How To Clean A Central Air Unit

If you are new to the world of indoor cooling, you may wonder what is central air, and how to clean an air conditioner as part of regular maintenance. Even the best air conditioners, after all, become dirty after prolonged use. So how do you go about cleaning a central AC unit?

STEP 1 Shut Off Power

• If you are wondering “do I need a permit to replace an air conditioner,” the answer is no, however you do need to shut off the power before cleaning it.
• There will be an outdoor shutoff switch near the condenser unit, resembling a square box on the wall.
• Turn the included switch to the “OFF” position.
• To be extra safe, find the circuit breaker box and switch that to the “OFF” position as well.

STEP 2 Vacuum the Condenser Fins

• Do you see those narrow slats of metal lining the sides of the compressor? Those are the condenser fins.
• Run the nozzle of a wet/dry vacuum over these fins, removing debris, which allows the compressor to pull in the air without any issues.
• While you are at it, straighten any crooked or twisted condenser fins gently using a butter knife or kitchen utensil.
• Rent a wet/dry vac or borrow one from friends if you lack this tool.

STEP 3 Unscrew and Remove the Fan

• The fan is located on top of the compressor, covered by a metal grate.
• Use a screwdriver to remove the wiring on top of the fan, unscrew all relevant areas, and remove the fan.
• If removal isn’t possible, just lift it as far as you can from the housing for cleaning.

STEP 4 Wash the Fan and Reassemble

• Use a garden hose to rinse debris and dust from the fan blades.
• Follow this with a clean cloth or rag, wiping down the fan as needed.
• Use the hose again to spray water through the compressor fins to the interior of the unit.
• Put everything back together, working in reverse from the disassembly procedure.

This process differs from model to model, much like when learning how to clean a portable air conditioner. Keeping your AC clean and maintained goes a long way toward minimizing damage, so you won’t have to fix a central AC not blowing cold air, among other issues.

With a central unit, regular maintenance should include cleaning the outdoor condenser coils and making sure there’s no restriction in any of the ducts to ensure maximum efficiency. If you have a room AC, however, check out our article on cleaning a window AC.

Additionally, shop vacuum systems should be used to clean the registers and return grilles as part of a routine maintenance program. This will keep dust and dirt particles from entering the system.

Staying Cautious With Electrical Components

When dealing with an air conditioner’s electrical components, it’s important to stay cautious. Before accessing any parts, be sure to turn off the power at the breaker box. Additionally, keep in mind that the fan motor and wiring may still have live electrical currents, even when the power is turned off.

Always use caution when removing the access panel to avoid damaging any wires or other components. Proper airflow is crucial for an air conditioner to function correctly, so regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter is necessary. High humidity levels can cause excess moisture buildup in the unit, leading to corrosion or electrical issues. Finally, it’s important to monitor temperatures to ensure the AC is functioning properly and not overheating.

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