you can see, it’s not overly complicated to clean your aircon on your own. If you’re a little hesitant, try watching instructional videos online so you have a better idea of what to do. Moreover, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the manufacturer of the unit and consult the owner’s manual for further maintenance tips.
