Turn off the power to your air conditioner. Locate the evaporator coils, which are typically found inside the indoor unit or air handler. Carefully remove the access panel or cover to expose the coils. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the coils gently.
Yes, for sure you can. Spraying or splashing water on the condenser unit of an AC won't hurt it, it will increase the cooling efficiency momentarily, and it will help flush out any dust or dirt that might have accumulated due to the airflow through the unit.
You can prevent a clogged AC drain by performing routine cleaning. By pouring a ¼ cup of vinegar into your AC's drain line, you will kill any mold, algae, mildew, and other forms of bacteria or fungi, preventing it from forming a buildup and causing a clog. Repeat this monthly for the best results.
An air-conditioner antifungal spray helps in curbing the mould growth in the interior parts of the unit. Use the spray to sanitize the coils and fins where toxins are most likely to form. You can also sanitize the AC air filters with the help of the antifungal spray.
You can also use the vacuum hose or a long-handle brush to loosen up the dirt and clean those hard-to-reach spaces in your HVAC system's return air registers. Please note that you should not use Lysol to sanitize your HVAC system's return vents.
We recommend using vinegar instead of a bleach solution because bleach can cause corrosion if you have copper tubing in your AC's drain line.
Using Bleach in Your AC Drain
Be sure to use a minimum of 2 cups once or twice per year. Be advised, however, that some newer units no longer recommend bleach or vinegar due to oxidation/degradation concerns. In these cases, boiling water is recommended.
It's no problem to hose off an AC unit or heat pump. It's one safe way, or part of a good step-by-step process, to clean the units and you should do it once or twice a year.
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.
The answer is yes. Air conditioners are designed to withstand normal weather conditions, including rain. The outdoor components of most AC systems are built with a durability that allows them to operate effectively, even when exposed to water.
You could also use a homemade mix of water and mild detergent (like dish soap) instead of commercial chemical cleaners. After cleaning the coils, it's also a good time to inspect the other parts of the unit. Inspect the condensate drain pan and remove anything that doesn't belong there.
Simply mix one cup of white vinegar with a gallon of warm water and spray the solution on the mold. Give the solution time to work its magic (about an hour) and brush the remnants out of your air conditioner. However, since mold is toxic, you must wear protective gear while cleaning the mold out of your AC unit.
Yes, vinegar mixed with water is often used to perform DIY cleaning on AC coils at home. However, vinegar is usually effective only against lighter dirt build-ups. Nevertheless, you can keep your coils in good shape by mixing white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spraying the mixture onto the coils.
It's commonly located near the condensate pan or at the base of the unit. Mix the Vinegar-Water Solution. In a container, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. If your drain line is particularly dirty, you can use a higher concentration of vinegar.
Effects on Metal and PVC Pipes
While harmless for most metal and PVC pipes, prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of vinegar might corrode certain metals, like copper. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can withstand these substances without damage.
Step 7: Spray Your AC With Hydrogen Peroxide
You can use a spray bottle for this step. Fill the bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide, and then spray the exterior housing and all of your window AC unit's interior surfaces and components. Then use a cloth to wipe down all the surfaces you can reach.
Any standard dish soap, mixed with warm water should do the trick on really grimy coils. We recommend mixing the water and detergent in a spray bottle and then applying it to the coils. Before using a soft brush to scrub away the grime, give the solution a few seconds to settle in and break up the debris.
Vinegar, for example, has natural disinfecting properties and can be quite useful in removing smells if used carefully. To use vinegar: Mix and spray a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water onto any mildew-covered AC parts you can reach. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then wipe the part clean.
Commercial HVAC coil cleaners equipped with high-intensity UV lamps can be installed near the evaporator coils to sanitize the HVAC system, and UV air disinfection units can be placed directly in the ducts to eliminate contaminants.