While air conditioners are highly advanced and complicated machines, they have progressed to the point that with proper maintenance they’ll last a good long time. However, it is very important that they do get cared for with regular visits from an air conditioner specialist to make sure that they are cleaned inside and out, running smoothly, fully charged, and there are no leaks in the system. Here are some of the basics of air conditioner maintenance some tasks are easy for the homeowner to do while others should be done professionally.

Check and Clean The Condenser Unit

This is the part of the system that is located outside of the home. It is also, typically, is the dirtiest and most neglected part of the system. It contains a fan, the condensing coils, and compressor inside a metal case that has plenty of ventilation slats to keep it cool.

Because of the air flow, it tends to gather leaves, grass, insects, and plenty of other debris that can block the air flow that it needs to function. Additionally, when it isn’t running people like to leave all kinds of items leaning against it and stacked on top of it.
This can severely obstruct the flow of air, make it work much harder, and fail a lot sooner than it normally would. Take the time to clean the entire area around it, vacuum out the insides (make sure the unit is off at the breaker panel) and change the filter often. You can carefully brush debris from the coil as well being very careful not to damage the fins there.

Clean The Inside Unit As Well

The inside unit is usually called the evaporator unit and it will also have filters that prevent inside dust from entering the coils and clogging them up. Most of these filters are made from foam and can be removed, washed with soapy water, and then returned. Buy a new one if the old one becomes ragged looking. Perform this task once a month during the air conditioning season in your area.

Inspect the coils and make sure they are clean as well, they can be vacuumed, or washed with a damp cloth. Keeping dust, dirt, and other deposits cleaned off makes your air conditioner more efficient and last longer.

Aircon Chemical Cleaning Is Also Recommended

This is a more thorough cleaning where the refrigerant is pumped into the condensing unit and locked in there. Then the fancoil is dismantled and partially disassembled including the fan, circuit board, drain pan, and evaporating coil. Everything is completely brushed clean and the evaporator coil, drain pan, fan blower, fancoil body, and other parts are chemically cleaned and hand dried.

They have a special deep cleaning agent that foams and lifts the dirt, oil, and other deposits even inside hard to reach areas. Then everything is flushed with water before the hand drying.

Then everything is reassembled and replaced, the gas restored and the electrical connection as well. The gas pressure is tested and leaks are searched for to give the unit a clean bill of health.

This type of deep cleaning needs to be done more often in aircon units that are in kitchen areas or dusty conditions. Less often in clean homes or less used rooms. Contact your local aircon service company to get a thorough aircon chemical cleaning service and start the warm season on the right track.