by Wes Joyner

Created on: December 24, 2008   Last Updated: January 01, 2009

Cleaning your cooling system should be a top priority prior to the hot summer months when your air conditioner will be working hardest. To find out exactly what you should do to properly clean your system, I spoke with Paul Hoskins, owner of Integrity Heating & Air in Florida.

The most critical aspect of maintaining your air conditioner is regularly changing the air filter. According to Paul, failing to replace filters is the most common mistake homeowners make, and it's a costly one. Neglecting your filters can triple your cooling costs over the life of the system. Though some filters claim to last up to five years, they often prove to be a waste of money. Paul explains that these extended life filters don't always allow proper airflow into your system as they become clogged. It's best to use the filters recommended by your air conditioner manufacturer.

Check your registers and air returns. Your returns should allow clean air into the cooling system, so it's important that there is plenty of space for air to flow freely into the return. As you clean around your registers, excessive buildup may indicate that your ducts need to be sealed. Paul warns that up to 50% of your cool air may be lost due to this problem, driving up your cooling costs dramatically. If you suspect your ductwork needs to be sealed, contact your local power company, as they may offer rebates or incentives for having this crucial maintenance performed by a professional.

The evaporator coil inside the air handler will catch everything that gets past your filter. If your evaporator coil is easily accessible, it can be cleaned with foam or spray cleaners specifically designed for refrigerant coils. You can also clean it with a stiff brush or compressed air, but these methods can spread the dirt and debris into the ducts. Professional cleaning is preferable, however, because your refrigerant lines may need to be cut to remove the coil and thoroughly clean it.

As your air conditioner removes moisture from the air, condensate from the evaporator coil falls to the drip pan. A small hole in the drip pan allows water to flow into the drain line. A tablespoon of bleach will prevent fungus from blocking this hole. The drain line should have a small PVC cap that can be removed by hand, allowing you to pour a small amount of bleach in the main drain to keep the line clean. A small shop vacuum can be attached at the end of the drain to clear dirt and debris.

Clear the area outside around your compressor and condenser. Ensure that there are no shrubs or debris nearby that can get into this unit, and allow sufficient open space for proper airflow. Don't allow this unit to be directly exposed to a sprinkler system, as this will cause rapid corrosion. A professional HVAC technician can save you time and money by performing a thorough internal cleaning. He can safely clean and inspect the compressor and condenser, and he will notify you of any problems that require further attention. In addition to cleaning your coils and mechanical parts to improve performance, he'll be able to check refrigerant levels to keep your cooling system working at peak efficiency.

Properly cleaning your cooling system will save you money, extend the life of your equipment, and ensure maximum comfort for your family. Don't neglect your responsibility to change the filter regularly, and call your local air conditioning professional with any questions! For more information on home comfort, Paul recommends visiting the Comfort Institute online.

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