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Where you find water, you find life. Unfortunately for you, that life can take the form of mold, bacteria and bugs in your home. You probably know that you should clean your shower curtain , washing machine and sponges when they get wet. However, did you know that your air conditioner is a breeding ground for all kinds of bugs?
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Your air conditioner creates condensation, which means it can harbor disease, bugs, and mold . Here's how to keep your window and portable air conditioners clean and running more efficiently.
How often should you clean your air conditioner?
At a minimum, you should clean your air conditioner at the beginning and end of each season. This is to get rid of any mold that has grown while the unit is idle or in storage, and then mitigate that build up for next time.
You should also clean your filter when your device starts to produce a bad smell. If the smell persists, you should clean the interior.
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How to clean your air conditioner
Step 1. Disconnect it
Disconnect the device from the mains to avoid electric shock during cleaning.
Step 2. Remove and clean the filter
The filter is located on the front of the device. Most of the time they slip or break. Gently vacuum the screen with your vacuum cleaner's dusting brush to remove dust and debris. If you notice an odor, wipe the screen with a mixture of baking soda and water. Do not put the filter in the dishwasher: this can damage the fine mesh and if your air conditioner uses a carbon filter it will completely destroy it.
Step 3. Remove the cover
Most mold grows in the air conditioner, where it is cleaned much less often. You must remove the outer shell to access this stash. The box is usually attached with four or five screws. If you're looking for the last screw, try removing the front panel.
Step 4. Wipe off excess water with a sponge
After removing the case, you'll be greeted by a maze of tubes. The place we want to focus on is on the front of the device, called the vaporizer. This is where the dripping sounds come from as the water drains into a pan at the bottom of the unit. Wipe away any remaining moisture to prevent mold growth, then clean the tubes and tray with a vinegar and water mixture to kill germs.
Step 5. Dust the fans
Your air conditioner has a fan at the front and rear. If one of the fans collects too much dust, it can't circulate air properly and shorten the lifespan of your device. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth helps here.
Step 6. Clean the condenser coils
You can use the same vinegar mixture to clean this set of hoses on the back of the unit. These are called condenser coils and they help remove heat from the air in your home. Dust accumulation here just means the air conditioner runs less efficiently, which can waste a lot of energy. If you ever feel like your air conditioner isn't cooling as it used to, cleaning the coils may do the trick.
Step 7. Put everything back together
Turn on the device for a while to dry everything. The air that comes out should smell fresh and clean.
Now all you have to do is enjoy your clean, fresh air with all the peace of mind that a proven, trouble-free air conditioner can offer.
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