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How to Clean a Central AC Unit

  • Turn off your AC. Again, this is an important safety protocol.
  • Locate the vent. Depending on the construction of your home, your central AC vent may be located on the walls, under windows, in the ceiling, or on the floor.
  • Remove the vent cover. Depending on how your vent cover is secured, you may need to use a screwdriver to unscrew the cover or simply use push tabs to open it.
  • Remove the filter. You should find the filter right behind the vent cover.
  • Clean the filter. If you have a washable filter in your AC vent, follow the steps above (under How to Clean a Window AC Unit) to clean it.
  • Replace the filter. If you don’t have a reusable filter, simply swap out the old filter for a new one, making sure any arrows on the filter are facing the right direction.
  • Turn off the outdoor unit. Find the breaker switch outside—which is usually located under a flip-up lid near the condenser unit—and turn it off.
  • Remove the top of the condenser unit. Check your manual to confirm how to remove the top of your unit.
  • Remove debris. Use a vacuum to remove any leaves, grass, dirt, or other debris in or around the unit.
  • Spray down the unit. Carefully spray down the unit to remove the remaining dirt, making sure not to get the electrical box wet. (Use a hose, not a power washer—as it can damage the fins.)
  • Let dry. Make sure to let the condenser unit dry completely before turning it back on.

How to clean your aircon system!

WillieAir technical support is always there to assist their consumers with all the technical questions regarding Air Conditioning products.

Air Conditioner Service
  1. Turn off your AC. Again, this is an important safety protocol..
  2. Remove and clean the front cover. Depending on your unit, there will be a front cover that is fastened with tabs, knobs, or screws. Consult your air conditioner’s manual to confirm how to remove the front cover and open your unit.
  3. Remove the filter. The filter is typically located in the front of the unit, but check your manual if you’re struggling to find it.
  4. Clean the filter. Dust the filter with a cloth, then rinse it with lukewarm water and mild soap. Let the filter dry completely before placing it back in the unit..
  5. Locate the coils. Most window AC units will have two sets of coils: the evaporator coils in front (inside) and the condenser coils in the back (outside).
  6. Clean the coils. Brush away dirt from the coils with a soft brush or cloth. Then clean away any additional dirt with a spray bottle filled with slightly soapy water.
  7. Replace the front cover. Make sure all parts of the unit are dry before replacing the front cover.

Tip: Try putting a little bit of mild detergent or dish soap in the bottle if the debris is hard to remove—but not so much soap that it gets too sudsy.

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