Cleaning an AC: How to choose the optimal approach

An AC ensures a pleasant temperature in the house, both during warm summer days and in the colder months, provided your model has a heating function. But did you know that regularly cleaning your AC does much more than just improve the cooling function? A clean AC consumes less power, lasts longer, and ensures healthy air in your house. In this blog, you will read what you can do yourself and when you need a professional.

Why is cleaning your AC so important?

If the filters of your AC are full of dust, the motor has to work harder. This results in a higher electricity bill, and the device will break down sooner. A clean system works better and costs less money.

Do you want to save even more? Let a modern inverter AC run quietly at a fixed temperature. The compressor automatically adjusts the power and continues to run at a low speed, which is more efficient than constantly switching the device on and off. For an AC that always works well, you can read more about professional AC maintenance.

What can you do yourself and when do you call in a specialist?

Many small jobs you can easily do yourself, such as cleaning the filters, wiping down the visible louvers, and checking the drain pan and the drain. Some things, however, are work for a specialist. Cleaning the evaporator, work on the refrigerant circuit, and opening the outdoor unit may only be performed by a certified technician, because this is mandatory according to F-gas regulations.

Not sure if a task is safe to do yourself? Always leave it to a certified technician. This way you prevent leaks, short circuits, or voiding your warranty.

What do you need to clean your AC?

Do you want to clean the AC yourself? Then ensure you have these items:

• A soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with an attachment for the filters.
• Lukewarm water and possibly a mild cleaning agent.
• A soft, dry cloth for the exterior and the louvers.
  
  
  

Step-by-step plan: Cleaning your AC indoor unit yourself

Do you want to get started with cleaning your indoor unit? That is a smart choice for a fresh house and a lower electricity bill. It’s a straightforward job that takes just a few minutes. Follow these 6 steps to clean your AC safely and well:

1. Turn off the power. Turn the power of the AC off and wait a few minutes before you start cleaning.
2. Open the unit. Open the front cover of the device and carefully take the filters out.
3. Clean the AC filter. Rinse the filters clean with lukewarm water. Then let them dry completely, but do not do this in bright sunlight.
4. Clean the louvers. Carefully clean the louvers with a soft cloth and check the airflow direction of the air.
5. Check the drain. Check whether the drain pan and water drain are dirty or clogged.
6. Reassemble the unit. Put the dry filters back into the device and close the cover. Then turn the AC on briefly to test whether everything works well.
   
   
   

Cleaning the outdoor unit: What should you pay attention to?

Besides the indoor unit, the outdoor unit also plays an important role in the efficiency of your AC. A clean outdoor unit ensures undisturbed air circulation and keeps energy consumption low. Pay attention to the following points:

• Remove leaves, twigs, and other dirt from the device.
• Ensure there is a minimum of 30 centimeters of free space around the unit for the air.
• Clean the exterior with a soft cloth or a a gentle stream of water.
• Never open the interior yourself; this is work for a specialist.
  
  
  

How often should you clean an AC?

For the best results, we recommend this:

• Filters: Clean every 2 to 4 weeks with intensive use, otherwise monthly.
• Indoor unit: Clean this thoroughly at least once per season, preferably in the spring.
• Outdoor unit: Check this every year and keep the surrounding area free of dirt.
• Maintenance service by a specialist: Let a specialist look at the entire system every year or every two years.
  
  
  

Frequently asked questions about AC cleaning

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your AC is essential for both the lifespan of the device and your own health. By keeping the filters and the housing clean, you prevent unpleasant odours and maintain high efficiency, which also saves on energy costs.

Although you can easily perform basic maintenance yourself using the steps in this blog, periodic professional maintenance remains essential for technical inspection and a thorough deep clean. This way, you can enjoy a fresh and optimally functioning AC all year round, worry-free. Would you like to outsource the maintenance to a specialist? Feel free to contact us for tailored advice.