The Complete Guide to Air Conditioner Cleaning and Maintenance Posted on June 22, 2018 Unless you live in Alaska, air conditioners are one of the necessities of any household, especially during the heat of summer. Whether you use a window AC, central air, mini split, or portable unit, routine cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your system running efficiently, extend its lifespan, and improve indoor air quality. In this guide, we dive deep into the basics of cleaning and maintaining the most common types of AC units, as well as provide expert tips to ensure peak performance and energy savings. Why Cleaning Your AC Is Important Without proper care, your AC unit can suffer from reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and even breakdowns, especially during peak cooling season. Neglecting your air conditioner can lead to: 𐄂 Reduced cooling efficiency Your AC consumes the same amount of power but provides less cooling 𐄂 Higher energy bills An inefficient AC consumes more energy, which in turn leads to higher utility bills. This can cost a hefty chunk of change in the long run, considering that cooling accounts for 12% of the power consumed by the average American household, and up to 27% in hot-humid regions. 𐄂 Poor air quality Clogged filters can lead to mold and mildew. Allergens can also be trapped in the filters, worsening allergies and causing respiratory illnesses for young children and the elderly. 𐄂 System breakdowns A poorly maintained AC or one with undiagnosed defects can have frequent breakdowns. Over time this can lead to expensive repairs, especially for non user-serviceable parts and professional labor. 𐄂 Shortened unit lifespan The average AC unit can last anywhere from 8 to 20 years, depending on the air conditioner type, brand and maintenance. We’ve even seen some air conditioners keep going past 25 years! Operational life can be greatly affected and drastically shortened without periodic checkups and cleaning. Regular maintenance prevents these issues and helps your AC perform optimally. Now, let’s break it down by AC type. Air Conditioner Cleaning and Maintenance by Type How to Clean a Window AC Unit Tools You’ll Need: Screwdriver (depending on the unit) Soft brush or cloth Warm soapy water Fin comb (optional) Vacuum with brush attachment Spray bottle with vinegar solution (1:1 vinegar and water) Step-by-Step Guide: Unplug and Remove the Unit (If Possible)Safety first – always unplug the unit. If you’re able to remove the unit from the window, this will make cleaning more thorough. Clean or Replace the FilterMost window AC filters are washable. Remove the filter and rinse it with warm, soapy water. Let it dry completely before reinstalling. If you see any damage, then it’s time to replace it. We have a wide range of AC filters for the top air conditioner brands on the market. Vacuum the Interior and ExteriorUse a vacuum to remove dust from the coil fins and fan blades. Be gentle with the fins, they bend easily. Clean the CoilsUse your vinegar solution and a soft brush to clean the evaporator (front) and condenser (back) coils. Let the solution sit, then gently scrub and wipe clean. At the same time, inspect the coils for any damage, which are crucial to proper heat exchange and overall efficiency. Here’s how to check for coil damage. Clear the Drain HolesWindow ACs have small drain holes at the base to release condensation. Make sure they aren’t clogged. Wipe the HousingClean the outer casing with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Reassemble and TestOnce everything is dry, reassemble the unit, reinstall it in the window (if removed), plug it in, and test it. How Often to Clean: Filter: Every 2 to4 weeks during use Full Clean: Once or twice per cooling season How to Clean a Ductless Mini Split System Ductless mini splits have both indoor and outdoor components, similar to central air systems, but cleaning tends to be easier. Indoor Unit: Turn Off the Power Remove and Wash FiltersSlide out the reusable filters and clean with soap and water. Let them dry fully. Wipe the Louvers and HousingUse a damp cloth to wipe down the vents and plastic cover. Clean the Evaporator CoilsUse a coil cleaning spray designed for mini splits. Allow it to dry as per instructions. If you have multiple mini splits, it might be worthwhile to get a portable coil cleaner like the one below to make maintenance easier, faster and more efficient. SpeedClean CJ-BKPK CoilJet Backpack Coil Cleaning System This rechargeable and portable solution is designed to clean, degrease, and deodorize mini-splits without the inconvenience of dragging hoses and cords. A convenient chemical dispenser system is installed right on the backpack, allowing you to strap the solutions in for easy mixing! Each of the 3 solutions has its own space and suction tube with tip. Simply load up the backpack with water (holds 2.5 gallons), select your desired chemical and spray! Price: $799.00 SpeedClean CJ-BKPK CoilJet Backpack Coil Cleaning System Say goodbye to the inconvenience of dragging hoses and power cords. The SpeedClean CoilJet