The cleanliness of your air conditioner is an influencing factor in its efficiency, longevity, and performance. It is vital to have your AC thoroughly cleaned during spring. This helps ensure it remains at peak performance throughout the sweltering summer period. An annual tune-up also ensures you have clean indoor air. Today, let’s walk through the step-by-step tasks so your system is ready for optimal operation all year round.
1. PREPARING FOR THE CLEANING PROCESS
While there are plenty of spring-cleaning tasks for you to attend to, cleaning your air conditioning system is best left to professionals. Before scheduling your AC maintenance visit, removing all obstacles from the professional’s work path is essential. This gives them access to the system without having to move things around. You might also want to have someone watch young children and pets during the cleaning process to prevent their interference with the work. The technician will turn off the power supply to your air conditioner before starting the cleaning process to prevent the risk of electrocution.
2. CLEAN OR REPLACE THE AIR FILTERS
The cleanliness of the air filter affects your AC’s performance and determines your indoor air quality. Air filters trap dirt, dust, and other air pollutants. Over time, the trapped particles will accumulate and restrict airflow. This can cause the system to use more energy as it strains to draw in air and possibly overheat.
Your spring AC cleanup should thus begin by checking the condition of your air filters, and depending on the type your system uses, an HVAC expert can either clean or replace them. Most air filter manufacturers recommend you clean your washable air filters every two weeks or replace your disposable filter at least every three months. If you have pets or people in the home with respiratory sensitivities, you’ll want to change your filter every six to eight weeks. The air filter location may vary depending on the AC model or brand, but it is often behind the front grille of your indoor unit.
3. VENTS AND REGISTER CLEANING
Dust and dirt accumulation in the air vents can restrict airflow. It is easy to miss out on cleaning them until you notice dust accumulating in your home each time you turn on the system or the particles trigger allergic reactions or other respiratory issues. You may have a light cleaning using a duster or a microfiber cloth to wipe the vents. However, a professional should conduct deep cleaning for the vents and registers during a spring maintenance visit.
Remove the vent covers and soak the vents in hot, mild, soapy water to thoroughly clean them. You can use a microfiber cloth to remove stubborn dirt before drying and replacing them.
4. CLEANING EVAPORATOR AND COILS
Air conditioners use evaporator coils to cool your home. These coils have refrigerant running through copper tubing that absorbs warmth from the air in your home. Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate on the coils, reducing their ability to transfer heat and making your system use more energy to cool your home.
A professional HVAC expert should clean the evaporator coils due to the high risk of breaking the coils or causing refrigerant leaks. An expert will remove the AC access panel to display the coils. They might use compressed air to remove loose dirt and follow with a cleaning solution.
While the panel is open, they will inspect the coils for damage and check the refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant levels reduce the system’s efficiency. After repairing the leaks, the expert will refill the refrigerant to the levels recommended by the manufacturer.
5. INSPECTING AND CLEANING THE CONDENSATE SYSTEM
As warm air flows over the coils, moisture accumulates and is collected in a condensate pan. Some systems use gravity to drain the water away from the system and empty it outside, while others need a pump to force it out.
Water and high temperatures create favorable conditions for algae, mold, and mildew growth, which can accumulate on the condensate pan or block the drain. HVAC professionals will use a pipe cleaner or brush to access and clean the condensate drain. They can use a cloth to remove accumulated dirt on the pan and a bottle brush or compressed air to clean the condensate pump. They may also repair cracks or poorly connected joints within the drainage system.
6. CLEAR THE AREA AROUND THE OUTDOOR AC UNIT
Before the technician arrives, ensure at least two feet of clear space around the outdoor condenser for proper airflow. Cut back grass or trim trees, bushes, or weeds around the outdoor unit. Remove items that can act as air blockers in the indoor units.
Proper airflow around the air conditioning unit is vital for optimal efficiency. It is common for outdoor units to accumulate dirt over time, such as bird droppings, leaves, and twigs. Pests may also build nests in the unit. The metal fins on the condenser coils can also have dirt, which inhibits heat transfer.
During a spring AC cleaning project, a professional HVAC technician can use a brush and a cleaning solution to clean between the fins and remove any nests or dirt that can interfere with the system’s performance.
7. INSPECT THE THERMOSTAT AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
The thermostat is akin to your AC command, dictating when it starts operating and when it goes off. For maximum energy efficiency, your thermostat should accurately detect the room temperature. Sometimes, this fails to happen when the thermostat is dirty or faulty. A professional will gently wipe the thermostat’s screen with a soft cloth and compare its temperature and humidity reading with an independent thermostat. The technician will adjust and recalibrate the thermostat if there is a significant variation.
If you have a gas furnace, the technician may also check the condition of the carbon monoxide detector. They will ensure it is accurately placed and in good working condition. If faulty, they may recommend you upgrade to a better model. For thermostats and carbon monoxide detectors using batteries, check and change the batteries as the manufacturer recommends.
8. TESTING THE SYSTEM
Our technicians will conclude your AC maintenance with a system operation test. They will restore power to the system and set the thermostat at five degrees below room temperature to trigger the system into operation. They will also check for proper airflow and pressure from the vents around the house. They will listen for any weird noises or smells that could indicate problems.
Familiarizing yourself with these steps will ensure your system runs efficiently year after year. Turn to our membership programs to learn more about our extensive maintenance offerings! Our HVAC experts at Garrett Mechanical can help you with all HVAC system maintenance, repair, installation, and replacement. We also have professionals dedicated to plumbing and electrical services. Contact Garrett Mechanical today to schedule a service appointment with a team dedicated to exceptional quality.
