An AC cleaning in springtime is simple, quick, and highly beneficial in terms of greater efficiency and greater indoor air quality. If you’ve never cleaned your AC unit, here are the steps you’ll need to take.

Shut off power to the air conditioner at the appliance shut off box.

Before you begin cleaning the system, it’s important to first shut off power to the AC at the appliance shut off box. You may simply need to pull out the shutoff, or you may need to pull down on a handle or remove a fuse. If none of these apply to your situation, you may need to turn the power off at the circuit breaker at the main panel that controls the outdoor unit.

Clean the AC coils.

The outdoor unit is likely to have dirt and debris trapped inside the fan. Things like dust, leaves, dead grass, and pollen can block airflow and reduce the unit’s efficiency.

Apply special oil for electric motors to the fan motor, if there are lubrication ports.

After you’ve cleaned the AC coils, apply five drops of special oil for electric motors onto the lubrication ports. If your fan doesn’t have oil ports, then it can’t be lubricated. But consult your owner’s manual to double check.

Turn the power on and listen for strange noises.

It’s important to follow precise instructions when turning the unit back on. If the 240-volt power to your compressor has been off for more than four hours, then the first thing you should do is move the switch from “cool” to “off” on your thermostat. Then, turn the power back on and let the unit sit for 24 hours. Next, switch the thermostat to its cooling mode and lower the temperature down so that unit comes on. If you hear any odd noises, you may need to call Tucker Hill for a professional inspection.

Replace the filter in the indoor unit.

The filter plays a key role in how well an AC unit functions. If it isn’t replaced on a regular basis, it could become clogged and force the unit to work harder than necessary. Be sure to replace the filter during your spring cleaning.