Air Conditioner Cleaning: Doing the Exterior Maintenance
People have always sought to protect themselves from extreme heat. From the prehistoric humans who took refuge in the coolness of the caves to the water circulation in the walls of the Romans or the first Chinese fans, comfort solutions have never stopped developing. Today, most homes have an air conditioning system. If their effectiveness no longer needs to be demonstrated, the proper functioning of such devices depends largely on their maintenance, including their exterior maintenance. Air conditioner cleaning is therefore essential.
Choosing a central air conditioner
Depending on your needs and whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, you can find different types of air conditioners, some individual, others serving your whole house through a series of ducts snaking through the walls that connects your indoor central heating to the compressor placed outside.
The advantage of central air conditioning is that it’s designed to both cool and heat your home. The affordable prices of these systems, coupled with a relatively cheap and stable electricity rate, have practically tripled the number of air conditioners in Canadian households over the past 25 years. The lifespan of your wall-mounted air conditioner generally varies between 12 and 15 years. Of course, its efficiency and durability depend above all on the maintenance that you perform on it.
The interior maintenance of your air conditioner
While it’s not essential to rely on a professional for the routine maintenance of your air conditioner, this is nevertheless strongly recommended to avoid any missteps. Consider regularly inspecting and dusting all the components for optimal performance and to avoid premature wear.
The filters can be removed, washed carefully with warm, soapy water, and perfectly dried before being put back in place. For non-washable filters, replace them once they’re too worn-out by referring to the instructions from the manufacturer.
Don’t forget that the heater fan should also be cleaned and lubricated if necessary. Take advantage of this opportunity to check its rotation speed and adjust it so that it can work at full capacity.
The exterior maintenance of your wall-mounted air conditioner
It’s essential to consider the exterior part of your air conditioning system. This is more easily confronted with dirt (leaves, insects, mould and other fungi, etc.), and regular cleaning is required for the proper functioning of your device.
Check that your exterior filters aren’t blocked by debris that can negatively impact the air circulation in your home and that risks eventually damaging the compressor. Wash them or replace them in the same way as the interior filters.
A vacuum cleaner or a brush will allow you to remove the biggest dirt in the exterior coil, and the use of a garden hose will complete this essential cleaning. If there’s still debris, don’t hesitate to call in a competent professional. The fans in the exterior block must also remain clean and lubricated, especially since they’re exposed to the elements.
Good to know
Do a big cleaning between the seasons, before the periods of extreme cold or excessive heat, so that your air conditioner can run at full capacity. Use a special duct sealant or high-temperature duct tape to ensure the impermeability of your system and reduce or even eliminate air loss. A non-maintained air conditioner can cause real health concerns. Unhealthy and polluted air can have serious repercussions on your respiratory system, especially if you have asthma. It’s highly recommended to rely on qualified professionals if in doubt about the proper functioning of your installation.
