How to Clean Air Conditioner (& Why It is Vital)

It is one of the things we rarely think about but cleaning your air-conditioner can make life at home much healthier and more pleasant.

With the rise of a global pandemic in 2019 and the threat of more to come, having an AC maintenance plan including cleaning is more important than ever before.

Apart from maintaining the aircon itself, cleaning and disinfecting are a crucial part of the health and wellbeing of those who enjoy the benefits of the air conditioning system. 

Without the proper maintenance, even under normal circumstances, an AC unit will degrade over time, and start to release an awful smell of mould and mildew when it is turned on.

As bad as that is, during a pandemic like COVID-19, the consequences of a neglected aircon are far more severe.

Since this disease is spread through respiratory droplets, and air-conditioners circulate air, disinfection is going to be a vital part of protecting yourself and those around you from the spread of germs.

Not only that, but cleaning and in particular disinfecting surfaces is generally known to be one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. 

The risk is much higher in public spaces than it is at home, so clean air conditioners are a matter of public health and safety when it comes to the workplace and public places like shopping centres.

So, how often should you clean your aircon? And how do you know when it is time?

When Does Your Air Conditioner Need To Be Cleaned? 

Ideally, an air conditioner should be cleaned at least once a month.

If it is already emitting a musty smell, then it has gone too long without proper cleaning and disinfection.

Another way to tell that an air-conditioner is past due for cleaning is by the way it makes people feel. 

Dusty, mouldy units often cause sneezing and other sinus-related symptoms when they are turned on. To ensure air that is clean and unhazardous, an air-conditioner should never reach this point. 

How to Clean & Disinfect An Air Conditioner

Perhaps the reason cleaning and disinfecting air conditioners is often postponed and neglected is because of how time-consuming and technical it is.

It involves a thorough inspection of all the parts inside and, sometimes, a little dismantling.

The process of disinfection starts with wiping or vacuuming the external fins to remove dust and dirt that tend to block air flow.

The internal fins then need to be wiped down with a disinfectant, followed by the blower compartment and the condensation drain, which is likely to be clogged from time to time. 

Each AC unit also has a filter, which will need to be replaced periodically. It is the part of the unit that prevents pollutants and allergens from being blown into the room.

When you embark on this task, make sure to review your air conditioners user manual first. This will detail exactly how to gain access to these user serviceable areas safely.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and if needed seek a professional to open the unit if there are dirty parts you cannot reach.

When Was The Last Time Your AC Unit Was Cleaned?

Now, more than ever, cleaning and furthermore disinfecting your AC unit should be made a priority. 

While it is not the primary cause of the spread of COVID-19, cleaning your AC system (and other frequently touched surfaces) is a significant way to protect your own health, as well as your family’s and others around you.

If you cannot recall the last time your air conditioner was disinfected, it has most likely been too long

Contact a professional like Impact Air Solutions to carry out a professional service and AC disinfection. Your health will thank you for it.

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