DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance: Essential Steps for a Well-Maintained Unit

How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner: A Step-by-Step Guide

Even if your air conditioner appears to be functioning well, having it cleaned and serviced annually is essential. This ensures it operates efficiently and keeps your home cool when you need it most. You can choose to clean the unit yourself or hire a professional contractor to do the Air Conditioning Maintenance in Adelaide.

Step 1: Prioritise Safety

Before you begin, safety comes first. Shut off the power to the air conditioner to avoid any risks. Locate the exterior shut-off box on the compressor unit and switch it off. Also, turn off the power at your home’s circuit breaker box.

Step 2: Remove the Fan Cage and Clear Debris

Next, remove the fan cage from the exterior unit. Use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen the fasteners and lift the cage off. Clear away any leaves or debris from inside the unit by hand or with a vacuum cleaner.

Step 3: Clean the Fins

Spray water through the fins using a garden hose to remove dirt buildup. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it could damage the fins. If the fins are heavily soiled, consider using a fin cleaning spray from your local hardware store. Professional air conditioning contractors in Adelaide have the tools to handle this quickly, so hiring them can save you time and effort.

Step 4: Straighten Bent Fins

Check for bent fins and straighten them carefully to ensure proper airflow. You can use a fin-straightening tool or a butter knife as a substitute. Be gentle to avoid damaging the tubes within the fins. For best results, this step is often left to professionals to prevent any accidental damage.

Step 5: Reassemble and Protect the Unit

Once the cleaning is done, place the fan cage back on the unit. Remove any leaves, branches, or debris around the condenser to maintain clear airflow. Keep at least a two-foot clearance around the air conditioner. Consider covering the top of the unit with plastic or plywood during winter, but do not cover the sides to avoid moisture buildup. Be sure to remove the cover before using the unit.

Step 6: Clean Interior Components

Inside the unit, locate the evaporator coil door on the blower or furnace. Remove the foil duct tape and unscrew the bolts to open it. Gently clean the coil using a soft brush. A no-rinse coil cleaner can be sprayed directly onto the coil to remove dust and grime. The foam will drain into the pan below. Clean the pan with hot water, soap, and bleach, then flush the drain with a solution of bleach and water to prevent algae buildup.

Step 7: Ensure Proper Drainage

Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil absorbs heat from your home, and the cooled air causes condensation to form. This water drips into a drain pan and flows through a tube, typically leading to a floor drain, outdoors, or a utility sink. Over time, algae and mold can block the drain, leading to clogs. If the drain stops flowing correctly, it must be unclogged.

To fix this, find the drain line—usually a one-inch PVC pipe—and use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the blockage. Attach the vacuum to the drain line’s end, using a rag or duct tape to create a seal. Run the vacuum for three minutes to clear any debris. If you’re uncomfortable doing this, an Adelaide air conditioning contractor can handle it for you.

Step 8: Replace the Air Filter

Replace the air filter at least twice a year, more often if you live in a dusty area. Open the filter enclosure using a screwdriver, remove the old filter, and install a new one with the same airflow rating. Once the new filter is in place, securely close the enclosure. You can now switch on the air conditioner and enjoy the cool air in your home.

While you can perform these steps yourself, it’s often a good idea to hire a professional air conditioning contractor if you’re not confident. DIY maintenance, when done incorrectly, can lead to costly repairs or damage. The fee paid to a contractor is a worthwhile investment to ensure the longevity of your unit.