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Residential air conditioning units help maintain a comfortable temperature in the warmer months. However, if the efficiency of your air conditioning unit seems to be affected, you do not need to heat it. By learning how to clean the air conditioner instead of asking professionals, you can save money and return to a cooler temperature.

For most homeowners, installing air conditioning (A/C) is a good investment because it can keep indoors comfortable when the outdoor temperature rises. However, this is an investment—the average cost of installing a new air conditioner is $5,000. Naturally, you want to keep the air conditioner in top-notch condition for as long as possible. Regular and proper air conditioning maintenance helps to extend the life of the equipment while maintaining its efficiency as much as possible.

Pro tip: When you buy your next air conditioner, be sure to ask for any specific instructions on how to clean it.

Ignoring air conditioning maintenance is directly related to increased energy consumption and costs. In order to better clean the air conditioner, you should replace the filter every one or two months during the months of using the air conditioner. Even if the filter is replaced regularly, the air conditioner evaporator and condenser coils will still collect dirt over time. At least once a year, you should visually inspect the coils to see if they have accumulated dust or dirt.

If the coil has accumulated dirt, it is time to clean it. Another clue that your air conditioner needs to be clean is whether energy costs are higher than in the past few years, which indicates that your air conditioner is less efficient.

The complete work takes several hours, so it is best to do it when you are not in a hurry. If the equipment is located outdoors, the weather forecast seems to be good. This process requires fine motor skills, and having an assistant may be helpful.

The biggest safety hazard of cleaning air conditioning units is the risk of electric shock. This is why the essential first step is to turn off the power to the air-conditioning unit in the house breaker box, not just the power to the unit itself. Before cleaning, please check carefully whether the power is turned off.

Using a suitable screwdriver, remove the door of the evaporator coil. You may need to remove the aluminum foil tape to enter the door. If so, please replace the tape with new tape at the end of the project. Make a note of which screws are placed where, so that you can put the device firmly back in place at the end.

To clean dusty or dirty evaporator coils in the air conditioner, first use the vacuum hose attachment to remove as much dirt as possible. Next, apply the approved air conditioner cleaner evenly on the coil. No-rinse solution will clean the coil and rinse itself when the device is turned on again.

After spraying the no-rinse spray on the coil and letting it work for a few minutes, wipe the drip tray with household cleaner.

Wipe the fan motor with household cleaner and a cloth. If the oil filling port has a cover, remove the cover, drip a few drops of motor oil and replace the cover.

The curved heat sink is not only an appearance problem, but also limits the efficiency of the air conditioning unit. Kits with different sizes of wing combs can be purchased online; determine which comb size is right for your equipment before proceeding. While wearing leather gloves, use a suitable heat sink comb to straighten any bent external heat sinks. You can spray them one last time with a hose.

Although this is a task in your monthly household maintenance routine, it is a good opportunity to replace the air conditioner filter. If cleaned correctly, some filters can be reused. If you are replacing a disposable filter, make sure it has a rated airflow suitable for your equipment.

After cleaning the inside of the air conditioner, carefully reinstall the access door using the screws set aside. Replace any aluminum foil tape, but avoid covering any unit specifications that should remain visible.

Trim branches, shrubs, weeds, etc. within two feet of the air conditioner. Wear gloves and remove all debris that has collected around the bottom of the device.

After the work is completed, turn on the power of the circuit breaker box again and enjoy the enhanced cooling capacity brought by the newly cleaned equipment. Remember to replace the filter regularly and check the cleanliness of the equipment to keep it running smoothly.

If there seems to be a problem with the air conditioner and the cleaning device cannot solve it, it is best to ask a professional HVAC technician to diagnose the real problem. If cleaning the air conditioner seems to be beyond your comfort level, most HVAC companies will provide cleaning services for a fee.

Although you do not need a lot of specialized supplies to clean the air conditioner yourself, if you need to invest in tools and materials, you need to pay upfront costs. The project also takes several hours to complete. In comparison, the average cost of cleaning or maintaining air conditioners nationwide is between US$100 and US$150.

Emily is a writer specializing in personal finance, real estate, and parenting. By uncovering the mystery of complex topics ranging from mortgage products to stroller selection, she hopes to give readers confidence in the next step. In addition to Forbes, she also serves as a writer for companies of all sizes.

Samantha is an editor, covering all home-related topics, including home improvement and maintenance. She has edited home repair and design content on websites such as The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also hosted videos about DIY home tips and solutions, and launched a number of home improvement review committees equipped with licensed professionals.