how to clean central air conditioner

To unsubscribe text STOP to 64600. Behind the grilles, you can see fan blades. Due to the wires connecting the fan motor to the compressor unit, you may not be able to fully lift off the fan. To access the condenser coil and its fins, you may have to remove a protective metal housing that covers the unit. Then insert the air conditioner fin comb and pull up to straighten the fins. You might end up dislodging debris and bringing allergens into your home that weren't previously a problem. The only way to prevent issues with your air conditioning system is to schedule continuous tune-ups with a licensed HVAC contractor. Window and wall units can usually just be unplugged. The detergent and water mix is applied to the coil using a low-pressure sprayer. No purchase required. Wear leather gloves to … Outside, your main job is to clean the air conditioner condenser coil (Photos 2 – 4). Straighten the bent cooling fins with a fin comb. Use an air conditioner coil cleaner or an oxygenated household cleaner. Clean the Outdoor Unit of a Central Air Conditioner 1 Shut down the power. I have seen where some professionals say it's OK to close 20% of the airflow off and others say not to do it … There should be an outdoor shutoff near the condenser unit. Prior to cleaning your AC unit, it’s important to deactivate the power. That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to clean your air conditioner, starting with the condenser. This … Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 5:30 pm If your air conditioner is blowing warm air in your house, this is an indicator of an issue. Henderson may use an automatic phone system to contact me. Your central air conditioner (AC) unit has two types of coils. Allow an experienced technician to inspect and fix the issue before your system worsens. Trim bushes periodically so they're at least two feet away. Ideally, it is protected through the winter by a condenser cover or tarp to prevent accumulation of debris inside it. Once you’ve vacuumed the condenser fins and sanitized the fan glades, you may put the compressor together. Before you begin disassembling any portion of the condenser, it’s crucial that you disable the power supply. Not cooling your house? духа, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Do this by placing the fan back on top of the compressor, and re-screwing it to the metal frame. Dirty air filters often require more energy to run, leading to increased electricity bills. Reinstall the drain tube and turn the power back on. … If you have an indoor air handler in your attic or utility closet, you'll need to find the condensate pan. Consider removing tree branches that cause problems. Warm air could be the result of a broken compressor or a refrigerant leak. Wet or dry vacuums can typically be found at the hardware store and online. To quickly tell a disposable from a reusable air filter, inspect the material it’s made from. Cleaning the Outdoor Portion of an Air Conditioning System 1.) Spray the front panel, case, and window fins with the cleaner. Central Air conditioner blowing hot or warm air? You can do this by using a kitchen utensil such as a knife to gently bend the fins back into position. If you use excessive force, you risk snapping off the fins or damaging them further. Open the circuit breaker box and flip the button to the off position. In most homes, the central air conditioner uses the same air blower and ductwork as the furnace. It may also be covered by a removable access … Inside, look for a switch that you can slide to the “OFF” position. Cleaning up sticks, weeds, tall grass and other debris from the area surrounding your air conditioner will help to keep it running well and clean in the future. At this point, you can also turn the power supply back on. How to Clean Air Conditioner Fins with an AC Fin Comb. Heating and air conditioning systems need that air flow to operate efficiently and to extend the longevity of either the furnace or the air conditioner. Room air conditioners have a filter mounted in the grill that faces into the room. Henderson may record calls for quality assurance purposes. Use a Wet or Dry Vacuum to Remove Dirt From the Condenser Fins The condenser fins are situated on the exterior of the outdoor condensing unit of the central air conditioning system. This will resemble a square box on the wall of the apartment or house. WM Henderson provides dependable and efficient air conditioning tune-up, replacement, and repair services to homes in areas of Pennsylvania including Coatesville, Broomall, West Chester, and Conshohocken. Let’s begin by walking through the steps for cleaning your central air conditioner’s filter. If you smell an unusual odor from your air conditioning