How To Clean Air Conditioning Unit

Summer-like weather has arrived in Radford, VA, which means you'll need an effective air conditioner to provide relief from the intense heat and humidity. In addition to scheduling an annual springtime maintenance visit for your air conditioning unit, you can also follow these four tips for keeping your air conditioner clean.

1. Check and Replace the Air Filter

Once each month, access your air conditioner's filter. Use your owner's manual to verify whether you have a reusable filter or a disposable one. Slide it out of its housing. If it's visibly dirty, clean or replace it.

2. Rinse the Outdoor Unit's Housing

Turn off your air conditioning unit. You can do this at the thermostat. Be sure to wait until any cooling cycle has finished. Once the system is powered off, use your garden hose to rinse the outdoor unit's housing. This removes pollen, droppings, and tree sap.

3. Vacuum Debris Out of the Housing

Use a wet/dry vac to vacuum debris out of the housing and away from the air conditioner's outdoor unit. This is an easy way to remove leaves, dead bugs, and dust. If any of the housing's fins are bent, use a fin brush to realign them.

4. Cut Vegetation Away From the Outdoor Unit

Keep grass, shrubs, flowers, and tree branches pruned away from the outdoor unit. The unit needs at least three feet of clearance in all directions. Pruning vegetation away from the unit also reduces the amount of sap, pollen, and other debris that gets into the housing.

New River Heating & Air is the trusted air conditioning maintenance company in Radford. We also offer heating and cooling repair, installation, and maintenance services. Our indoor air quality, duct cleaning, generators, and tankless water heaters ensure your comfort and well-being. If you're a business owner in or near Radford, you can count on our commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning services. For more tips on how to clean your air conditioning unit, reach out to us at New River Heating & Air today.