This summer season was one other scorcher, with the typical temperature from June by means of August within the contiguous US clocking in at 2.5 levels Fahrenheit above common — the fourth-warmest on report. That means Americans have run quite a lot of air conditioners.
The query is, are these air conditioners working in addition to they need to? Air conditioning items have to be cleaned, similar to different home equipment. If you are not giving yours a little bit love usually, you could be left a little bit scorching below the collar, whereas losing vitality. That wasted cash provides up — heating and air con are the most important makes use of of residence vitality, and a CNET survey discovered 78% of Americans are fearful about rising vitality prices.
Changing the filter regularly is an important think about guaranteeing your AC delivers as a lot cool air as doable, however there are different methods an AC will get soiled and backed up. Giving your AC a full cleansing regularly will guarantee it lasts so long as doable and performance because it’s purported to.
For extra cool content material, try our window AC shopping for information. We’ve additionally bought tips about how you can repair a loud air conditioner and how you can inform if it is time to change your AC.
Read extra: Lower Your Electric Bill This Summer With These Air Conditioning Tips
Gather your AC cleansing supplies
You’ll want just a few objects from round the home to offer your air conditioner a radical clear. Before you get began, seize the next supplies:
1. Clean the filter
A unclean filter is the primary cause AC items cease working correctly.
Cleaning the filter inside your window AC unit is probably the most vital factor you are able to do to maintain it working easily. It’s a good suggestion to scrub the filter month-to-month, even in case you do not clear all the equipment. Here’s how you can do it.
First, be certain your air conditioner is unplugged, then take off the entrance panel and take away the filter. If it is coated in mud or hair, use a vacuum to clear away as a lot particles as you may. From there, wash your filter with heat, soapy water and set it out to dry. Wait till it is absolutely dry earlier than placing it again into your window AC unit.
It’s additionally a good suggestion to exchange your air conditioner filter usually. The actual frequency will rely on how a lot you employ your AC and environmental components, however you must intention to swap your filter out each six weeks to 6 months.
2. Wipe down the grill and exterior
Wiping down the entrance grill will help air circulation higher.
While your filter is drying, wash the grill with heat water and delicate detergent. Or in case you do not need to wash it, you may as a substitute use a moist reusable fabric to wipe it down — simply be certain to scrub totally in between the gaps the place air comes out. Let it dry fully earlier than reattaching it.
Once you’ve got cleaned the grill, wipe down the highest and sides of the air conditioner. Take care to get within small areas the place it is easy for filth and mud to gather. Wait till the grill and exterior are absolutely dry earlier than operating the unit.
3. Dust off the fins and coils
Don’t overlook the again of your AC unit if you may get to it.
Now it is time to roll up your sleeves and get inside your AC unit. You need not mud the fins and coils each time you clear your air conditioner, however most producers suggest doing it quarterly or semiannually.
First, take a fin comb or soft-bristle brush and gently comb the aluminum fins inside your AC. Take your time throughout this course of as a result of the fins bend simply and may be sharp. If you discover any bent fins, softly transfer them again into place.
Next, spray your can of condensed air contained in the unit to mud off the coils. You must be as thorough as doable to take away any particles that may very well be stopping your equipment from working accurately.
4. Clean out the tray and drain
Finish the inside clear of your window AC unit by emptying the drip tray and clearing the drain. To take away particles or soiled water out of your tray, seize a wet-dry vacuum (in case you have one) or a moist fabric and pull out every little thing that is collected inside. Leave it to dry earlier than reassembling.
Finally, verify the drain to see if something is obstructing it. Use your fabric to wipe across the opening and ensure there is a clear pathway for water to exit your unit.
5. Reassemble and spray cleaner in your unit
A clear AC unit will energy you thru the most popular summer season days.
After you’ve got cleaned and dried every little thing, it is time to reassemble your window AC unit and provides it a ultimate spray to stop mildew from rising.
Grab your hydrogen peroxide spray bottle and apply the answer to the areas the place air flows out and in. Wait for the peroxide to dry earlier than utilizing your equipment — and also you’re carried out! Not solely will you breathe in cleaner and colder air, however you may lengthen the lifetime of your air conditioner as nicely.
Final suggestions
In addition to cleansing it usually, there are different steps you may take to maintain your air conditioner in correct working order. For occasion, take away it out of your window and retailer it inside in the course of the winter months or if you will not be utilizing it for lengthy durations of time.
If this looks like extra work than you are prepared to place in, you may all the time rent knowledgeable to scrub your window air conditioner for you. To discover somebody, ask your family and friends for referrals or verify with respected service suppliers in your space.
But whether or not you determine to usher in an knowledgeable or clear it your self, simply be certain to stay to an everyday cleansing schedule. At a minimal, clear your filter month-to-month and spray your unit with hydrogen peroxide to fend off mildew.
