Homeowners have quickly come to realize that the maintenance of systems and appliances is just as important as the acquisition of them. This is particularly true of air conditioning units which serve a vital function in homes. AC units are tasked with maintaining the right temperature in a home. While this varies from one household to the next, 75°F (23.9C) and thereabouts is considered an acceptable indoor temperature during the summer months. Any lower, and homeowners will quickly find themselves paying excessive electric bills and more often than not, face an AC unit on the fritz. Here’s how to keep breathing fresh air through your AC unit.

Unfortunately, poor maintenance results in costly repairs and replacements. The average price of an air conditioning unit for a home ranges between $3,740 and $7,209 with central air conditioning systems. Of course, homeowners also have the option of a window air conditioning system which retails at approximately $300 per unit. Regardless, there are many ways to ensure that AC units are properly maintained. These simple fixes can save thousands of dollars in the long run, and prevent homeowners from the uncomfortable inconvenience of an AC unit that unexpectedly stops functioning.

Easy Fixes for AC Units

AC units, like other appliances need to be maintained to function optimally. This begins with proper cleaning of AC units. Unbeknown to many, there are easy ways to clean these air conditioning systems without breaking the bank. It is estimated that savings of between $250 – $500 are possible by cleaning the AC unit oneself. Of course, there are important tips, tricks, and techniques to follow to avoid causing any damage to the system.

The following steps must be followed if you want to learn how to clean an air conditioning unit:

• Disconnect the AC unit from the power supply or simply turn it off at the mains.
• Locate the AC unit outside the home, and ensure that it is free from plant overgrowth, sand, and other debris.
• Remove the top grill from the AC unit (this prevents animals and objects from falling inside the unit).
• Water pressure through a water hose must be used from the inside of the AC unit to the outside.
• A light water stream must be used, not a heavy water stream since this can damage the coils.
• There are also screws holding the cover onto the AC unit. These can be removed for deeper cleaning.
• The reason the water hose must be used from the inside and not the outside, is to push the dirt away from the coil and the ridges.

Clean AC Units Equals Greater Efficiency & Lower Costs

The reason why it is essential to clean an AC unit is for greater efficiency. When an air-conditioning unit has been cleaned, it functions much better. It can be thought of in the same way as an artery blocked with too much fat and cholesterol versus one which allows the blood to flow freely through it. More pressure is added to the system when there are blockages (a.k.a. dirt and debris) versus one which can allow the free flow of air through the system. A simple cleaning like that can save hundreds of dollars in service technician fees for A/C unit breakdowns.

It’s not only homeowners who should be concerned about keeping AC units in proper functioning order. It’s renters too. Rather than waiting for the landlord or the maintenance department of a complex to respond to a call, it makes sense to simply keep the unit clean as best as possible by changing AC filters on a monthly basis, and ensuring that the unit is clean and in good working order. There are also various home protections in the form of home warranties which cover AC units, provided the owner maintains the unit appropriately. Many home warranty companies will deny a claim if it is found that the homeowner was negligent in properly maintaining the AC unit.

Keep a Calendar For A/C Unit Cleaning

The home care and cleaning of A/C units is relatively simple. All that’s needed is a pair of work gloves, garden shears or a weed whacker, a garden hose, and a power drill/set of screwdrivers. These tools and implements must be used as described above to clean the air conditioning filters. Chemicals can be used, provided there is sufficient ventilation and proper care and use instructions are followed. Whether you’re cleaning an outside AC unit or a window air conditioning unit, it’s important to ensure that safety comes first.

Window A/C units should be unplugged and removed from the windows and then cleaned. Products like air conditioner evaporator cleaner are available online, or at a local retail store, and should be sprayed on the dirty components of the coils. It may be necessary to rinse the cleaner away, and protective gloves and breathing apparatus should always be used. Keep track of your AC unit cleaning regimen, to ensure that you don’t miss the next cleaning in the future.