How to keep the airconditioner working

Since more and more people have given up smoking cleaning air-conditioning vents and filters are a lot easier.  I can remember watching an air-conditioning mechanic climbing up and removing the filters in an office where I worked.  The filter was black with tar and had to be replaced.  To clean, the dirty one was a job for the factory.  What they soaked the filter in I have no idea, but it would have been a regular process as the mechanic visited monthly.

When they banned smoking in offices, over night filters in the air-conditioning vents didn’t need replacing.  Dust had to be removed from the filter but that was all and the mechanic just took out the filter and brushed it down outside the building. It would have saved many owners of office buildings much money.

If you have a central air-conditioning unit which is ducted all through your home, there will be vents and filters that should be dusted and cleaned on a regular basis.  I suggest at the end of winter and the end of summer. 

The fins are easy.  Wipe them over with either a cloth sprayed with a multi-purpose cleanser or use a damp cloth rinsed in detergent.  For heavy stains a light cream cleanser rubbed over the offending marks will bring the fins back to normal.

Filters are a little more difficult.  In a ducted system, depending on the size, they could be put through a washing cycle in a dish washer, but if too large then try washing them in the bath using one of those flexible shower attachments on the taps.  A little shampoo will help remove any grease, especially if the filter has been in the kitchen.  Make sure you rinse away all the suds and place it outside in the sun to dry.

Should your air-conditioner be one of those on the wall, the fins will need to be wiped with the multi-purpose cleanser or a cloth rinsed in detergent.  The filter can be removed easily and cleaned with the vacuum cleaner. Rub the nozzle over both sides of the filter until you can easily see through the material.

If the dust on the filters are removed on a regular basis, you will find the air-conditioner will not have to work as hard as when they are caked with dust, thereby keeping the house warmer or cooler. If you don’t keep your air-conditioner dust free, the motor can be put under strain, causing a lot of damage to the unit.