How to clean the inside of air conditioner

We spoke to the guys at Jim's Air Conditioning who reiterated the notion that all air conditioning units must be deep cleaned at least once a year to ensure proper functioning throughout the summer or a sudden heatwave. 

So how can you clean your AC yourself without the help of a trained HVAC professional? Well, you’re definitely going to need a thorough DIY guide to cleaning your air conditioner; one that includes steps to clean both the indoor and outdoor units of a split AC. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place because Maid For You has got you covered! Read on for all the guidance you need when attempting a DIY cleaning of your air conditioner.

How to Clean the Outdoor Unit of Your AC

Before we explain how to clean the condenser unit of your AC, consider the location. Safety must be the number one priority here, hence, if the outdoor unit is fitted high above the ground, we advise calling in a professional to get the job done. On the other hand, condenser units that can be reached from the ground or from a standard household ladder should be cleaned as per the steps below. 

WARNING: For safety reasons, turn off the main power supply to the air conditioner before you start the cleaning process.

Step 1: Remove Dust from the Fins and Fan Blades

The condenser fins become caked with dust if not cleaned in a timely manner. This restricts the airflow, thus making your AC work harder to cool. In order to remove dust from the fins and the fan blades, you will have to unscrew and remove the outer panel of the unit.

NOTE: Some models may contain a separate covering over the fan blades which will also need to be removed in order to clean thoroughly.

Once you’ve removed the panel(s), use a soft brush to very gently knock off dust from the fins. Avoid using excess pressure as this may bend the fins. In a similar fashion, brush off dust from the fan blades, and remove debris collected at the bottom of the unit.

Step 2: Wash with a Water Hose

Spraying down the fins with minimal water pressure is the most effective way to clean them thoroughly. For this, hold the water hose inside the unit, and spray the fins to push the debris outward. If they are heavily soiled, purchase a foam condenser cleaning product to remove grime efficiently; the use of plain water will suffice if the fins are merely dusty. 

To clean the fan blades, dampen a clean cloth and wipe them thoroughly. Lastly, clean the bottom of the unit where dirty water may have the collected.

Step 3: Clean Inside the Electrical Unit

The electrical unit of the condenser contains wiring which must not be disconnected or tugged at as it may cause a loose connection. Moreover, there isn’t much to clean inside the electrical unit as it is properly concealed within the condenser unit. The only cleaning it may require is removal of dust which can be done safely and carefully using a soft brush, dusting cloth, or feather duster.

Step 4: Scrub Down the Panels

The removable panels of the condenser unit encounter a lot of dust, debris, and nasty stains, therefore, cleaning your outdoor AC unit is incomplete without scrubbing down these parts, too. Like the condenser fins, brush off the dust and then hose them down. Next, squirt some dish detergent onto a sponge and scrub away grime, paying close attention to edges or ridges. For stubborn stains, spray glass cleaner over the area and allow it to soak for 10 minutes before scrubbing off the stains. 

Before you screw the panels back on, soak up excess water with a towel to allow the interior to dry up quickly.

How to Clean Your Indoor AC Unit

You’ve probably learnt how to clean air filters in your air conditioner, and why it’s important, but when it comes to maintaining the overall functioning of your indoor unit, more needs to be done. There are important internal parts of your AC unit that require cleaning or else, you run the risk of costly repairs in the long run due to dust and dirt clogging the interior. 

Follow the steps below to safely clean your indoor air conditioner unit.

Step 1: Remove and Clean Air Filters

To remove the air filters and clean inside the unit, you will have to take off the front panel, or open it by lifting it up (depending on the model). Clean the filters with a vacuum cleaner or brush; remove as much dust as possible so that the rest can be washed off with ease. Be sure to clean both sides of the filters thoroughly. 

Step 2: Clean Off the Evaporator Coils

There are plenty of commercial products on the market to clean an air conditioner’s evaporator coils quickly and efficiently; however, if they aren’t too soiled, a mild solution of soap and water will suffice. Begin by knocking off dust with a coil brush; then apply your homemade cleaning solution with a spray bottle, or the commercial product as per the label’s instructions. After a few minutes of sitting time, dampen a clean cloth and wipe the grime away.

Step 3: Clean Out the Drain Pipe

Sometimes blockages occur in the drain tube which cause havoc to the functioning of the unit. To ensure that this does not happen with your AC, you will need a wet and dry vacuum cleaner to suck out any existing dirt and debris from the drain tube. In order to do this successfully, place the hose of the vacuum just inside the tube (or vice versa), and keep it running while holding the pipe firmly in place for about two minutes. 

Step 4: Dust Out Remnants of Debris from Inside

Using a feather duster, carefully dust the interior of your indoor air conditioner unit. Any stubborn grime you stumble upon can be removed with a clean damp cloth. Finish off by wiping the front panel and remaining exterior of the unit before closing it back up. 

After you have cleaned the indoor and outdoor unit of your air conditioner, it’s time to test it! Turn the main power supply back on, and keep the AC on for a good half hour. In this time, observe the level of cooling, and check for unfamiliar smells and sounds. Upon discovering anything unusual, turn the AC off and contact a local HVAC technician to have it checked for any problems.

Whether you decide to attempt this DIY guide to cleaning your air conditioner or opt to call in a professional for the job, it is critically important to clean your AC at least once a year, perhaps as part of your seasonal house maintenance. This will help keep your air conditioner in tiptop condition for years to come so be sure to make annual AC cleaning a priority in your household!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get Rid of Mould in My Air Conditioner? Expand

Mould can be removed from an air conditioner by simply wiping it away with a clean cloth and a solution of warm water and household ammonia. Mix ¼ cup of the bleach in 1 gallon of warm water, dip the cloth in the solution, and wring it properly; then wipe the affected areas thoroughly to get rid of mould in your air conditioner. This method is highly effective due to the use of household ammonia which kills mould spores.

What Can You Use to Clean the AC Coil? Expand

A mild cleaning solution consisting of liquid dishwashing and water can be used to clean AC coils effectively. For the application, use a commercial sprayer with a low-pressure setting. You can also purchase an AC coil brush to clean the fins as gently as possible to remove stubborn debris.

How Often Should I Clean My Air Conditioner? Expand

To keep your air conditioner running smoothly, it should be cleaned and serviced annually while the air filters must be removed and cleaned every 2-3 weeks, or as and when there is dust buildup. If you observe any abnormality in the system (improper cooling, strange noises, peculiar smells, etc), call in a professional HVAC technician immediately.

How Do You Know If Your AC is Clogged? Expand

Overtime, your air conditioner’s drain line can become clogged due to dust and debris. Some of the most common indications that there is a blockage in your AC include lack of cooling, visible water damage around the indoor unit, musty or mouldy odours coming from the air vents, and not being able to turn on the system.

Do You Need to Clean the Condenser Coil? Expand

Yes, it is important to clean and maintain your air conditioner’s condenser coils because they are prone to dirt and outdoor elements that cause grime to coat the coils. When this happens, the coils cannot release heat which, in turn, hinders the system’s overall performance.

Adriana Aziz

Adriana Aziz is the operations manager at MaidForYou. With over 6 years of experience managing cleaning operations, she knows all the best hacks when it comes to cleaning residential and commercial buildings. With expert experience in managing house cleaning operations, interior design and logistics. She spends her free time with her family and as a freelance food critic.

About Maidforyou

Maidforyou.com.au is NOT your typical Sydney metropolitan home cleaning company. Maid For You is bringing maid services into the 21st century by building a company we would want to do business with ourselves.

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