There are two ways of cleaning the air conditioning unit: using vinegar and vacuuming. Vinegar will clean the condenser fins, while the vacuuming method will clean the face panel. Vinegar is more effective when it comes to removing skin cells from the coils. If you have allergies, you should wear a mask when cleaning the air conditioner coils. No-rinse coil cleaner can be purchased at a home improvement store. The cleaner foams and drips into the drain pan and removes dirt and dust.
Vinegar
If you want to clean your air conditioning unit, a solution of water and vinegar can do the trick. You can apply it directly to the coils or mix it with some baking soda, such as unrefined soap or mild detergent. You should shake the solution well before using it. The vinegar solution will kill dust and grease, and will make the coils look fresh again. You can also use this solution to clean the filter and other necessary parts of the air conditioner.
You can use bleach solution to remove algae and mold, but the chemicals can also damage copper tubing. Besides, it ruins clothes and carpet. Use vinegar to clean the drain line because it is less toxic than bleach, and it can flush out the drain line easily without leaving an unpleasant smell. It is best to turn off the AC before cleaning it, and always remove all the plugs and wires before using vinegar.
Vacuuming
You can perform a vacuuming service to your air conditioning system if you wish. Vacuuming your air conditioner regularly will help you maintain it at its optimal performance level. As air and humidity collect in the system, they can affect its functioning and even cause damage to your AC. Vacuuming removes these air and moisture from the system. There are two main ways of vacuuming the air conditioner: with a vacuum pump, or without it.
If you don’t know how to vacuum the air conditioner, you can always contact a professional to perform the task. A deep vacuum is a great idea and should be combined with the replacement of the air conditioner’s receiver/dryer. This will help keep moisture out of the system and increase the efficiency of the system. However, you must remember that vacuuming the air conditioner will not remove oil from it, and it won’t work if the compressor is already dry.
Vacuuming condenser fins
To clean the condenser fins on your air conditioning system, disconnect the power supply and unscrew the access panel. Then, use a hose with a spray nozzle to brush away debris. Be sure to follow the line of the fins to avoid bending them. To straighten bent fins, use a butter knife or a special fin comb. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to clean dislodged particles. To be sure to get the entire area of fins, use a distance and a soft brush.
The next step involves vacuuming the condenser fins. The condenser fins are made of aluminum and look similar to a pair of grates. They can easily bend, so be careful when cleaning them. A strong shop light or flashlight is recommended for completing this task. Make sure to turn the light toward the outside of the unit to get the full effect of the cleaning process.
Vacuuming condensate pan
If you notice standing water in the condensate pan when cleaning the air conditioning system, it’s a sign that your condensate lines are clogged. If you cannot remove standing water with a broom, vacuum the condensate drip pan with a wet/dry vac or use rags to absorb the water. To avoid the growth of mold and algae, wash the condensate pan with hot, soapy water.
A drain pan is an important part of an air conditioning system because it collects condensation from the condensing unit as it transfers heat. If this pan gets full, water will back up and spill out. The resulting clog will cause the humidity to rise and cause a foul smell to emanate from the unit. If not cleaned regularly, a clogged drain line can lead to water damage throughout the air conditioning system.