How Often Should I Be Cleaning My AC System In New York?

Air conditioning units are built with filters, coils, and fins, all of which need to be regularly cleaned and maintained to keep running efficiently. When air conditioning units become dirty, it makes it harder for air to pass through its system, forcing it to use more energy to cool down your space. This increases your electricity bill and also shortens the lifespan of your unit.

How often should I clean my AC?

We’ve already mentioned that ACs need regular maintenance, but how often should you do it? You need to check your unit’s filters at least once a month if you frequently use your unit or once every two months if you rarely do. If you have pets, particularly furry ones like long-haired cats and dogs, you will need to clean your filters more frequently as well. If you don’t clean the filters often enough, not only does your AC end up using more energy in order to work, but it could also be blasting any dirt and dust straight into your room!

How to clean a dust filter

Some air conditioning units are designed with a dust filter. If yours is one of them, you can use a mixture of liquid soap and water to clean it. Now to find your filter, you first need to know what kind of unit you have. If your home uses a central air conditioning unit, you can find the filters somewhere along the return duct’s length. This will usually be somewhere in the wall, ceiling, or the unit itself. For window-type air conditioners, the filter will be connected to the grill that faces into the room. You also need to take note that some filters are reusable, while others need to be replaced. If you’ve spotted the filter and find that it is reusable, take it out and shake away any large dust bunnies attached to it. Then, spray the liquid soap solution liberally over the filter and let it soak. Finally, gently brush off the dust and let the filter dry completely. 

How to clean air conditioner coils

Another important step in HVAC maintenance in NY is cleaning the coils of your air conditioner. Your unit will have two types: an evaporator coil and a condenser coil. With regular use, dirt accumulates around coils. While a clean filter can help prevent dirt from getting into the evaporator coil, some dirt accumulation is inevitable. Condenser coils, on the other hand, are usually outdoors. This makes it prone to gathering different pollutants such as fallen leaves or small branches. Condenser coils are easy to spot. If you see anything trapped within its fins, carefully take it out.

Cleaning evaporator coils, however, is a little trickier. To do so, use a soft brush to get rid of any dirt or debris that has accumulated around it. Make sure you use a light hand! You can also purchase a special formula at any hardware or home improvement store that will melt away any abrasive dust. Just spray it over the coils and all it to drip into your unit’s drain.

If you’re planning on cleaning the coils yourself, remember to be careful. Coils can easily be broken and could be expensive to replace them. If you’re unsure about cleaning your AC’s coils, it’s best to hire an AC maintenance team in NY.

Get in Touch with Us for Your HVAC Maintenance Needs!

Established in 2006, Heat Wiser is a family-owned AC installation company in Liverpool, New York. We take pride in our experience in installation and maintenance of air-conditioning systems. Our company has been successfully completing many complex projects during our 13 years in the industry, which gives us confidence about the professionalism of our employees and the quality of work performed. Our staff has over 25 years of combined industry experience, making us a reliable and trusted option for your HVAC needs.

Heat Wiser offers you expert 24-hour emergency service for air conditioning maintenance in Liverpool, NY. We’re available to you 365 days a year for all your heating, cooling, and air quality needs. We are here when you need us, whenever you need us. Trust us, we believe in quality customer service.

You can always count on Heat Wiser to get to you fast and get the job done right the first time. Contact us today at 315-457-4100!