Spring Clean Time for Your Air Conditioner

Spring is the perfect time to give your air conditioner a much-needed clean after months of inactivity. With warmer weather on the way, ensuring your AC is in top shape will keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.

A little AC maintenance now can prevent costly repairs down the road and ensure your unit runs smoothly during the hot summer months. In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy steps to clean your air conditioner, so it’s ready to keep you cool.

From checking filters to cleaning coils, these tips will help extend the life of your AC and improve its performance.

Why Spring is the Best Time to Clean Your AC

After sitting idle during winter, dust, dirt and debris can build up in your air conditioning unit, affecting its efficiency.

By giving your AC a thorough cleaning in spring, you ensure it’s running at peak performance when the heat rolls in. A well-maintained unit will not only cool your home more effectively but also use less energy, saving you money on your electricity bills.

Plus, cleaning in spring gives you time to spot any issues and fix them before the summer rush, when repair services are busier. Regular spring maintenance also extends the lifespan of your air conditioner, from split systems and window units to ducted systems, preventing costly breakdowns and keeping your home comfortable all season long.

So, grab your cleaning supplies and make it part of your spring cleaning routine.

Turn Off the Power Before Cleaning

Before you start cleaning your air conditioner, safety should be your first priority. Always turn off the power to the unit to avoid any electrical hazards. Air conditioners run on high voltage, and cleaning or servicing them while they’re powered on can be dangerous.

To do this, locate the shutoff switch near the outdoor unit or turn off the breaker in your electrical panel that controls the AC. Once the power is completely off, you can safely proceed with the cleaning process.

This step also protects your air conditioner from potential damage if water or cleaning products come into contact with electrical components. It’s a simple precaution that can prevent accidents and costly repairs.

By ensuring the unit is completely deactivated, you’ll have peace of mind and a smooth cleaning experience. Remember, safety first − it only takes a minute to turn off the power, but it makes a big difference.

An AC filter being cleaned

Clean or Replace the Air Filters

One of the simplest but most important maintenance tasks for your air conditioner is cleaning or replacing the air filters. Clogged filters restrict airflow, making your AC work harder and reducing efficiency.

Here’s how to handle your filters:

Turn off the AC: Always start by turning off the power to the unit for safety.
Locate the filters: Air filters are usually found in the indoor unit or return air vents.
Check filter condition: Inspect the filters for dust, dirt, or visible clogging.
For reusable filters: If your AC has washable filters, remove them and clean with warm water and mild soap. Let them dry completely before reinserting.
For disposable filters: If they’re disposable, replace them with a new filter. Be sure to check the size and type recommended for your unit.
Frequency: Clean or replace your filters every 1-3 months for optimal performance.

Regular filter maintenance ensures better air quality and a more efficient system.

Inspect and Clean the Coils

Your air conditioner’s coils play a key role in cooling your home, so keeping them clean is essential for optimal performance. Over time, the evaporator and condenser coils collect dirt, dust, and debris, which can reduce their efficiency.

Dirty coils make your AC work harder, leading to higher energy bills and potential wear and tear on the unit. To inspect the coils, first, remove any covers or panels. You’ll find the evaporator coils inside the indoor unit and the condenser coils in the outdoor unit.

Use a soft brush or a coil cleaner to gently remove dirt and buildup without damaging the delicate fins. Regular coil cleaning helps your AC cool more effectively, prevents overheating, and extends its lifespan.

It’s a simple task that can make a big difference in your system’s performance during the hot summer months. For best results, clean the coils once a year, preferably in the spring.

Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit of your air conditioner is exposed to the elements, making it prone to collecting debris like leaves, dirt, and grass. Keeping it clean ensures proper airflow and efficiency.

Here’s how to clear debris:

Turn off the power: Always shut off the power to the unit before cleaning for safety.
Remove visible debris: Use your hands or a brush to gently clear leaves, twigs, and dirt from the unit’s exterior.
Clean the fins: The fins are delicate, so use a soft brush to remove dirt carefully. Avoid bending the fins, as they’re essential for airflow.
Trim nearby vegetation: Ensure there’s at least two feet of clear space around the unit by trimming bushes, trees, or tall grass.
Hose down the unit: After removing large debris, use a gentle stream of water to wash away smaller dirt and dust.

Regularly clearing debris helps your AC run smoothly and prevents overheating during the hotter months.

A man clears debris from near the outside unit of a split system

Check for Refrigerant Leaks or Low Levels

Refrigerant is crucial for your air conditioner to cool your home, so checking for leaks or low levels during your spring cleaning is essential.

Here’s how to spot potential issues:

Unusual cooling performance: If your AC isn’t cooling as effectively as it used to, it could indicate low refrigerant levels.
Listen for hissing sounds: A hissing or bubbling noise from the unit may signal a refrigerant leak.
Check for ice buildup: Ice forming on the refrigerant lines or coils is a common sign of low refrigerant levels.
Higher energy bills: If your electricity bills are rising without extra usage, low refrigerant might be making your unit work harder.
Call a professional: If you suspect a leak or low levels, it’s important to contact a licensed technician. Handling refrigerant requires expertise and can be dangerous.

Addressing refrigerant issues early prevents further damage to your AC and ensures it runs efficiently throughout the season.

Test the Thermostat for Accuracy

As part of your spring air conditioner clean, it’s important to test your thermostat to ensure it’s working accurately. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your AC to run inefficiently, wasting energy and making your home less comfortable.

Start by setting your thermostat to a specific temperature and observing how the air conditioner responds. Does the unit turn on and off at the right times? Does the temperature in the room match the setting? If you notice any discrepancies, it might be time to recalibrate the thermostat or consider an upgrade to a programmable or smart model for better control.

An accurate thermostat helps maintain a consistent temperature, prevents unnecessary strain on your air conditioner, and saves you money on energy bills. If you’re unsure about testing or adjusting the thermostat, it’s a good idea to consult a professional for assistance, ensuring your system is in top shape for the summer.

A woman tests the thermostat of a ducted AC system

Schedule a Professional Maintenance Check

While regular cleaning is essential, scheduling a professional maintenance check for your air conditioner is the best way to ensure it’s in peak condition for the summer. Here’s why it’s a good idea:

Thorough inspection: A technician will check all components of your AC, from the coils to the refrigerant levels, ensuring everything is working properly.
Identify potential issues: Professionals can spot problems you might miss, like small leaks or worn parts, preventing future breakdowns. If you’re in need of air conditioner replacement, a qualified technician can let you know.
Optimise performance: A professional tune-up can improve your unit’s efficiency, saving you money on energy bills during the hotter months.
Extend the lifespan: Regular maintenance keeps your AC running smoothly and can extend its overall lifespan, preventing costly replacements. If you’ve got a ducted heating and cooling system, you’ll need duct cleaning.
Peace of mind: Knowing that your system is in expert hands gives you peace of mind that your home will stay cool when the temperature rises.

Booking an annual check-up is an investment in your AC’s long-term health.

Prepare for the Big Heat

Spring cleaning your air conditioner is a simple yet important task that can keep your home cool and comfortable during the warmer months. By taking the time to clean or replace filters, clear debris, and inspect essential components, you’ll ensure your unit runs efficiently and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Don’t forget to schedule a professional maintenance check for added peace of mind. With just a little effort, you can extend the life of your air conditioner and enjoy a stress-free summer. So, grab your tools, follow these tips and get your AC ready for the heat.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.