An air conditioner is an essential modern-day necessity. Without a proper cooling system in your home, it is highly difficult to beat the summer heat. Air conditioners carry cool air into your home and thus provide relief from the heat in the summer months. But for the air conditioner to run smoothly, you will need to keep it clean and maintained.
Cleaning the air conditioner from time to time prevents any costly air conditioning repair in Port St. Lucie and also increases its efficiency significantly. While there are many things about a central air conditioner that should be left to the professionals, but the following cleaning guide can assist you in cleaning the air conditioner by yourself.
Cleaning The Indoor Unit
Step 1: Replace The Air Filters
The air filters in your air conditioner need to be replaced every two to three months so that the air conditioner runs smoothly. Air filters can be found in any local home improvement store and you can find the right-sized filter for your air conditioner from the user manual. Before you replace4 the air filter make sure to turn off the power in the main panel.
Step 2: Clean Blower Compartment
The next step is to clean the blower compartment. You can use a vacuum to clean the compartment free of the dust and debris accumulated on the surface of the compartment. Next, use the specific lubrication oil built for the electric motors of your AC to lubricate the parts.
Next, check for algae growth inside the plastic condensation tube. If the tube is clogged by dirt or algae then pour a bleach solution through the tube to clean it. A small bristle brush is great for cleaning the tube.
Step 3: Restart The Unit
Once you have cleaned the entire indoor unit of your home air conditioning in Stuart FL, replace the parts carefully back into the unit and seal and then you can turn the power on the main panel back on. If the air conditioner does not run properly even after cleaning then you should hire a professional to check the air conditioner for faults.
Cleaning The Outdoor Unit
Step 1: Cut The Power Supply
Before you start cleaning the outdoor unit of the central air conditioner make sure that you have turned off the power supply. The central air conditioner runs on a 240 volt supply and so turn off the supply at that circuit and it will cut off the power supply to the outdoor unit. There is often a shutoff box located outside the house that is meant for the AC, turn the power off in the shut-off box. If you cannot locate the shutoff box then cut off the circuit breaker that provides power supply to the AC.
Step 2: Vacuum Clean The Fins
A vacuum cleaner with a soft bristle brush attached to its front is a great choice for cleaning the fins of the outdoor air conditioning unit. You may need to unscrew the metal case in order to reach the fins. The fins are prone to collect dust and debris so make sure that you remove all the grass, weeds, and other stuff that has stuck to the fins and vacuum clean it thoroughly. Also, keep in mind that the fins can bend easily so you have to be careful about that and if there is any bent fin then use a fin comb to straighten the fins.
Step 3: Lubricate The Fans
Next, unscrew the grill on the top of the condenser unit to bring the fan out. Usually, the fan is attached to the grill and lifts out with the grill. While bringing the fan out be very gentle so as to not cause any electrical damage. Use a damp cloth to clean the fan and then check for lubrication ports if any and apply four to five drops of lubrication oil in the ports.
Step 4: Clean The Inside
Next with a water hose clean the hollow interior of the condenser unit. Use moderate water pressure, do not use too high pressure. Also, spray clean the fins with moderate pressure from inside out as well. Once the entire outdoor unit is thoroughly cleaned, reassemble all the parts carefully and screw them back in their position without causing any electrical damage. You can also hire a professional air conditioning service in Jensen Beach for regular AC maintenance.
Step 5: Restart The AC
Once the outdoor unit is cleaned, go back inside and disable the AC. set the thermostat from cool to off. Keep the air conditioner at rest for 24 hours and then start the air conditioner again.
