Clean your air conditioner unit quickly and easily with a screwdriver, a hose, a brush, and some replacement filters. It takes less than an hour and improves your cooling efficiency.

It is easy to forget about your AC unit until the day you are ready to use it. But, if your air conditioner has been sitting around collecting dust all year, it may not be ready to perform on command. As summer approaches, you can easily clean your AC unit so that it is ready when you need it.

Cleaning your air conditioner isn’t the same as having it serviced by a professional, but it is a great way to get the most out of your system and help avoid the need for service and repairs.

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How to clean your air conditioner

Cleaning your AC is a great addition to your spring cleaning routine. It is pretty easy and makes a big difference in the lifespan and performance of your home’s cooling system. While you may still need service or repair occasionally, keeping your AC clean and free of debris will help extend the life and the power of your central air.

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Clean the inside of your air conditioner

Turn off and unplug your AC unit to make sure you don’t injure yourself or damage your equipment.

First, remove screws around the fan cage, take the cage off and clean out any debris from around the fan. Wipe off the fan blades and the cage, and remove all the loose dirt and dust. (A vacuum with a hose attachment is handy for this step.)

Remove the outside cover and clean the AC’s fins. You can use a fin-cleaner spray, a shop vac with a soft brush attachment, or a soft cleaning brush. Make sure you are careful to run the brush in the same direction as the fins. They bend easily, and if damaged, your AC will not be able to take in air. If you notice bent fins, you can gently use a butter knife to straighten them.

Spray the fins from the top with water from your hose. Do not spray directly, rather, start at the top of the unit, and spray down along the fins.

Clean other elements of your HVAC system

While it’s important that the unit itself is clean, there are other aspects of your HVAC system that will need to be cleaned as well.

Clean around the unit and level it. Clean and replace all the covers, then clean the area around the unit. Make sure there are no plants, weeds, or other debris within two feet of the unit on either side. Then check to make sure the unit is level. Because soil can shift and settle, you may need to use corrosion-resistant shims to level the unit.

Clean the evaporator coil in the air handling unit inside your house.

Change the blower filter, and check the refrigerant lines. If the insulation around the refrigerant lines is damaged, replace it.

Problems with a dirty air conditioner unit

Cleaning your air conditioner is part of the routine maintenance of your home. If your AC stays dirty, it can cause damage to your system. At the very least, it will make it more difficult to cool your home. Here are some signs that it is time to clean your AC:

Overheating: If your unit gets hot and shuts down, it may be because clean air can not get into the condenser unit.

Odor: If your AC is dirty, you will notice a smell when you use it. This odor can range from moldy to rotten—any ‘off’ smell from your vents should not be ignored

Slower cool airflow: A dirty air conditioner will cause air to flow more slowly and be less cool.

Does homeowners insurance cover air conditioners?

If your air conditioner is ruined because you didn’t clean it, home insurance companies will not cover the replacement. Home insurers will consider this normal wear and tear, and thus it won’t be under your coverage.

However, if your air conditioner unit was damaged due to a named peril—like a fire or a tree falling on it—then it will fall under most policies.

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How to save money on insurance

Properly maintaining your AC is a necessary part of good home maintenance. You can save yourself a few bucks (and prevent more expensive damage) by doing it yourself. If you are a person that cares about saving both time and money, check out

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FAQs

How often should I clean my air conditioner?

Your air conditioning unit should be cleaned at least once a year, but ideally, you should clean it once before you start using it in the spring, and once when it is time to switch to the heater for the year.

Can I clean my AC on my own, or do I need a professional?

If you aren’t comfortable with tools or the unit, it is always best to hire a professional. But, as long as your AC is in good repair, it is perfectly fine to clean it yourself. If you notice any visibly broken parts, leaking, frayed wires, or other areas of concern, you should call a professional. That will likely cost you between $75-$200 depending on your unit and where you live.

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