Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining your air conditioner at home, in order for it to be in its best conditions at all times. While professional maintenance is very important, cleaning is something you can easily do by yourself.

Here are some steps you can follow to ensure that you are cleaning your indoor AC unit properly at home:

INDOOR AC UNIT

1. Switch it to fan mode

If your air conditioner was being used until then, it is very helpful to switch it to fan mode to help dry it. If you let it run for even about 20 minutes, it will be rid of moisture before you start cleaning it.

2. Turn both the units off

Make sure both your indoor and outdoor units are turned off and therefore disconnected from any power source before you start dismantling it for cleaning.

3. Unfasten the front panel

Carefully take out the front panel of your indoor AC unit, by pushing any tabs or undoing any latches that hold it. If the panel does not come off, simply lift it and hold it up while you clean.

More information: air conditioner service

4. Take out the filters

Remove the air filters for cleaning.

5. Wash the filters

First, dust off the air filters. Then you can use water and even soap (mild) to wash out the remaining impurities. You can directly hold them under the tap or use a sponge to gently scrub off the dirt. Leave them to dry off. It is best to not place them in direct sunlight.

6. Clean the cooling fins

After you’ve taken out the air filters, you will be able to see a number of metallic lines, which are the cooling fins. Blow over the cooling fins without touching them. You can even spray air conditioner cleaner on them. By thoroughly cleaning the cooling fins, you will significantly enhance the working of your air conditioner.

7. Clean the coils

The rounded pieces of metals are known as the coils. The best way to clean them is using a no-rinse evaporator spray. You can also use mild detergent by mixing it with water and spraying it on the coils. Give it a bit of time to soak in and then wipe away any loosened dirt or debris with a soft brush or cloth.

8. Rearrange the parts

After all the cleaning is done and the filters have dried, assemble all the detached parts back together. Turn on the AC to make sure it is working properly in the end: reconnect it to its power source and switch it on so that it can clean itself. If you have followed all these steps carefully, you will experience a fresh, cool breeze flowing from the cleaned AC into the room.

OUTDOOR AC UNIT

1. Turn the power off

Ensure that your units are turned off before you start cleaning.

2. Remove the AC grill

Take out any screws and lift the AC grill.

3. Remove debris

You can take out any large pieces of debris by hand. It is good to wear gloves for your own safety. USe water to clean off loose debris like grass and leaves. This can be easily done with a hose.

4. Clean the condenser fins

You can use a vacuum to clean the condenser fins, but it is important to be gentle and use a soft brush attachment. Make sure that you don’t bend any fins.

5. Clean the coils

Spray the outside unit with a coil cleaner. Wait a few minutes for it to foam, and then rinse it to remove the cleaner along with all the dirt.

6. Straighten the fins

If any of the fins are bent, they will reduce airflow and decrease the AC’s efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to straighten them.

7. Attach the AC grill

After you are done with the cleaning, reattach the AC grill.

Cleaning your air conditioner will significantly improve its efficiency, and so it is a must. With these easy steps, you can do it at home whenever you need to.