system, speak with an HVAC professional right away. You will need to first remove the fan from the compressor. Shut off power to the unit. This is usually located directly under the unit. The fan inside the condenser coil sucks air through the fins, and as a result, pulls dirt and debris with it. Shut off power to the unit. To clean the condenser fins, carefully move the nozzle of a wet or dry vacuum over them. If you don’t have a wet/dry vacuum, see if any of your friends or neighbors have one. Rinsing the fins from the inside will make sure that any obstructions are cleared, and the unit can effectively draw in air. The condenser unit sucks in air through these fins. If you live in an apartment or a rental house, the landlord or property owner will likely have annual inspections performed. Comments are Off. You may also be able to rent a wet/dry vacuum from your local hardware store. The condenser fins are situated on the exterior of the outdoor condensing unit of the central air conditioning system. You can easily correct this by cleaning your air conditioner … This clears any dirt and debris on the fins that may hinder the condenser to draw in air effectively. As the air is blown across the evaporator coil, which generally sits above your furnace, heat is removed from the air, cooling it down. Without actually looking inside the unit, you may never know about excess dirt and dust that have collected there. Within the machine itself, air is pushed through several coils containing refrigerant that cool it before its pushed through the duct work and into the home. Air conditioner fins are delicate and can be bent easily, which can lead to costly, but necessary repairs. Take out the filter (s). AC Coils – Should You Clean Them? Evaporator coils absorb heat and humidity from the air. Then remove the grille by unscrewing … Turn off power to the air conditioner, as described above. 2) Clean the Condenser Coils. Spray the casing and interior with cleaning solution. A dirty filter will obstruct airflow within the AC system, and will cause the system to function with much less efficiency. Sometimes, cleaning your air conditioner just isn’t enough to improve AC efficiency; You may need to seek some professional assistance. While your HVAC professional will most likely include a full condenser cleaning as part of the … *By submitting the information in this form, I understand that Wm. A central air conditioner is a unit that spreads cold air throughout your home or business via a duct system. Take the filters to the … So you have to be careful when closing the supply registers. Next, identify the fan near the top of the compressor and remove it. If your garden hose is unable to remove dirt and debris from the blades, use a paper towel and sanitation spray to sanitize the fan. Inexperienced individuals could also end up permanently damaging their HVAC systems, or worse, hurting … The filter blocks dust from getting into the important parts of the system. Remove Grille & Debris in AC. To clean the outside of the air conditioner, you will still need to turn the power off. Not only does proper maintenance maximize the efficiency of your central air conditioner, but it also ensures the comfort and safety of your family members. Keep your air-conditioner (AC) maintained and you’ll not only save money on energy, but you’ll also extend its lifespan, saving money on costly early replacement. Because they are delicate, … Once you’ve wiped the blades, spray water through the compressor’s fins from inside of the unit to ensure you impede any blockage that may occur from debris. Turning off the air conditioner is extremely important and allows you to properly disassemble and clean without harming the unit or yourself. If you’re experiencing a muggy or sticky feeling in your home’s air, agitated allergy and asthma symptoms, or notice water or fog gathering around your window, this may indicate your air conditioner isn’t working properly. First, use a screwdriver to remove the wiring from the front of the fan. Once you are finished cleaning the condenser of the central air conditioner unit, you will be required to remove dirt and debris from the fan. Over the course of time, these will become dirty with bits of leaves, grass, and dust. A musty, sour, or foul smell can be an indication of central air conditioner issues such as burned wire insulation or mold growth. Both coils need to be clean to maximize efficiency. Use a screwdriver to remove the grate panel. Pull out the old filter from the slot and replace it with a new matching air filter. Call a AC professional cleaner—or your landlord—if you notice water pooling around the base of the evaporator unit, or see water-damaged flooring nearby. 