The most important thing to remember about your indoor and outdoor A/C units is that proper maintenance will result in maximum performances and extended lifespan for your units.

Maintenance for Outdoor Units
The first thing you should do (besides turning off the unit) is cleaning it. Make sure that the interior is clear of debris that can block the air flow, like dirt, leaves, plants, and pieces of shrubbery. Then it’s essential to clean the exterior of the unit with a store brand car wash liquid formula. It can be cleaned in the same way as a car; scrub the outer parts and rinse it with a hose. The car wash soap is a good recommendation because it is effective and gentle on surfaces. Dry the unit thoroughly with a clean dry towel. You can even apply car wax spray to the exterior of the A/C. Not only is this method effective, but it’s also quite affordable.

Maintenance for Indoor Units
Once you’re done cleaning the outside air conditioner, it’s time to move onto the indoor A/C unit. Never open the top panels, as it can potentially cause electrocution and hazardous situations. You only want to focus on the bottom panel door, which is where the filter is located. Depending on the make and model, some indoor air conditioning units have 5-inch filters; others have 1- inch filters. A 5’inch filter should be cleaned or replaced every 3–6 months. A 1-inch filter should be cleaned or replaced every 30–45 days. The type of filter and appliance will determine on if should clean or replace it. After cleaning the filters, check the safety float device. Open the plug, and pour a mixture of bleach and water to flush out dirt and debris. Use about a 1/4 of a cup of bleach and dilute the rest with water; excessive bleach can damage the coils.

Unsure on how to maintain your outdoor and indoor A/C units? Need advice and tips on improving their performances? Contact All Year Cooling & Heating and we’ll be happy to answer your questions. [php snippet=1]