Best Air Conditioner Cleaning Supplies
Both central air conditioners and window air conditioners run more efficiently and last longer when they are regularly maintained. Maintaining an air conditioner includes cleaning it thoroughly on occasion. The condenser coils that provide the cooling effect on air moving through the unit don't work very well when covered in accumulated dust. The key to cleaning your air conditioner without damaging it is to use the right supplies and tools. Does this Spark an idea?
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Spray Cleaner
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Loosening stuck-on dust and other matter that have gathered on the unit's condenser coils is best handled by a spray-on cleaner or degreaser, according to the Allergy Details website. Use a soft brush or rag to dislodge as much dust as possible, then apply the degreaser can be applied. Take the time to disconnect the air conditioner from its power source before spraying a liquid onto the condenser coils, or a shock hazard may develop. Almost any household spray cleaner should work. Special heating-and-cooling coil cleaners are also available.
Soap and Water
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All air conditioners contain at least one filter to trap as much airborne debris as possible. When these filters become clogged, the unit works harder to pull fresh air in and may overheat. Some air conditioner filters are disposable, but others can be cleaned by the homeowner. Regular dish soap and water are the best cleaning supply for a foam reusable filter, according to Saturn Resource Management. Many pleated reusable filters also can be cleaned with soap. Check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions before wetting it in case it requires a dry cleaning method like vacuuming.
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Vacuum
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For cleaning large pieces of debris that are stuck to the coils or gathered at the bottom of the unit, a vacuum with a soft brush attachment works well. The soft aluminum fins on the coils of air conditioners easily bend and break, so use only gentle brush attachments on that part of the machine. Take care not to accidentally vacuum up any loose screws or other loose parts that you will need to reassemble the unit.
Fin Comb
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When your coil fins are bent from cleaning or regular air conditioner use, a fin comb is the best tool for straightening them out, according to Consumer Reports. These plastic comb tools usually come with a number of size settings in one device. You simply run the comb teeth that match your air conditioner's fin spacing over any bent areas, and they'll gently straighten out. Straight fins allow for more efficient cooling by maximizing airflow through the unit.
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References
- Photo Credit air conditioners mounted on the walls image by Sergey Kolesnikov from Fotolia.com