CJ-BKPK is made with your convenience in mind. It is a re... View Product Outdoor Unit: Follow the same steps as central AC condenser cleaning (clear debris, clean coils, check fan). How Often to Clean: Filter: Monthly Indoor Coils: Once or twice per year, or more frequently in high humidity areas to prevent mold growth. Outdoor Unit: Once per year For more in-depth info, refer to our Complete Guide to Mini Split Cleaning. How to Clean a Portable AC Unit Because of the way they function, portable air conditioners may need to be cleaned more often to reduce the risk of water leaks, mold and mildew, and ensure optimal performance. Ventless models also need more frequent maintenance compared to vented units. Unplug the Unit Clean or Replace the FilterRemove the filter and wash or replace it depending on the model. Empty and Clean the Water Tank (if applicable)Portable units with dehumidifier functions need their water tank emptied regularly. Clean the Exterior and VentsUse a damp cloth and mild cleaner to wipe down the unit’s body and air vents. Clean the Coils (Optional)Some models allow access to evaporator/condenser coils. Follow manufacturer instructions if so. How Often to Clean: Filter: Every 2 weeks Full Clean: Every season How to Clean a Central Air Unit Central air systems have two main components: the indoor evaporator unit and the outdoor condenser unit. Both need regular attention. Indoor Evaporator Unit Turn Off Power to the System Switch off the circuit breaker before starting. Replace or Clean the Air Filter Locate the air handler’s filter and either clean or replace it, depending on the type. This should be done monthly or at least every 1 to3 months. Some larger filters can have a longer lifespan. Clean the Evaporator Coils Access the evaporator coils by removing the access panel. Use a no-rinse coil cleaner or a soft brush and mild detergent to clean the coils. Let them dry before sealing up. Clean the Drain Pan and Line Check the condensate pan for algae or mold. Clean it with warm water and a small amount of bleach or vinegar. Flush the drain line with the same solution. Outdoor Condenser Unit Shut Off the Power at the Disconnect Box Located near the outdoor unit—this is separate from your main breaker. Remove Debris Clear leaves, grass, and dirt from around the unit. Use gloves if needed. Clean the Coil Fins Spray the coils with a hose using moderate pressure (not a jet stream). Use a coil cleaner if needed. Avoid bending the aluminum fins. If you’re servicing multiple condensers, consider using a portable backpack-based system to make cleaning faster and more efficient, without the hassle of hoses and cords. Price: $799.00 SpeedClean CJ-BKPK CoilJet Backpack Coil Cleaning System Say goodbye to the inconvenience of dragging hoses and power cords. The SpeedClean CoilJet CJ-BKPK is made with your convenience in mind. It is a re... View Product Straighten the Fins Use a fin comb to gently straighten any bent coil fins. Check the Fan Blades Wipe the blades with a damp cloth and make sure they spin freely. Reassemble and Restore Power After everything dries, put the cover back on and restore power. How Often to Clean: Filter: Monthly or every 1 to3 months Indoor Unit Coils: Once a year Outdoor Unit Coils: At least twice a year (spring and fall) General AC Maintenance Tips for All Types ✔ Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance Especially for central air and mini splits, an HVAC technician can check refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and deeper components. ✔ Don’t Block AirflowKeep furniture, drapes, and plants away from vents and air returns. ✔ Use a Programmable ThermostatThis reduces strain on your AC and helps conserve energy. ✔ Cover the Outdoor Unit in Off-Season (If Not a Heat Pump)Keeps leaves and debris out during fall and winter. Here’s how to properly winterize your AC unit. When to Call a Professional If you encounter some of the common issues often encountered with air conditioner units, such as freezing, it might be time to call a specialist, or even get a new unit if the repairs are extremely costly. While changing a filter and doing basic cleaning can be done by most folks, more intricate work such as tightening electrical connections, lubricating the parts, and checking the refrigerant charge and the like should be left to the pros. While annual system maintenance by a professional is not necessary, it can be a huge help in increasing your energy efficiency, avoiding unit breakdown, and keeping your energy bills lower. Prolong your AC with Total Home Supply Cleaning and maintaining your air conditioner doesn’t just keep it working – it protects your investment and ensures year-round comfort. Whether you’re using a window unit in an apartment or managing a full central HVAC system, regular maintenance makes all the difference. Need cleaning products, filters, or tools?Check out our wide selection of air conditioner cleaning and maintenance supplies. We carry only top-rated brands and offer expert advice with every purchase. Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
