Summer is here, and it sure is a scorcher. According to The Atlantic, 87% of American households will be using a residential HVAC or other air conditioning system to keep their home comfortable and their families healthy this summer. However, as you might know from your own experience, keeping your home air conditioning system running all summer long can be easier said than done.
More often than not, you have to call in an HVAC cleaning service to replace your HVAC air filters, or you have to call a repair service to replace your air conditioning coil. Those services add up quickly. That being said, while you can’t do everything for yourself at home, there are some DIY methods for cleaning air conditioners at home that can help keep you cool, without harassing your wallet.
Three Tips for Cleaning Air Conditioners Yourself
- Change out Your Air Filters Once a Month
- Cap and Clean Your Drain
- Vacuum out the Condenser Fins
For Anthem Education, one of the simplest home AC cleaning tips is to remove and replace your HVAC air filter once a month. Replacing the filter can keep air flowing through your system without overtaxing it. Of course, a clean filter also means being able to breathe cleaner air, free of pet dander, pollen, and other irritants.
Cleaning out your air conditioner drain might seem like a daunting task, but as DIY Network points it, it’s actually quite simple. Head to your local hardware store and pick up a cheap drain cap. Once you’ve capped off your drain, take a shop vacuum and suck out whatever is in the tube. Note, however, that a shop vac is recommended here. A normal vacuum cleaner won’t take too kindly to any moisture in your drain.
You’ll want to wait for a really sunny day to give this tip a try. Unplug your outdoor unit and remove the paneling. Next, take a garden house and spray out any detritus that might be trapped between your condenser fins. After letting the condenser bake in the sun for an hour or two, take your trusty shop vacuum and vacuum out anything that might be left over. Replace the paneling, plug your unit back in, and you’re good to go.
Keep in mind, if you don’t feel comfortable enough to attempt any of these for yourself, you can certainly seek out the help of a reputable service specializing in cleaning air conditioners and repairing them. If you’re a handy person and up for learning something new while saving a few bucks, however, these tips can help you keep cool on a budget this summer.