How to clean your AC

Summer or not, your air conditioner is that one appliance that is always toiling away silently. But apart from simply battling the year-round tropical climate, it also consistently collects an unwelcome cocktail of dust, debris, and microscopic particles on a daily basis.

Now, buying an AC is all well and good. However, we are often tempted to turn a blind eye to air conditioner cleaning. After all, the only time you call a mechanic to service your AC is when it’s not working, isn’t it?

Truth be told, your AC needs more than just an occasional glance every now and then. A well-maintained AC runs longer, cools better and can help you control your electricity bills when it’s not working extra hard.

But a clean AC involves a lot more than just dusting the exterior. In fact, a lot of air conditioner cleaning is often reserved for its interiors. But before we dive right into it, here’s everything you need to know about air conditioner cleaning:

Cleaning your AC at home: What should you know?

Deep air conditioner cleaning often requires professional help. However, with the right know-how and basic tools, you can ensure your AC functions efficiently throughout the year. Before you go ahead, it is best to get acquainted with your appliance.

The air filter in your AC, along with the evaporator coil and ducts, work together like a well-orchestrated team. The filter scoops up the dust from the air we breathe. The coil, on the other hand, does the actual cooling. AC ducts are usually a part of a centralised air conditioning system and they distribute the cold air within your space.

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While the washing filters on window ACs or wiping external units of split ACs is considered perfectly safe to try out at home, never attempt to dismantle the unit or handle electrical components by yourself. If that’s not all, avoid using harsh chemicals as well as high water pressure on delicate parts, such as coil fins or filters. Lastly, note that indoor and outdoor units, both, require different types of cleaning. Indoor units usually need a gentle cleanse, but outdoor units could demand debris removal based on their exposure.

Regular cleaning of these components not only ensures a clean AC and better cooling but also prevents common issues like water leakage as well as any unpleasant odours that often plague neglected AC units.

Your AC cleaning checklist

Now that you’re familiar with how your air conditioner functions, here’s everything you will need to clean your AC.

1. A soft brush, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment

2. AC fin comb

3. Water with part detergent

4. A spray bottle

5. Screwdriver

6. Gloves and a mask

Once you’re set, make sure you deactivate the power supply from the main circuit breaker before you dismantle your appliance.

How to clean AC filter

Your AC’s filter is often the first line of defence against dust. But this also means that over time, this hard-working component will find itself bogged down with everything from dust bunnies to pet hair and pollen. Soon, your air conditioner will find itself working overtime, without yielding the expected result. In turn, this pushes your electricity bills to skyrocket.

1. Start your AC filter cleaning by sliding out the filter from behind the panel.

2. Then, use a soft brush to sweep the area behind your AC’s panel.

3. Once you’ve done this, you can tend to the filter.

4. Use, either a dedicated fin comb, available across various e-commerce websites or use a strong-bristled toothbrush to clean your air conditioner filters.

Scrape the dust and debris off the filter, and clean it using part water and vinegar.

Ensure your filter stays away from harsh sunlight, and allow it to dry in the shade before you pop it back into your unit.

AC coil cleaning: What should you know?

Your AC’s coil, also known as the evaporator coil, is often hidden away. It is, however, one of the most crucial parts of your AC. Or, one might argue, the most important part since the coil is what cools your room. While there are plenty of professional-grade air conditioner coil cleaners available in the market, you can always use your very own DIY cleaning solution to get started at home.

Your AC’s condenser coils are typically located behind its filters as well as the outdoor unit. However, it is only advisable to attempt cleaning the outdoor unit if it is easy to reach.

1. Before applying any AC evaporator cleaner, turn off your unit and gently brush away loose debris with a soft brush.

2. When you have your AC coil cleaner in place, spray it evenly across the coils.

3. Then let the solution foam up and dissolve the accumulated grime.

4. Allow the solution to sit for a while (usually 10 to 15 minutes), and let it break down the stubborn dirt.

5. Once done, rinse the coils gently with a spray bottle of clean water. Be careful not to damage the delicate fins.

If your AC’s coils are heavily soiled, you might need to repeat the process. That said, avoid over-cleaning, as this can damage the coil’s protective coating.

AC vent cleaning: What should you know?

Your AC’s air vents are easily accessible and yet often overlooked during regular air conditioner cleaning. Air vents are typically the openings through which the air is delivered in your room. However, they’re also notorious spots that collect dust and often require thorough cleaning from time to time.

AC vent cleaning can be done easily using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Make sure you get to the hard-to-reach spots where the dust loves to settle. If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner at hand, a damp microfibre cloth can also do the trick to wipe down the vents and the surrounding wall area. Hold a flashlight up at different angles to catch residue dirt you may have missed out on.

While the process is fairly straightforward, it is best to do this gently and not push the dirt further into the unit, as it only creates blockage within the system. If you’ve been plagued with that familiar musty smell that wafts into your room when you switch your air conditioner on, cleaning the vent can often help get rid of it.

Air duct cleaning: What should you know?

Air conditioner ducts are usually a part of a larger, central AC unit. They act as the appliance’s respiratory system. Ducts are often snaking through the walls or ceilings, and are in place to supply cool air throughout a space.

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Air duct cleaning can be especially challenging, as it is difficult to find where the problem lies. A good place to start is by noticing if certain areas in your house aren’t cool enough compared to the rest of your rooms. Air ducts, unfortunately, can be home to cobwebs and even critters, if not looked after well.

While you can always use a tall broom to sweep the obvious spots, it is best to leave the deep cleaning bit to professionals. They deal with specialised tools and solutions that can reach deep into the system and boost the AC’s overall efficiency by identifying the cause immediately.

Schedule an annual maintenance service for your AC

Lastly, like any other appliance, your AC also requires professional attention for it to stay in prime condition. While DIY cleaning does help maintain day-to-day performance, an annual maintenance plan can ensure the unit’s longevity and efficiency through the years.

ZipCare by Croma offers a hassle-free solution with its scheduled service reminders, doorstep visits and skilled expert assistance.

With scheduled service reminders and doorstep visits by certified professionals, ZipCare takes the guesswork out of AC maintenance. These experts conduct thorough inspections, from checking refrigerant levels to testing electrical components – tasks that go beyond regular air conditioner cleaning.

By investing in regular servicing, you’re not just maintaining an appliance – you’re protecting your comfort, and in turn, your investment.