Most people only think about their air conditioner when it’s not working correctly. We rely on our air conditioners to keep us cool and comfortable during the hot summer months, but we often forget that they need some care too! One of the most important things you can do for your air conditioner is to clean its outside unit. By neglecting to clean it, you could be causing extensive damage that will cost you more money in the long run. This blog post will discuss the 5 benefits of cleaning your air conditioner’s outside unit and how to do it!
5 Benefits of Cleaning Your Air Conditioner’s Outside Unit
1. Prevent Damage
One of the main reasons why you should clean your air conditioner’s outside unit is to prevent damage. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the coils and cause them to freeze or overheat. Additionally, the fan blades can become bent or broken from debris. By regularly cleaning your unit, you can help prevent these issues from occurring.
2. Improve Efficiency
Another benefit of cleaning your air conditioner is that it can help improve its efficiency. When the coils are covered in dirt and debris, they must work harder to cool your home. This causes your air conditioner to use more energy, which raises your energy bills. Keeping the coils clean can help your air conditioner run more efficiently and save money on energy bills.
3. Reduce Allergens
Keeping your air conditioner’s outside unit clean is essential if you or anyone in your family suffers from allergies. Over time, pollen and other allergens can build up on the coils and be distributed into your home when the air conditioner is turned on. Regularly cleaning the coils can reduce the number of allergens in your home and improve indoor air quality.
4. Prevent Mold Growth
Another reason you should clean your air conditioner’s outside unit is to prevent mold growth. The coils are a prime spot for mold to grow because they’re constantly exposed to moisture. If left unchecked, mold can spread to other parts of your air conditioner and cause severe damage. Also, mold spores can be released into the air when the air conditioner is turned on, triggering allergies or respiratory problems for some people. Regularly cleaning your unit will help prevent mold growth and maintain indoor air quality.
5. Extend Its Lifespan
Finally, regularly cleaning your air conditioners outside the unit can help significantly extend their lifespan. Just like any other appliance in your home, an air conditioner needs regular maintenance to function correctly for a long time. By taking care of it and performing simple tasks like cleaning the coils monthly, you can add years to its lifespan!
Cleaning Your Air Conditioner’s Outside Unit
Now that we’ve gone over some benefits of cleaning your air conditioner’s outside unit let’s talk about how to do it! The process is simple and requires only a few supplies you likely already have around the house. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A ladder
- A garden hose with a spray nozzle
- A soft-bristled brush
- A bucket of soapy water (mild dish soap will do)
You’ll also want to make sure that you disconnect the power to the unit before starting—for safety reasons, of course! Once you have everything gathered together, follow these steps:
- Use the ladder to climb up and reach the top of the AC unit
- Use the hose to spray down the entire unit
- Use the brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt or grime
- Rinse off the soap with clean water from the hose
- Let everything dry completely before reconnecting the power
Remember to repeat this process once a year (or more if needed) to keep your AC running correctly and efficiently all summer!
Key Takeaways
We hope this blog post has convinced you of the importance of regularly cleaning your air conditioner’s outside unit! Not only does it improve efficiency and extend lifespan, but it also enhances airflow, improves indoor air quality, and reduces noise levels. Follow the steps outlined above to ensure that your unit is cleaned correctly!