A good, do-it-yourself cleaning will energize your air conditioning unit and make it work better and last longer.

This touch-up is especially important in the spring after the AC has been hibernating all winter, with dust and debris settling on the unit.

You already know the importance of clean filters, which are needed to keep the airflow steady and the system energy efficient.

Don’t believe us?
“Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5 percent to 15 percent,” says the U.S. Department of Energy.

That’s a lot of money over the life of an AC unit!

Clean coils, too

Cleaning the coils is another smart step that takes little time but makes a big difference.

With central AC you have two coils.

The evaporator coil is part of the indoor unit. Dirt will reduce airflow and reduce the coil’s ability to do its job. Removing the dirt and dust takes just a few minutes and adds significantly to long-term performance.

Because it’s part of the outside unit the condenser coil is vulnerable to not only dirt but also the elements and the leaves that blow through the air. Check it periodically, and remove any vegetation or tree branches that interfere with its operation. Plants should be kept at least two feet from the unit to maximize its airflow.

One more suggestion: Check the outside unit after you cut the lawn. Grass clippings can fly into the unit, adding to the dirt factor.

Need AC help? Premier technicians repair, maintain and install AC units in Long Island, Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn.