Summer is right around the corner and soon enough we’ll be having raising temperatures here in Florida. If you’re worried about your AC, you’ll gain some peace of mind knowing that your unit will be running smoothly all summer long if you take some time to clean it. Routine cleaning won’t only prolong the life of your machine, but an unclogged, low-debris unit will function more efficiently helping reduce your energy bill!

Methods to Clean Your Air Conditioner

There are a couple of different ways in which you can clean your air conditioning system. The first step is to clean the outdoor unit. You can also clean the indoor unit but it would be best to clean the outdoor unit first since it is most susceptible to debris and dirt.

Do it Yourself

For the “do-it yourselfers” out there, cleaning your own AC unit can be an easy and cost efficient way of maintaining your Air Conditioner. Before you get started however, you will need a few items.

  • Some work or gardening gloves
  • A vacuum with a soft-bristle brush attachment
  • A direct spray hose
  • A screwdriver
  • A damp cloth

The first and most important step to cleaning your outdoor unit is to turn off the power switch, which is usually located in a small box near the machine. Next, remove any branches, leaves and other debris that may have become stuck in the condenser fins. Vacuum the fins with a soft-bristle brush attachment being careful not to bend any fins.

For the next step you will need to unscrew and remove the top grille. Use the vacuum to clear away any debris that might be surrounding the motor. Next grab your hose with a direct spray and wash the interior walls. Be careful to avoid the electrical components and not to bend any fins.

Lastly, carefully wipe down the fan blades with a damp cloth, and that’s it! Just don’t forget to reattach the top grille.

Remember, your air conditioner is almost like your own pet, needing regular maintenance and proper hygiene to stay healthy. You can clean your unit yourself, but it’s best to leave things like changing the coolant to the professionals. At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Clearwater, we provide two maintenance visits per year in order to ensure the life and health of your system.