Maintaining the air conditioner in your house in Singapore involves cleaning filters that become dirty and clogged. The air filter in air conditioning systems is responsible for cleaning the air that is blown by the system into your home. Once the filter has become dirty or clogged, the air conditioner becomes less efficient and can release dirty air into your house. The air filter is only one of the components you should work on when cleaning your window aircon. In this article, we will talk about how to clean your aircon and what materials you’ll need for this DIY project.
Time Required
Less than half a day
Tools and Materials
- Wrench or Screwdriver
- Dry/Wet Vacuum
- Garden Hose
- Fin Tool or Butter Knife
- Pruning Shears and Rake
- Levels
- Shims if needed
- Foil Tape
- Coil Cleaner
- Soft-Bristle Paintbrush
- Bleach
- Hot and Soapy water
Before you Start
Switch off the power to the air conditioning unit.
Turn off the condenser switch. At the breaker box of your home, switch off the breaker.
How To Clean AC Unit Outside?
Step 1 – Clean the AC Condenser
If the condenser is mounted on the roof, you will probably not have much to clean. But if it is located at ground level, there will probably be more debris to clean. Remove the grate above the fan and then vacuum any dirt inside. Spray the fins using a garden hose from the inside out. Avoid using a pressure washer as it can easily damage the very thin fins.
Step 2 – Check the Fins
The fins are extremely thin and easily bend. If you find damaged parts, such as where these fins are flattened, gently straighten them using the fin tool or butter knife. Make sure that you do not damage any tubing inside the fins.
Step 3 – Rake any Debris
Rake any debris at a ground level away from the condenser then prune any bushes or branches at least two feet away.
Step 4 – Level the Condenser
When ground settles, the condenser pad usually becomes off-level. You can take the condenser back to its level position using the level and shims.
How To Clean AC Unit Inside?
Step 1 – Clean the Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil must be behind a door on top of the blower motor. It might be covered with foil tape. First, open the cover and dust off the evaporator coil using the soft-bristle paintbrush. Next, spray the evaporator coil using an air conditioner coil cleaner and allow it to drip into the drainage pan. Then, clean the pan using hot water and soap.
Step 2 – Clean the Evaporator Drain
The evaporator drain is usually a one-inch PVC pipe extending from the evaporator enclosure. Locate the outlet of this pipe and connect the dry/wet vacuum to it, sealing it with a rag or duct tape. Remove the filter of the vacuum to prevent damaging it and switch on the vacuum for two to three minutes to suck out any clog.
Step 3 – Change the Air Filter
The air filter must be changed twice yearly on heating and cooling systems; that is, once at the beginning of the cooling season then once at the beginning of the warming system.
Step 4 – Turn the Power ON
Finally, switch the power back on and allow it to go through a complete cycle. If the aircon is not cooling the way it used to, you need to contact an aircon expert.
Why You Should Clean Your Aircon?
Learning how to clean your window air conditioner regularly will save you hundreds or thousands of dollars and keep you from experiencing an unexpected failure that will leave you sweating inside your house. But if you can’t clean your unit on your own, availing of the services of an HVAC professional.
Improved Aircon Efficiency
Cleaning your aircon enables it to perform better by reducing the pressure and stress caused by the accumulation of debris and dust to your unit. When the filters become dirty and clogged, the normal airflow is disrupted, thus causing the unit to work harder than it should. Besides, when dust accumulates on the evaporator coil, it becomes less effective in absorbing heat, further reducing the cooling capacity of your unit.
Reduced Electricity Bills
In a regular household, the cooling system makes up a very high percentage of monthly electrical consumption. A dirty air conditioner consumes more power because it is forced to work harder, causing operating costs to rise. Dirty air conditioners generally consume 5% to 10% more electricity. Cleaning your AC unit prevents it from having to work harder, reducing your monthly electricity bill.
No Expensive Future Repairs and Replacement
Keeping your dirty air conditioner working will eventually result in more serious issues and total breakdown. When your AC collects more dirt and dust, it will be harder to clean. The unit will also be susceptible to overheating because the evaporator coils cannot efficiently dissipate heat. Ice accumulation is likely to occur. You can avoid these problems by having your unit cleaned by a professional HVAC cleaning company.
Benefits of Professional Aircon Maintenance
- SOServices encourage you to have your aircon regularly serviced before the warmer weather begins. They will check and service your unit to keep things working efficiently and detect potential trouble. An overall inspection involves testing the voltage, examining the drain lines, checking the refrigerant, and inspecting the condition of ducts, vents, and belts.
- Aircon servicing experts will test the thermostat and examine the blower motor to ensure correct operation. When a motor draws too many amps, it may be about to completely fail. When a thermostat does not draw the unit in when it is supposed to, it could require replacing or adjustment.
- As part of the servicing, they will check the air filter each month and clean different parts such as the condenser, compressor, air handler, drainage line, and evaporator coils.
- Finally, they will test the levels of refrigerant and observe your aircon’s operation through a full cycle. In case there are still existing problems, they will let you know and suggest repairs.
Wrapping Up
Whether you want to clean your aircon yourself or have it done with our experts, SOServices will help you decide on what’s the best action for your air conditioner. We have experienced and qualified air conditioner servicemen who will provide you with reliable and quick recommendations.
