Whether it is your first time cleaning or it has been a long time since you have done so, cleaning your Comfortmaker air conditioner unit might look complicated. But it does not need to be. In this post, we researched simple yet detailed steps that will kick off your spring cleaning and will help you get a spotless AC unit!
You can hire an HVAC professional, but you can also clean your Comfortmaker air conditioner by yourself. All you need is to prepare the materials you'll need. Then you can start removing dust and debris buildup by following these basic steps for each unit:
Indoor Unit
- Switch off the power breaker.
- Open the front cover and remove the air filters.
- Sanitize evaporator coils.
- Unclog the drain line.
- Close the panel.
Outdoor Unit
- Disconnect the power source.
- Unfasten the lid and observe the interior.
- Spray foam solution on the condenser fins.
- Rinse out and dry the parts.
- Reassemble the parts before turning the AC on.
With these, you might have other questions in your mind about the nitty-gritty. That's why you must continue reading. We will share everything you need to know about cleaning your AC unit.
Cleaning Guide
Cleaning is part of any HVAC regular maintenance. It does not include electrical work. Nonetheless, safety is your utmost concern. Thus, wearing protective gear is important.
Things You Will Need
Here is a list of other materials you will use:
- Commercial cleaner
- Mild detergent
- Heavy-duty cleaning tools (steam cleaner or pressure washer)
- Soft brush
- Sponge
- Basin or container
- Vacuum
- Screwdriver
- Rubber gloves
- Face mask
Before you proceed, let us explore first an AC's basic parts. Comfortmaker has a wide selection of split and central systems AC units. These systems have two units: indoor and outdoor.
Evaporator coils with fans make up the indoor unit. In contrast, the compressor and condenser coils with a cooling fan make up the outdoor or condensing unit. And so, there will be two parts for cleaning your Comfortmaker AC.
Indoor Unit
You might think the indoor unit is much cleaner than the outdoor unit because it is found inside your home. Regardless of the location, you will work from the inside towards the condenser unit.
1. Switch off the power breaker
Turn off the thermostat. Then, switch off the main power breaker. These will ensure your safety and avoid any electrical incident such as an electric shock.
2. Open the front cover and remove the air filters
If you have filters, remove them through the tab and wash them with running water to eliminate the dust. To further clean them, gently rub the surface with a sponge soaked in mild liquid soap. Then, rinse and pat them dry.
3. Sanitize evaporator coils
Brush away the dust using a soft brush. Avoid triggering allergic reactions by wearing a mask.
A no-rinse coil cleaner can be your best solution. You will not need water or cloth with a self-rinsing evaporator foam. It is not only a heavy-duty detergent but also a lemon-scented aerosol.
Click here to see this evaporator coil cleaner on Amazon.
4. Unclog the drain line
After cleansing the coils, you sanitize the drain line or pan. Soak the pan in a bleach solution. Along with the drain pan tablets, this will inhibit algae growth.
The cover bag with drain outlet blocks splashing and prevents dirt from falling on the floor. Any liquid from your AC's drain line will pour down into a basin or container without splatter.
View this air conditioner service bag on Amazon.
5. Close the panel
Return the screws you took out. If you schedule to clean the outdoor unit on the same day, keep the circuit breaker off. Otherwise, you may enjoy the refreshing air from your AC after 30 minutes or 1 hour.
Outdoor unit
Since it is more exposed, the outdoor unit is more susceptible to soil and contamination than the indoor. Although Comfortmaker has debris and weather protection, cleaning this unit is inescapable.
1. Disconnect the power source
To stop the electric flow, unplug the fused disconnect switch. Locate it beside or near the outdoor unit. Compared to a circuit breaker, this switch is helpful for appliances with high currents.
2. Unfasten the lid and grilles and observe the interior
Remove the screws to lift the lid and grilles. Then, set aside the fan motor without pulling its wires. Put a rag temporarily between the wiring and the sharp metal edge of the unit. This will prevent any wiring damage.
With your cellphone, conduct a flashlight test. The amount of light that passes through the condenser fins shows how dusty it is. You will also notice the accumulation of leaves, twigs, animal fur, or small plants on the unit's flooring and grilles. Vacuum out these loose particles. In addition, HVAC contractors dust off debris using coil fin brush both for evaporators and condensers.
Click here to see these condenser fin brush and comb on Amazon.
3. Spray foam solution on the condenser fins
Either use a mild detergent solution or a commercial cleaner. If you opt for the latter, shake the can well, then spray it into the fins evenly and generously. Leave it for several minutes. With a 360-degree spray nozzle, you can easily remove the dirt buildup on your condenser coils. The foaming action will dissolve the grease within the condenser coils or fan coils.
Repeat the application process as needed or instructed, especially for those with heavy soil accumulation. Moreover, refrain from applying the cleaner to the wiring.
View this coil cleaner on Amazon.
4. Rinse out and dry the parts
Afterward, hose it down completely but not vigorously with clean water. Coil fins are delicate. Too much pressure may deform your coil fins. Damaged coil fins reduce the heat absorption of the condenser. Nonetheless, straighten the bent coils using a fin comb.
While air-drying the condenser's surface, wipe off the fan blades with a damp microfiber cloth. Non-abrasive rag is absorbent and quick-drying. This will remove grease without lint or streaks behind it.
Click here to view this microfiber cleaning cloth on Amazon.
5. Reassemble the parts before turning the AC on
Before restoring power, check if the area is completely dry. HVAC service providers recommend lubricating the fan motor of your condenser, especially if your Comfortmaker unit is old. Next, reattach the screws and secure all the pieces you removed back to their proper placement. Push down the fuse block to switch on the unit.
Then, perform electrical testing. Through the test, an initial diagnosis of problems with your AC performance is possible. To work as safely as electricians do, an advanced multimeter comes in handy in measuring voltage, current, and resistance. It has both visual and audial alarms during live wire detection.
Check out this Kaiweets digital multimeter on Amazon.
What happens if you don't clean your air conditioner?
According to the US Energy Saver, well-maintained AC filters, coils, and fins ensure effective and efficient performance. Otherwise, you will encounter several problems with your unit and will not maximize the benefits of cleaning.
Cleaning has benefits for your AC unit:
- Increases airflow and cooling efficiency
- Boosts heat transfer capacity
- Circulates cleaner and fresher air
- Prevents freezing of the evaporator
- Reduces electricity bills
- Lowers operating pressures
- Extends longevity
How often should you clean your AC unit?
For your coils, perform deep cleaning at least once a year. Warm summer months and falling leaves make your AC work harder. For that reason, HVAC users from a Q & A community have recommended biannual clean-up during summer and fall.
Another factor to consider is the location of your unit. If it is along the road or trees, it is prone to litter. Likewise, the more frequently you use your AC, the more consistently you must schedule this activity.
Meanwhile, every month or six times a year, cleaning or replacing your filters manages the dusty conditions.
Can I use vinegar to clean AC coils?
You can use vinegar for cleaning AC coils. Several HVAC users create their mixture of vinegar and water in equal parts. White vinegar is a natural ingredient to remove and hinder mold and mildew growth. Plus it is an affordable and popular option.
In Closing
Comfortmaker air conditioner has indoor and outdoor units. These units require regular cleaning. The cleaning procedures may be slightly different for each unit, but they are equally important in maintaining your AC's overall performance.
Managing electrical risks is key to your safety while cleaning your AC. Being consistent, resourceful, and equipped is also beneficial in performing any HVAC maintenance. You might as well start making your AC cleaning a habit, not a project. Remember that an ounce of cleaning is better than a pound of repair. Keep your AC up and running this summer!
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