Do you hear the hum of an AC unit but can’t seem to get enough cool air circulating throughout your home? Chances are your air conditioner’s coils are likely in need of some extra TLC. This can easily be done on your own if you want to tackle a DIY cleaning. Below we’ll discuss the benefits of vacuuming your air conditioning system and how you can do it on your own.
Benefits of Vacuuming an AC System
The best way to extend the life of your AC unit is to do regular preventative maintenance, especially in SWFL where our ACs work overtime because of regular high temperatures. The efficiency of the system depends on the upkeep. Here are some of the benefits of vacuuming an AC system.
1. Improved Air Flow
Vacuuming your outdoor AC unit helps to clear away dust and debris that could be blocking effective airflow to the condenser coils. This can help your system to run more efficiently, as well as improve the overall cooling performance.
2. Prevents Corrosion
By regularly vacuuming your outdoor AC unit, you can help remove airborne pollutants that can corrode the unit and reduce its lifespan.
3. Helps Prevent System Overheating
Dust and debris buildup around your coils can interfere with your outdoor AC unit’s ability to cool. By vacuuming the unit regularly, you can help ensure that the coils remain clean and your system remains operational.
4. Clears Debris From Coils
Vacuuming your outdoor AC unit helps to clear away debris from the coils. This will help to decrease the risk of debris creating blockages or reducing efficiency.
5. Increased Efficiency
When your outdoor AC unit and coils are clear of debris, the system can run more efficiently. This means that your energy bills will be lower and your unit will last longer.
How to Vacuum an AC System
After reading about all those benefits, you are probably convinced you need to vacuum your AC system. The good news is, it’s pretty easy! Follow these simple steps, and be careful to be gentle with the coils.
1. Turn off the power to the AC unit
This is the most important and first step before you get started. Your AC unit requires a lot of power to run and no cleaning or repair work should be done while power is still running in the system. Keep in mind that the AC capacitor store electricity, so even if the power to the unit is off, it’s still dangerous. You shouldn’t need to get anywhere near this part, stick to the coils while cleaning.
2. Remove the outdoor unit cover
The second step is simply to remove the metal grille or plastic cover on the outside of the unit to expose the evaporator coils.
3. Clean up any large debris
The easiest way to do this is to use the hose attachment of a vacuum cleaner to suck up any large debris such as leaves or twigs that may be stuck in between the coils.
4. Use a coil brush to clean deeper
Using a coil brush, which is the best solution for cleaning this area of your unit, clean out any dirt or debris that is stuck in the crevices and nooks of the coils.
5. Use brush attachment on vacuum cleaner
Attach the brush attachment to the vacuum cleaner and use it to get a deeper vacuum in the coils. Hold the unit at a 45-degree angle and gently run the brush through the coils to dislodge any dust and dirt. While using the brush attachment, continuously run the vacuum cleaner to suck up any dust and dirt that is dislodged by the brush.
6. Use a soft cloth for the remaining debris
Once all the visible dust and dirt are removed, the next step is to attach a soft cloth to the vacuum’s nozzle and lightly pass over the coils to remove any remaining debris.
7. Replace the grille or plastic cover and turn on the power
Carefully replace the outside unit’s cover and restore power to the unit. After a deep vacuum, your AC unit should be running more efficiently.
Dolphin Cooling Maintenance Plans
If DIY maintenance isn’t something you’re interested in, the best alternative is our maintenance plans. We maintain your AC unit, preventing any severe problems and extending the overall life of the AC unit. With an HVAC technician regularly inspecting your system, you can prevent problems like issues with your refrigerant lines and refrigerant flow, AC compressor, drain lines, evaporator coil, and more to drastically reduce the chances of an AC breakdown in the hottest months of the year. Keep that cold air flowing with preventative maintenance. For more information, visit our Maintenance Plans page or contact Dolphin Cooling today.