You don’t want to be without a functioning AC unit when the cooling season arrives. One of the best ways to keep your HVAC system running like it should is with regular cleaning. From dealing with the air filter to the coil fins, how often should you be cleaning your AC unit?
How Often To Clean AC Units
How long you’ll need to clean your AC unit will depend on several factors. Factors like the age of your unit, if you own pets or smoke, or how often you run your system in the cooling season all impact your cleaning schedule. That being said, there are some general guidelines surrounding cleaning:
- Air Filters: You’ll want to clean or replace your air filter every 1-3 months.
- Outdoor Condensor Unit: The condenser coil, coil fins, and the AC coils can be cleaned once a year.
- Drain Line: Clean the drain line at the start of the cooling season.
- Ductwork: Cleaning the ductwork every 3-5 years is usually enough.
Cleaning your AC units can be easily worked into your regularly scheduled air conditioner maintenance.
For more information, read about cleaning a mini split air conditioner.
The Importance of Regular AC Cleanings
Many homeowners overlook the significance of regular maintenance for their air conditioning units. It’s your AC’s job to keep your home comfortable during the warm summer months, and routine cleaning plays a crucial role in ensuring its efficiency and longevity. Besides, air conditioning units are a significant investment, so you would want to ensure that they last as long as possible.
- Enhanced System Efficiency: Cleaning your AC unit will help improve its efficiency overall and reduce energy consumption.
- Extend Your AC Unit’s Lifespan: Window AC, room air conditioners, and central air all have a lifespan, but with regular cleaning, you can keep the unit in the best condition possible for as long as possible.
- Protects Indoor Air Quality: Healthy air quality is vital, and a clean AC unit will help keep indoor air quality as best as it can be. When it’s not cleaned, it can emit pathogens that pose a threat to your and your family’s health.
Signs That Your AC System May Need Cleaning
As a homeowner, it’s crucial to understand the telltale signs pointing toward the need for your air conditioner to be cleaned. With this knowledge, you can rectify issues early and keep your system operating at peak performance. Watch out for the following indicators:
- Decreased Cooling Performance: If your room air conditioner isn’t cooling as effectively as it should, cleaning might be in order.
- Higher Energy Bills: A sudden spike in your energy bills can be a sign that you need to clean your AC unit so it can function efficiently.
- Odd Noises or Odors: AC units make noise sometimes, but if you notice an unusual noise or smell coming from your unit, there could be dirt and debris stuck inside.
Recognizing the signs that AC units have when they need to be cleaned is vital to the health of your unit. While a professional HVAC technician can diagnose and clean the unit for you, being able to spot these issues ahead of time is helpful.
Trust Logan Services A/C, Heat & Plumbing for Your Air Conditioning Cleaning
Professional AC cleaning from a trusted HVAC company is the best way to keep your AC unit not only clean but also running efficiently. Logan Services A/C, Heat & Plumbing has been serving Ohio since its opening in 1969. Our technicians focus on quality service to ensure that your AC is running how it should and diagnose issues when it’s not.
As a family-owned HVAC company, we understand the importance of keeping your family cool in your home. Our comprehensive air conditioner maintenance can help keep your air conditioner in the best condition possible. We provide AC services,
- Air conditioning maintenance and cleaning
- Repairing any components like the evaporator coil when necessary
- Replacing components
- New central air installation residential
AC units need maintenance and regular cleaning to ensure they’re running as they should during the cooling season. For any issues you might have with your HVAC system and AC maintenance, contact Logan Services A/C, Heat & Plumbing today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you don’t clean your air conditioner?
If an air conditioner is not cleaned regularly, its performance can significantly deteriorate, leading to decreased efficiency and higher energy costs. Dust, dirt, and other debris can clog the filters, evaporator, and condenser coils, reducing airflow and the system’s ability to absorb heat. Neglect can lead to a shorter lifespan for the unit and potentially costly repairs due to the increased strain on the air conditioner’s components.
How often should AC coils be cleaned?
AC coils should typically be cleaned at least once a year to ensure the maximum efficiency of your air conditioning unit. However, if you live in a dusty area or have pets that shed, you may need to clean the coils more frequently, possibly every few months. Regular cleaning of the AC coils helps in preventing the buildup of dirt and debris, which can impede airflow and reduce cooling efficiency.
How often should you flush your AC?
The frequency of flushing your air conditioning system depends on usage and environmental factors, but as a general guideline, it is recommended to consider flushing the AC system whenever you are replacing major components, such as the compressor, or if you are experiencing issues such as reduced cooling efficiency.