1. Window AC: Clean the filter every month Most window air conditioners have a reusable filter. Keep in mind that these steps only apply if your air conditioner’s filter is reusable. Consequently, your air conditioner may be operating at less than it's normal efficiency and may be using more electrical power than is necessary. Whether you schedule regular air conditioner maintenance or prefer to clean it yourself, it’s important to maintain your system to prevent costly repairs. A central air conditioner works by using your furnace or air handler fan to draw warm air in through your home’s duct work. Common filter locations are in walls, ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditioner itself. Furthermore, you get the best return of your investment. Once the compressor is assembled, you may activate the power to your central air conditioning system. When an air conditioner is blocked, dirty, or not maintained well, it isn't very efficient. The removed heat is absorbed into refrigerant running through the coil. An essential function of your air conditioner involves pulling humidity from the air inside your home. Consider doing this task on a regular basis in order to reduce any future Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. While there are a number of commercially available coil cleaning solutions on the market, air conditioner coils can be cleaned with a solution of a mild household detergent and water. Use an outdoor hose to wash away dirt, rubble, twigs, leaves, and other contaminants from the fan blades. Our team of licensed plumbers will make sure your air conditioning system stays in pristine condition. The tools for cleaning the inside unit of the central air conditioner are coil cleaner, water spray, and air con bag. Step One: Determine The Air … Open the panel. Disposable filters will be made of thick, papery material, while reusable filters are made of a rubbery frame and metal mesh. If you hear loud grinding, grating, squealing or any other unusual noises from your motor, you may need to seek an HVAC professional for insight. This will resemble a square box on the wall of the apartment or house. 500 A ABBOTT DRIVE – BROOMALL, PA, 19008, #013279, Step-By-Step Guide: How to Clean a Central Air Conditioner, Use a Wet or Dry Vacuum to Remove Dirt From the Condenser Fins, Use a Water Hose to Sanitize the Fan Blades, Water & Sewer Line Replacement & Repair Services, Trenchless Sewer Repair Services in West Chester, PA & Other Areas, Ductless Mini Split Installation & Repair, Use the Breaker Box to Deactivate the Air Conditioner, 5 Signs That Indicate It’s Time to Perform an Air Conditioner Repair, Central Air Conditioner Repair & Installation Services in West Chester & Other Areas of Pennsylvania. 2. How to Clean a Central Air Conditioner: 12 Steps (with ... Top www.wikihow.com. In some more modern units, the pipe which drains water runs directly into the floor, and does not have a drain. Next, insert the screws for the grate panel that goes on top of the fan. Condenser fins are engineered to push excess heat away from the air conditioner. July 20, 2020 Contact an HVAC technician to determine if your AC needs repair. Air conditioner cleaning product (product options (Amazon) (Suggested Product (Amazon) Unnecessary papers (i.e. If the plastic pipe is flexible, poke the wire into the bottom of the pipe as well, to make sure that it’s not clogged. Be careful because the parts can be fragile. Although cleaning a central air conditioning unit takes more than a few minutes, the task is simpler than it might seem. If you notice that your AC unit is not working properly or seems to be broken, contact your rental agency. Condenser fins are engineered to push excess heat away from the air conditioner. The coil is either allowed to drain naturally, or lightly rinsed with … How to Clean Your Air Conditioner Drain. Whatever the case may be, address the situation immediately to avoid potential mold growth. This coating of dust can reduce the efficiency of the condenser unit by blocking the unit from pulling in air. If you have any trees nearby, you'll have to keep the grills cleared of leaves in the fall. I understand no purchase is necessary and Wm. (If there is a housing on your particular air conditioner… I consent to receive service information and marketing offers by calls, text, or email via any telephone numbers / email addresses I provide. If you have a disposable filter, you’ll have to replace it in lieu of cleaning. Not cooling like it used to? Dust, leaves, dead grass and anything else that collects on the fins will block airflow and reduce the unit’s efficiency. If there is no switch, you’ll need to manually pull the plug which feeds power to the condenser. This is a square box that is connected to the wall on the exterior of your