Your air conditioning unit is an essential part of making your home an oasis of rest and relaxation. Over time, you may notice that your device will work harder to reach the same cooling level as before. Likewise, if you have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC), heating may become less effective over time.

Cleaning your air conditioner is a key element of maintenance, and it will keep your system healthier for longer. This means fewer major repairs and lower energy bills. With some time, patience, and precision, you can clean your air conditioner for better performance.

Air conditioners have many moving parts, and since safety is paramount, you should turn off the power to the breaker box. That means you won't have any lights, so this is definitely a day project. If your indoor unit is in a dark place, such as an attic, you will need to set up adequate lighting.

Your blower unit will have a door to the evaporator coil. Depending on your unit, you may need to remove the foil tape. There are usually several bolts or screws that hold the door in place.

If you have a soft brush, use it to remove dust from the coils. This dust will consist of any particles in your home. This includes skin cells and sometimes pollen, so if you're prone to allergies, you may need to wear a mask.

The best cleaning solution is a no-rinse coil cleaner, which you can buy at your local home improvement store. This spray foams and then drips into the appliance's drain pan, carrying away dirt and dust. Spray the foam as evenly as possible on all small areas that are out of reach with your hands.

The best time to do this is on a warm day so that when you turn the unit back on, the AC condensation will flush out the coils.

After the coil cleaner has completely done its job, clean the drain pan. Soap and hot water are good places to start, and bleach can help with disinfection. Choose a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water. Pour the solution down the drain to make sure it's clear. If you want a long-term way to prevent algae growth, you can buy an AC drain pan tablet at most home improvement and hardware stores.

If your bleach solution easily flushes down the drain, you can skip this step. If it's slow, your drain may be clogged. Mold and algae can build up in drains if not cleaned and maintained regularly. It's usually an inch wide PVC pipe, so it doesn't take much buildup to clog.

Your drain may end up outside, usually around the condenser unit. Otherwise, it drains into a utility sink or drains on the basement floor. If your unit is in the attic, it may run down one of your exterior walls. Walk down the drain to the end and carry a wet/dry vacuum with you. If you are concerned about soiling the filter, you can remove it from the vacuum.

Take the vacuum hose and attach it to the end of the drain. You can prevent air leaks by holding a towel around the gap. If you want the tightest seal, glue the hose and drain together. Turn on the vacuum and let it run for two to three minutes to remove any buildup that has built up.

Reattach the access panel using the same screws you removed at the beginning of the procedure. If you have HVAC foil tape, use it to seal the top and bottom of the access panel. Do not obscure the manufacturer's label, as it may be required by a technician to perform maintenance or repairs on the equipment.

It's all you need to do for regular cleaning, but if you have a challenge you can't handle on your own, there's a good chance you'll need to seek professional help to get them cleaned thoroughly. If you are planning to buy an air conditioner, you are also welcome to contact us.

ComforPlanet is a professional custom air conditioners and components manufacturer. Our reseller partners are on a mission to simplify their work and provide the highest quality at the most affordable price. You can find many air conditioner brands here, and also let you know how to choose the air conditioner that's right for you. Smart machines can also be found here.