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Think spring cleaning is limited to the rooms in your home? Think again.
Your air conditioner has been collecting dust for the past several months, but soon it will be working around-the-clock to keep you comfortable. By cleaning your cooling system now, you can improve energy-efficiency and prevent breakdowns all summer long.
A good spring cleaning for your air conditioner consists of five steps:
1. The air filter. Dirty air filters are responsible for about four out of five HVAC-related breakdowns. For best results, replace your air filter at the start of the season and once per month afterwards.
2. The condenser coils. If your condenser coils are covered in dust and dirt, your cooling system will not be able to release heat. This increases the wear-and-tear on your equipment and can spike your energy bills. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to locate and clean your coils.
3. The condensate line. Find the condensate pan (usually located under the unit). If there is standing water in the pan, your drain line is probably clogged. Dry and clean the pan, then use a shop vacuum to suck out the clog. Next, identify the drain line’s access point and flush it using distilled vinegar.
4. The surrounding area. If you have a central air conditioning system, the condenser (outside unit) needs room to breathe. Make sure the two feet immediately surrounding your A/C are clear of leaves, branches, flowers, shrubbery, and any other debris.
5. The air ducts. Air ducts are a common hiding spot for dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, mold, and other allergens. If you don’t clean your air ducts now, they could circulate these contaminants throughout your home. Air duct cleaning requires high-powered rotary brushes and vacuums, making it a job best left to the pros.
Sound like too much work? Contact the air conditioning experts at Tri-City Appliance, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Our fully-trained technicians will thoroughly clean your cooling system and inspect it for problems, giving you peace of mind all season long. If you live in Fairfield County CT, contact us online to schedule your service, or call us at (203) 303-5700.