Once allergens, bacteria, or viruses get into your HVAC system, it can be challenging to remove them. The best way to stop them is to keep your air conditioner clean. Cleaning also helps the system operate more efficiently, prolonging its lifespan and lowering your energy costs. The process can take time, but it’ll pay off in the long run. This guide will help you disinfect your air conditioner safely and efficiently.
Should You Disinfect Your Central AC Unit Yourself?
Disinfecting a central AC unit can be a complex task, and it’s often the best option to hire a professional for the job. One reason why is that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised concerns about applying general disinfectants to heating and cooling systems.
Cleaners marketed for use on AC parts and in air ducts must include information on the product’s effectiveness at destroying viruses, bacteria, mold, and other germs. They should also include specific instructions, including how much of the product to apply, how to apply it, and how much time the product needs to work.
Effectively disinfecting your central AC without specialized equipment and training is nearly impossible. However, you can still perform a number of regular maintenance tasks to help keep your AC unit clean, such as:
- Changing air filters every 60 to 90 days
- Hosing down the outside of condenser coils to remove debris
- Keeping the condensate drain clean
- Minimizing dust and debris around the blower and air handler
- Scheduling semi-annual professional HVAC servicing
What Supplies Do You Need To Clean Your Air Conditioning Unit?
Before you clean your air conditioner, gather these essential supplies:
- Bleach
- Phillips screwdriver
- New air conditioner filters
- Coil cleaner
- Gloves
- Face mask
- Fin comb
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Pipe cleaners
- Electronic air duster spray
- Hoses
- Spray bottles
- Soft cloths
- Mold test kit (optional)
- Infrared thermometer (optional)
You’ll need the same supplies to clean a window air conditioner or your central air conditioner’s condenser and evaporator coils.
How Often Should You Sanitize Your Air Conditioner?
For optimal performance and air quality, we recommend that you disinfect your air conditioner once per year. You may need to do the job more frequently in these scenarios:
- The unit isn’t cooling as effectively as before.
- There are visible signs of mold or mildew.
- Your family is dealing with increased allergy symptoms.
- The AC produces musty odors.
You should also change your unit’s air filter every few months. Clean filters catch much of the dust and grime that would otherwise end up on coils, electrical components, and fan blades.
Can You Disinfect a Window Unit or a Portable AC Unit?
Window and portable AC units are self-contained for the most part, and since they’re more compact, the interior components can collect dust quickly. However, they’re also more straightforward to clean than a central HVAC system. The process tends to follow a few simple steps. If a job will require you to disassemble and reassemble any parts, it might be best to leave it to a licensed HVAC technician.
What Are The Steps For Disinfecting Your Air Conditioner?
If you have a portable AC unit, performing a detailed cleaning yourself should be a fairly straightforward task using the steps below.
- Turn your air conditioner off. To turn the indoor unit off, switch the thermostat to off. Then, flip the breaker box next to the condenser unit off. If you use a window or portable AC unit, power it off and unplug it.
- Remove hoses and covers. There’s a vent hose on portable air conditioners that goes in the window. Before you work on the unit, remove that hose.
- Clean the filters. Remove the filters and clean the lint/dust off each of them. Apply a household cleaner or bleach to disinfect the filters, leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, and rinse and dry before reinstalling them.
- Remove the housing. Carefully remove the housing unit and vacuum out dust, dirt, and lint. Don’t damage any of the fins on the evaporator or condenser coils.
- Clean the coils. Spray coil bleach solution on the evaporator and condenser and let it work for at least 20 minutes. Then, rinse the coils and straighten any bent fins with a fin comb. Let them dry completely in the sun.
- Put everything back together. Replace the housing, filters, and hoses. Once you’ve put together the unit, you can power it back on.
How Do You Clean Mold Out of a Portable AC?
Mold is one of the worst things you can have in a portable AC unit. If the system can’t cool effectively, it’ll run more often and cause more condensation, filling drip pans that you have to empty manually.
You can’t easily see inside a portable AC unit, which makes it nearly impossible to identify mold and mildew problems early. The best way to prevent mold is to disinfect the unit once per year.
Units with mold issues are cleaned mostly the same way as those without. However, wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself, and kill the mold spores with diluted bleach (about one cup of bleach per gallon of water will do.)
Did You Know
The small trays frequently overflow, especially if you run your AC continuously. When it does, water spills inside the unit and onto the floor. The resulting moisture in your device creates a prime place for mold to grow.
Other Ways To Make Your HVAC System Cleaner
Central HVAC has a few more components to clean, and you can follow these tips to crack down on contaminants throughout your system.
Clean the Ducts, Vents, and Registers
The air ducts aren’t visible, so you may not know how much debris builds up in them. Bacteria and mold can thrive in air ducts just as easily as dust. It’s a good idea to have a professional clean and disinfect your ductwork every few years. Regularly dust and vacuum air vents and registers, especially around your cold air return.
Change the Filters
Filters stop debris from going further into your system. Replace disposable filters every one to three months, depending on how much you use your unit and your local air quality.
Get Regular Maintenance
Even if you diligently maintain your HVAC system yourself, it’s still a good idea to have it professionally inspected at least once per year.
Take Advantage of Technology
Programmable thermostats can keep your home at a consistent temperature to reduce strain on your HVAC system. And, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can trap smaller particles to improve indoor air quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best disinfectant to use on an air conditioner?
EPA-registered disinfectants for HVAC systems are the most effective on AC coils. Avoid using general household cleaners, as they could damage AC components.
How often should I disinfect my air conditioner?
HVAC technicians recommend deep cleaning and disinfecting your air conditioner at least once a year, preferably before the cooling season begins.
Can I prevent the need for frequent AC disinfection?
Regular maintenance, such as changing filters, cleaning coils, and ensuring proper drainage from the drain pan, can help reduce the need for frequent disinfection. Installing UV lights or air purification systems can also help keep your AC clean and healthy, too.