house. Over the course of time, the outdoor condenser unit can become covered in a layer of dirt and pollen kicked up by the wind. Our team also provides other HVAC services including furnace maintenance, heat pump repair, ductless mini-split system installation, and boiler replacement. Hours of Operation: In this case, you do not need to clean the setup. Match the correct end of the air conditioner fin comb to the fin spacing on your coils. Condenser coils expel warm air outside your home. Dave Moody, HVAC pro from Service Experts, says, “An AC needs regular attention to be sure it’s operating at the highest efficiency.” The best time … SMS Terms & Conditions: I consent to receive up to 6 recurring autodialed SMS/MMS promotional messages per month. Let’s take a look at signs that indicate your air conditioning system needs repairs. Standard message & data rates may apply. For central air conditioners, filters are generally located somewhere along the return duct's length. Without regular cleanings and maintenance, the air filter in your air conditioning unit becomes less effective. If there is no switch, … To turn the air conditioner off, locate the breaker box connected to the system. By yt-admin This means you may not be able to completely remove the fan from the central air conditioning system. Either way, this issue typically requires assistance from a licensed technician. How To Clean A Central Air Conditioner Filter. The secret to maintaining a long-lasting air conditioner starts with cleaning it. Once you have cleaned the condenser fins on your air conditioner, we recommend straightening any noticeable bent or twisted fins. You’ll simply have to lift the fan as far out of its housing as possible. Next, unscrew and remove the fan. If your central air conditioner filter isn’t regularly cleaned, it can collect dust, grime, bacteria, mildew and mold. Sign up for a home maintenance plan so you never forget the important task of scheduling annual HVAC tune-ups. Open the door on the box and flip the switch or remove the fuse to cut power to the air conditioner. Your air conditioning system should operate fairly quietly. newspapers) Towels; Here are the steps to follow to clean your unit air conditioner. Give our team a call by phone at (484) 206-8594 to receive assistance with a malfunctioning air conditioning system. [2] X R… To deactivate your system, find the “Off” button located in your breaker box near the air conditioning unit. You can also mix warm water with a few drops of dish detergent. Turn off the power to your HVAC system at the thermostat and at the breaker. To begin the cleaning process: First. Then, we’ll look at window and ducted units. Shut off the power to the air conditioner. Turn off the 240-volt power to the air conditioner at the shutoff box on the exterior of your house. Poke a pipe cleaner into the drain port and clean out any debris. These evaporator coils should be cleaned once a year to keep the … To make sure your central air conditioner isn’t working harder than it needs to, it’s essential to keep both the interior and exterior AC fins clean. If you spot water or leaks around your air conditioner unit, the excess moisture may be caused by a drain blockage or a refrigerant leak. A loud noise may be a signal of a bigger problem. Inside, look for a switch that you can slide to the “OFF” position. There should be an outdoor shutoff near the condenser unit. The evaporator usually sits in an inaccessible spot inside a metal duct downstream from the blower (Figure A). 24 Hour Emergency Service, LAWRENCE PARK INDUSTRIAL PARK Carefully try to open the front cover then start removing the air filters. It’s a good idea to clean the condenser coils if you don’t have … Most outdoor air conditioning units have an appliance shut off box situated nearby. This space will maximize the unit’s efficiency by allowing plenty of free-flowing air. However, you should be able to lift the fan from the compressor to remove dirt, debris, and other objects. Complete this task before cleaning your coils to ensure a greater cleaning effect. What's more, cleaning your air ducts the "wrong way" can make things worse, not better. To keep your air conditioner clean and energy efficient, schedule professional AC maintenance every spring. The first step is placing the air con bag in the below part of your central air conditioner unit. Knowing when to clean your central air conditioner is not always easy. Please note that the fan motor does have fragile wires that are connected to the compressor. Try to be steady and gentle when straightening the fins to avoid breaking or damaging them. Over them that you can do this by placing the fan inside the unit from pulling air. 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