How To Clean Your Air Conditioner: Our Ultimate Guide + Expert Tips

Whenever the temperature rises here in Queensland, your air conditioner works overtime to keep your home or business comfortable. But when was the last time you gave this much-used machine a proper clean? Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your unit but ensures it runs efficiently, saving you money on energy bills and potential repairs down the track.

At Tony Stephens Refrigeration (TSR), we’ve been helping Gympie and surrounding areas stay cool for over 30 years. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to clean your air conditioner, from simple DIY maintenance to knowing when it’s time to call in the professionals.

How to Tell When It’s Time to Clean Your Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner will give you several signs that it’s crying out for a clean, such as:

• Reduced cooling efficiency or taking longer to cool rooms
• Unusual noises during operation
• Unpleasant musty odours when the unit is running
• Visible dust buildup around air vents
• Higher than normal electricity bills
• Allergy symptoms that worsen when the AC is on

Regular maintenance is crucial. As a rule of thumb, most residential units benefit from a thorough clean every 6-12 months, especially during peak usage periods.

Reasons to Get Cleaning Your Air Conditioner

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

A clean air conditioner uses significantly less energy than a dirty one. When filters and coils are clogged with dust and debris, your unit has to work harder, consuming more electricity to achieve the same cooling effect.

Extended Equipment Lifespan

Regular cleaning prevents premature wear and tear on vital components. With proper maintenance, your air conditioner can last 10-15 years instead of breaking down after just 5-7 years.

Improved Air Quality and Health Benefits

Research shows that dirty air conditioners can significantly impact your health. Dust, mould, and bacteria that accumulate in uncleaned units can trigger respiratory issues, allergies, and even more serious conditions. This is particularly important for households with children, elderly residents, or anyone with respiratory conditions like asthma. Pets can be affected by dirty AC too.

Better Cooling Performance

Another reason for good air conditioner cleaning is that clean systems provide more consistent temperature control and more effective cooling throughout your space. Maintain your machine properly, and you should find that all areas you want to cool down reach a lower temperature faster.

How to Clean an Air Conditioner: DIY Maintenance Guide

While professional servicing is recommended annually, here’s how you can perform basic DIY air conditioner cleaning between professional visits:

For Split System Air Conditioners

What You’ll Need:

• Microfibre cloths
• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
• Fin comb (optional)
• Mild detergent
• Spray bottle with water
• Screwdriver (for accessing filters if needed)

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:

1. Read the instruction manual: Your A/C should have come with a guide that will include details about cleaning, so always read this before you begin
2. Turn off the power: Be sure to disconnect the power before cleaning any electrical appliance
3. Clean the filters:
   • Locate and remove the filters (they’re usually behind the front panel)
   • Gently vacuum or wipe to remove loose dust
   • Wash with warm soapy water
   • Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before reinstalling
   • For optimal performance, clean filters every quarter or so during heavy use periods
4. Clean the coils:
   • Carefully vacuum the evaporator coils using a soft brush attachment
   • Avoid bending the delicate aluminium fins
5. Clean the exterior unit:
   • Remove debris (leaves, twigs, grass) from around the outdoor unit
   • Gently hose down the exterior unit (always after turning off the power)
   • Ensure at least 60cm clearance around the unit for proper airflow
6. Check and clean drainage:
   • Locate the drain line that is used to drain water from the air-con system
   • Clear any blockages to prevent water damage and mould growth

For Ducted Systems

Ducted systems require more careful attention due to their complexity, and are best left to professionals. You can consider completing the following steps yourself:

1. Replace or clean air filters according to manufacturer recommendations
2. Check visible duct-work for damage or disconnections
3. Clean visible vents and air grilles with a damp cloth
4. Consider professional duct cleaning by a specialist every 3-5 years

For Window Units

1. Remove the front panel (you may need a screwdriver) and clean that panel
2. Clean the air filter in your window unit as described above (this filter is likely located in or just behind the front face plate)
3. Carefully vacuum internal components using a soft brush attachment
4. Wipe down the exterior of the air-con with a damp cloth and mild detergent
5. Check the seal around the window to ensure there aren’t any air leaks

DIY Air Conditioner Cleaning Tips from the Pros

After three decades in the business, our TSR technicians have gathered some handy tips:

• It’s best to clean on mild days when you don’t need to run the system
• Never use high-pressure water directly on electrical components
• Take photos before disassembly to remember how everything fits back together
• Mark your calendar for regular cleaning reminders
• Replace filters rather than merely cleaning them if they show signs of deterioration

When to Call the Professionals for Help Cleaning Air Conditioner Units

While regular DIY maintenance is important, there are definitely situations where professional air conditioning servicing is essential:

• When you notice reduced cooling capacity despite regular filter cleaning
• If unusual odours persist after DIY cleaning
• When your system is making strange noises or not functioning properly
• If it’s been more than 12 months since your last professional service
• Before the start of the summer season to ensure peak performance
• If you notice ice forming on any part of the unit
• When moving into a new property with an existing system
• You don’t feel able or confident to do the DIY cleaning yourself

In any of these situations, simply call 07 5482 8100 and speak with one of our friendly team members. We can have a specialist at your door in no time to complete your air conditioning cleaning for you.

Remember, professional technicians have specialised tools and expertise to:

• Safely clean internal components without causing damage
• Identify potential issues before they become major problems
• Thoroughly clean areas not accessible to homeowners
• Ensure electrical connections are secure and safe

Rely on Dedicated Technicians You Can Trust

If you’re in Gympie, the Wide Bay region, or South-Burnett areas, TSR is your local cooling expert. As a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, we provide professional air conditioning cleaning, servicing, repairs, and installations for both residential and commercial clients.

Our team uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure your air conditioning system performs at its best. From small split systems in homes to complex commercial air conditioning in supermarkets, schools, and more, we’ve got you covered with our 24-hour service and support, so you can call us any time. Get in touch today to book a service for your A/C system or to get a quote for a new one if needed. You can “keep your cool” by using Gympie’s most trusted air conditioning experts!