When it comes to home maintenance, paying a professional to carry out each and every task can end up costing you a small fortune! That is why it is good to know about a few jobs that can be carried out using a DIY method. One of these possible tasks is the cleaning of your air conditioner. Let’s take a look at a DIY method that may see you with a squeaky clean conditioner and some extra cash in your back pocket!
Firstly, It’s Mat Combing Time
The first task which you need to complete is to comb out the mats. It is all too easy for the evaporator and the condenser coils to get clogged up over time, causing the air conditioner to run anything but efficiently.
To start the cleaning work, remove the plaster filter holder and slide it from the wall. This can be a heavy task so be sure to have someone on hand to help you. You can use a fin comb to straighten bent cooling fins. Standard fin comb kit are usually relatively inexpensive and tend to do a good job.
To get the cleaning job underway you will need A/C coil cleaner. Use a vacuum on the buildup which you can see then use the cleaner to spray the coils. You will need to allow the foam some time to work. Check the instructions on the brand that you have purchased and be sure to follow them accurately to see the best results.
You can then use a normal household cleaner to clean down the fan blades. Once the cleaning process has been completed you should be able to re-assemble the air conditioner and admire your handiwork!
Secondly, Use The Right Equipment
Now that you understand the DIY method to cleaning your air conditioner, it is time to give a little more thought to the equipment you should use to complete the task.
We mentioned the use of a fin comb to complete part of the cleaning process. Be sure to take the time to purchase a kit which will effectively clean the mat, without costing you the earth. It is often advisable to carry out a search online for common products and decide which one would best suit your needs. Make use of review sites and forums to find out what people thought of some of the choices you are considering.
You could also consider calling into your local hardware store and asking advice on the best product to buy. However, you may find that the cheapest prices come from making a purchase online. Sometimes, online sellers have fewer overheads than physical stores and are able to sell products at a lower cost. Of course, this is not always the case so if you have time you could always check both options.
You will also need to buy some cans of A/C coil cleaner. Again, while you do not want to pay over the odds for this cleaner, you still need to make sure that you buy a product of a high quality. Otherwise, you may find that you actually end up doing more harm than good to your poor air conditioner!
Probably one of the best ways to choose the right A/C cleaner is to use one that other people have seen good results with. If you know someone who has recently cleaned their air conditioner you could ask them about the A/C cleaner they opted for. Otherwise, make use of reviews sites and forums, as you did for the fin comb, to help you make a good choice.
Check out more other aircon services tool here.
Other cleaning guides
- How to fix my air conditioning?
- How to clean AC coils?
- How often to clean the aircon filter?
- Why you should clean AC outdoor unit?
- How to make aircon colder?
Indeed, home maintenance has the potential to cost you an arm and a leg. While it is recommended to enlist the services of a professional for tasks you do not feel confident in, there are other jobs that you may be able to successfully take on yourself. If you think that cleaning the air conditioner is one of those tasks, be sure to research the DIY cleaning method well and follow the instructions carefully of any equipment which you use during the process. After all, if you look after your air conditioner, it is sure to look after you!