How Can I Safely Clean My AC Unit?


A home’s AC unit is a precious appliance, especially for us desert dwellers experiencing consecutive days of dry heat in the midst of the Albuquerque summer. Because an air conditioning unit works overtime during the summer, it’s important to regularly check and perform maintenance on your unit so that it can sustain the proper temperature and air flow throughout your home. If you’re ready to learn more about how to keep your Albuquerque air conditioner in top condition, here are some tips to get started:

Stay safe and turn off the power
The process of safely cleaning your AC unit will take time, and should never begin if the power is still connected. While
you can do this type of maintenance yourself, if you are having larger issues or are unsure, you can always contact a
professional for help, such as the team at Thompson Heating and Air Conditioning.

Exterior unit and condenser
A lot of problems are caused from a dirty or blocked condenser unit—where the fan helps to blow hot air out and sends energy inside for cool air. After disconnecting power and opening the unit, you can clean out any fallen leaves or twigs from inside the unit and rinse the coils clean. This should ideally be done once a year so that your unit doesn’t have to work too hard. This can be done on your own, but with Thompson Heating and Air Conditioning offering 24/7 emergency care, we are always a call away if your AC stops working in the middle of the night!

Air filters
Replacing your air filter is highly recommended to keep your AC running strong. Buying high-quality filers is important for keeping impurities out and allowing the flow of air to maintain itself. Replacing filters is always recommended, but if needed, you can clean them using a vacuum hose or by soaking them in a soapy solution to help prolong their life.

If your home has a swamp cooler installed, you can read more here on how to get it ready for the summer months. When in doubt, call your preferred Albuquerque air conditioning specialists at Thompson Heating and Air Conditioning, and stay cool all summer long!