When Should Your Air Conditioning Units Be Cleaned?
For some homes, an air conditioning unit should be one of its essential appliances as it takes care of the overall air quality within the space. However, you should prioritize regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it functions well.
Your air-conditioner shows signs when it needs professional cleaning. Although some air-conditioning maintenance jobs you can do yourself, others can only be performed by experts. Doing so will ensure your house breathes properly as the units provide clean air.
When should your air-conditioning units be cleaned? Here are some clear signs:
- Dirty Air Filter
One of the signs your air-conditioner needs cleaning is the current condition of the air filters. When the air filters are covered in dust and dirt, you can clean or replace them to ensure clean air flows freely.
Check your air filter regularly to maintain air quality within your home. Replacing them every three months is ideal. However, replacing them every 30 to 45 days is recommended for those residing in dusty and windy locations.
Turn off the unit first when cleaning the air filter. Vacuum the filter before washing it in running water. When it’s completely dry, place it back. In case the air quality does not improve after cleaning or replacing the filter, it’s time to call a trusted air conditioning service provider for inspection and deep cleaning.
- Mold Buildup In The Vent
Mold formation is one of the issues that need immediate action. When mold spores circulate the vents and your home, you’re at a high risk of experiencing allergic reactions and developing respiratory problems.
One clear sign of mold and mildew buildup is when you see black or white spots around the vents. These aren’t simple dust or dirt buildup. They’re slimy in texture and hard to wipe off, and accompanied by an earthy and stale odor.
It’s best to call professional cleaning services when there’s mold and mildew buildup in your home. This issue is hard to manage alone, especially if you’re not familiar with air-conditioning maintenance and cleaning. Hence, it’s ideal to leave this project to the experts for thorough sanitation.
- Unusual Rattling Noise
A rattling or wheezing noise coming from your air-conditioning unit is something you should never ignore. Depending on the noise and the air quality in your home, it may need deep cleaning or repair.
A rattling sound coming from your air-conditioning unit may mean that some parts may be loose. If this happens, call your local air-conditioning repair service immediately because ignoring this issue could lead to premature deterioration of the unit.
Meanwhile, a whistling noise can be a clear sign of a blockage in the ductwork. Although the air-conditioning unit may not need repair, the obstruction causes it to work beyond its capacity. This problem may lead to the deterioration of some parts and a sudden increase in electric bills.
- Air Is Too Humid Or Too Dry
Air quality is one of the crucial indicators when cleaning or repairing your air-conditioning unit. If the air suddenly becomes too humid or dry, the evaporator coil may not be functioning efficiently. When this coil is covered in dust and dirt, it fails to remove heat and humidity from the air.
In contrast, excessively dry air is not much of a concern. The air-conditioning unit typically blows dry air into your home, especially during summer. Adding indoor plants and using a home humidifier can solve this problem.
Moreover, it’s best to know beforehand what efficiency features your air-conditioning unit has so you can maximize its worth.
- Cold Or Warm Spots Around The Home
Uneven temperature around the home is a sign of obstruction in the vents of your air-conditioning unit.
One of the common causes of uneven temperature in your home is dirty vents. With obstructed ductwork, your air-conditioning unit fails to circulate the air properly, causing cold and warm spots.
Suppose the vents and filters are clean, but the problem persists. In that case, it’s best to get your air-conditioning unit checked by professionals. There may be some parts that need repair or replacement.
- Pungent Smell From The Vents
A pungent smell, especially an earthy and musty one, is a clear sign of mold formation. Black mold often smells like rotting plants and is dangerous to respiratory health.
Black mold formation isn’t only a cause for concern in your air-conditioning unit. There’s also a chance that spores have already spread around the home. In this case, you’ll also need a general deep cleaning to ensure your health and safety.
Besides, mold formation is also a sign that the air-conditioning unit is having trouble reducing humidity. Because mold thrives in moist areas, it shouldn’t be a problem if the vents are always clean and dry.
Conclusion
Keeping your air-conditioning unit and ductwork clean is essential to keeping your home comfy and safe. Knowing what to do with every issue you encounter is necessary to save you from hassles and health issues in the long run.
