Rinse the coils with water from a spray bottle. Avoid hosing down the indoor unit, as this could damage the unit and create an unpleasant odor. Dry the coils as much as possible with a soft towel or allow them to air dry. Reattach the access panel and turn on the AC unit.
Waiting for at least 24 hours is recommended after cleaning an air conditioner. Your appliance will dry out completely during this period. In the meantime, there are more steps you can take to speed up the drying process.
The best way to dry out air handler coils is to use a dehumidifier. Another option is to set your air handler's fan switch to on. The constant moving air will help to dry out the air handler insulation.
If taking an air filter out to be washed, be sure to let it air dry for about 20 to 30 minutes before replacing. This will help you avoid any mold issues.
The short answer is that you should leave your air conditioner to dry for at least 30 minutes or around one or two hours, until all surfaces are completely dry.
Before using the air conditioner, make sure it is totally dry. After cleaning the coils, wait 30 to 60 minutes before turning on the air conditioner.
AC systems should never be left in dry mode for long stretches of time. Just as too much humidity can make you uncomfortable, having air that is too dry can cause problems as well. Most HVAC professionals recommend using dry mode for just one to two hours at a time.
You can leave them out in the sun if it's not too hot, or you can run a hairdryer over them, or you can set them out to air dry - but whatever you do, don't put a damp filter into your HVAC system - this puts you at the risk of mold.
Don't run your AC with a wet filter. It can cause your AC to work too hard, which will run up your utility bill and cause extra wear and tear on the system. You could also spread moisture and mold throughout your house. Turn off the AC, remove the wet filter, and check for cracks or clogs.
Place the filter in a safe spot and allow some time for it to air dry. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer on the “cool” function to speed up the drying process. Make sure the air conditioner filter has dried completely before inserting it into the unit.
There are three primary ways your AC unit can degrade from rain: flooding, storm damage, and corrosion. Flooding: While a few inches of rain storms will be okay if your AC is muddled in deep-standing or flooded water above 15 inches, components can break down, and electrical wiring may become affected.
Never use acid-type cleaners indoors. Always spray downwind when cleaning outdoor condenser coils. Use a gentle hose nozzle to rinse off chemical cleaners, never a high-powered pressure washer.
Get Your AC Coils Cleaned
Get your coils cleaned annually. If you live in an area where your AC unit is exposed to excessive amounts of dirt, dust, debris, or moisture, it is best to regularly clean your coils every three months or so. Every AC unit and environment is different.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
Put it in the sun for a few hours if you have the time. If you have an air compressor in your garage dry it out with low pressure air. Use your wifes hair dryer.
Water can displace and close off the pathways that air takes through the filter and into the engine. This disruption can cause the engine to run poorly and possibly damage it over time.
The short answer: You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short period of time. However, doing so for longer than 6-8 hours can hurt your system and decrease your home's indoor air quality.
After rinsing, you will want to lightly shake the excess water out of your filter to allow it to dry quicker. While you can proceed to the next step after allowing the filter to dry for 30 minutes to an hour, for optimal results you should let your filter dry overnight if possible.
Do not put a wet filter back into your air conditioner. This will only pose more potential problems in the future, such as ice, mould or condensation growing on the filter. You should also avoid drying it with a towel in case you cause damage to the delicate filter.
What happens if your HVAC filter is dirty? A dirty HVAC filter restricts airflow, which can lead to poor system efficiency, increased energy costs, and wear and tear on the unit.
Contrary to popular belief, your air conditioner doesn't put in cool, dry air in your home—it removes heat and humidity. The process involves refrigerant, which soaks up heat and moisture effectively from the indoor air.
In addition, running the dry mode on an air con for too long can cause the humidity level in your home or office to drop too low. Drying the air too much can result in issues such as dry eyes, a sore throat and breathing issues. A healthy humidity level is anywhere between 30 and 50%.
Moisture buildup or condensation on closet walls or room ceilings and walls also indicates high humidity. Humidity should be monitored daily since outside temperatures will change. Consider purchasing a digital hygrometer (inexpensive and widely available) and check it regularly.