How Do I Clean My Air Conditioner?

With warm, sunny weather almost all year round, an air conditioner in Australia is essential for most homes and businesses.

As such, it's important to keep your AC unit in good condition, which includes regular cleaning and maintenance.

Check out our tips on the best way to clean your air conditioner below.

How to Clean the Inside

For maximum safety, make sure that before you start, the AC is completely turned off.

Evaporator Coils

• The best place to start when cleaning your AC are the evaporator coils. Once you’ve opened up the unit, use an appropriately sized brush to sweep away any unwanted dust, dirt, etc. Using a coil cleaner, gently swipe across the coils and then leave to dry. There's no need to wipe them clean as on a warm day, condensation will do this for you.

The Drain Pan

• Using a blend of bleach, soap and water or a specific drain pan tablet, pour this solution down the drain pan to remove all traces of gunk such as algae. If this solution goes down clearly, your drain is clean and you can skip the next step. If not, carry on below.

Unclogging the Drain Pan

• Where your drain ends, hold your vacuum around the end of the pipe. This will suck out what has clogged up the drain pan.

Finally, close the unit back up. You have successfully cleaned the inside of your AC!

Watch out for any manufacturers' labels so as not to cover these up. This routine should be carried out regularly, and if you spot any issues, you may need to contact us at Jervis Bay for a professional service.

How to Clean the Outside

As the outside of the AC is exposed all year round, professional help may be needed to clean your system thoroughly. For a basic clean, however, follow the simple steps below:

Remove the Grille

• Make sure the AC is off and that no parts are moving before removing the grille.

Clear the Debris

• When you open the grille, you may find bits of foliage inside. These can and should just be swept away.

Coils and Fins

• Spray a specially made coil cleaning solution onto the coils and fins and then remove with water. This solution can be bought in home stores. It should be noted that this solution is corrosive, and its fumes dangerous. As such, it shouldn't be used on indoor coils; it is only safe for outdoor use.

Fins

• Over time, the fins in your AC may bend. For maximum efficiency, these must be straightened out. This should be done with a fin comb, so no damage is caused.

Clear the Outside

• Once you reattach the grille, make sure that the area surrounding the unit is clear for the best possible airflow. When doing this, also double-check that the system is level. If slanted for too long, costly repairs may be needed.

Contact Jervis Bay Air Conditioning for Expert Air Con Cleaning!

To discuss advice on maintaining your AC unit at length, feel free to give us a call for an estimated price on (02) 4441 7774, or, alternatively, you can fill out our online form!

If you're wondering what a ducted air conditioning system is, read our previous blog!