How to Clean Your Home Air Conditioner for Better Performance


During summer, it is important to have a well-functioning home air conditioning system to provide a comfortable environment in the house. If the parts of the AC system are not cleaned often, they become dusty and dirty, which makes the system work harder than it should. This not only increases energy costs but also reduces the lifespan of your unit. To ensure that your home air conditioner is working efficiently, it is necessary to clean and maintain home air conditioner parts. In this guide, we will explain the basic steps that will help you to make your cooling system more efficient and easy to use.

Essential Steps to Clean Your Air Conditioner

Here are the essential steps to clean your air conditioner and ensure its optimal performance. 

1. Turn Off the Power

Always make sure your air conditioner's electricity is off before doing any cleaning or maintenance.

2. Clean the Air Filter

One of your air conditioner's most crucial parts is the air filter. Airflow is reduced by a blocked filter, which makes the unit work harder and less efficiently. To clean or replace the air filter:

  1. Locate the filter (usually behind a grille or cover on the indoor unit).

  2. Carefully remove the filter.

  3. If it is washable, vacuum it carefully or wash it with a mild detergent and water. Before reinstalling, it is advised to allow it to dry.

  4. A new filter should be installed if the old one is too broken or unclean.

How Often to Clean:

Examine the filter every one to three months, and replace or clean it if it seems dusty or blocked.

3. Clean the Coils

Both the evaporator and condenser coils inside your AC unit can accumulate dirt over time, reducing heat absorption and expulsion, which diminishes performance. Here’s how to clean them:

  1. Indoor Evaporator Coils: To remove debris from the coils, use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush.

  2. Outdoor Condenser Coils: Gently vacuum the coils using a brush attachment. You can also use a coil cleaner, following the product instructions, to remove stubborn grime. Rinse the coils after applying the cleanser and letting it soak for the suggested amount of time.

Be careful around the coils' sensitive fins; a fin comb can assist in straightening bent fins without harming them.

How Often to Clean:

Every six months, or more regularly if you live in a region with a lot of dust, the coils should be cleaned.

4. Clean the Condensate Drain

A blocked condensate drain can result in the accumulation of moisture, which in turn leads to the formation of mold and bacteria, which affects both the quality of air and the efficiency of the system. To clean the condensate drain:

  1. The drain line is located close to the evaporator coils.

  2. Clear the drain pipe of any buildup or debris with a wet-dry vacuum.

  3. Pour a water and bleach solution down the drain to clear any algae or mold that may have accumulated.

How Often to Clean:

It’s recommended to clean the condensate drain every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage and the humidity level in your area.

5. Clean the Outdoor Unit

Cleaning the outdoor condenser unit is just as important as maintaining the indoor unit. Here's how to clean it:

  1. Clear the Area: Make sure the area around the outdoor unit is free of twigs, leaves, and other debris. To ensure proper air circulation, make sure there is a minimum of two feet of space surrounding the unit.

  2. Clean the Coils: You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush end to clean the condenser coils by sucking the dust and dirt that may be present.

  3. Rinse the Coils: If required, rinse the coils with a hose. High-pressure water should be avoided, though, as it may harm the coils. A gentle rinse is sufficient.

  4. Straighten the Fins: The condenser fins can get bent over time. Carefully straighten any damaged fins using a fin comb to ensure adequate airflow.

How Often to Clean:

To avoid the accumulation of dirt and debris, the outdoor unit should be cleaned every six months.

6. Check for Refrigerant Leaks

When cleaning the outside unit, it's crucial to look for any indications of refrigerant leaks. Check for the presence of oil stains around the coils since this may be a sign of leakage. If you find any of these problems, it is advisable to seek the services of a licensed HVAC technician. Repairing refrigerant leaks requires expertise.

How Often to Check:

On an annual basis, or whenever you observe a decline in cooling efficiency.

7. Inspect the Insulation

Make that your refrigerant lines and duct insulation are still in place. If the insulation is damaged or deteriorating, replace it to avoid energy loss and prevent potential freezing of the evaporator coil.

8. Test the Unit

After you have cleaned and reassembled your air conditioner, switch on the power and run the system. Make that the temperature, cooling effectiveness, and airflow are all set properly. If all is well, your air conditioner should be more efficient and capable of cooling your home as it should.

To have an efficient use of your Air conditioning system, make sure to clean and maintain it often. If you follow these measures, you can ensure that the parts of your home air conditioner work efficiently. However, simple operations can be performed by the homeowners, so it is advisable to hire a professional for an annual checkup of the system.


Written by Allen Rode for Partshnc, your trusted source for high-quality HVAC parts, including water heater components, air conditioner parts, and heat pump solutions.

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