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We know the question that’s been on all of your minds, and it’s not “when is the next episode coming out?” OR “how long ’til my next vacation?”, it’s: How Do You Clean an Air Conditioner?
(We’re good, right? It’s almost like we’re psychic heating ninjas!)
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer to leave it to the pros, understanding what goes into AC cleaning can help you keep your system running smoothly during Calgary’s increasingly hot summers.
Keeping your air conditioner clean is one of the most effective ways to maintain its peak performance, reduce your energy costs, and extend the lifespan of your unit overall.
Lucky for you, we’ve got all the trade secrets!
Tender Love and C(air) | Why Cleaning Your Air Conditioner Matters
When your AC is clean, it doesn’t just cool your home more effectively – it uses less energy AND lasts longer. Dirt, dust, and debris can clog filters, block airflow, and force your unit to work overtime, leading to wear and tear, poor air quality, and higher utility bills – not ideal.
At The Heating Ninja, we offer expert HVAC services in Calgary that include professional AC cleaning, detailed maintenance, and quality repairs – but there are also a few steps homeowners can easily take themselves to take care of their AC units.
Let’s break it down!
Keeping Your Cool | A DIY Guide to Air Conditioner Cleaning
1. Turn Off the Power
Safety first! Always shut off the power to your AC unit before starting any cleaning tasks.
2. Clean or Replace Air Filters
Clogged air filters are the #1 culprit of poor AC performance, so make sure to clean or replace the used filters when needed.
To clean your filters:
- Remove the filter (usually located behind a register cover or grille).
- Vacuum off dust and debris with a soft-bristle brush.
- Wash gently with warm water and a mild detergent (if washable).
- Let them dry completely before reinstalling.
- Pro Tip: Replace filters that are too dirty, damaged, or not washable (don’t need to hang onto those).
As a precaution, we recommend checking your filters every 2 weeks during peak season.
3. Check the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor condenser unit plays a major role in releasing heat from your home. If it’s covered in leaves, dirt, or other debris, it can’t breathe.
DIY tasks you can safely do:
- Gently clear away leaves, branches, and any other debris.
- Hose down the unit to remove dust from the exterior fins.
- Ensure nothing is blocking airflow around the unit.
Important: Cleaning the fan blades or interior coils? Leave that to the pros to avoid damaging delicate components.
4. Wipe the Coils (with Caution)
Dirty evaporator or condenser coils reduce cooling efficiency.
If you’re comfortable:
- Access the evaporator coils behind the indoor unit panel.
- Use a no-rinse coil cleaner or a simple water/vinegar mix.
- Gently wipe or brush coils without bending the fins.
This is a delicate task that takes time. For deep coil cleaning, we recommend scheduling a professional maintenance visit so you have peace of mind.
5. Clean the Remote
Surprisingly, your AC remote can be one of the dirtiest parts of your cooling system (yuck).
To clean:
- Remove batteries.
- Wipe down with a sanitizing wipe or rubbing alcohol.
Common AC Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
- Not turning off power before cleaning (oops!)
- Using harsh chemicals or high-pressure water (uh-oh).
- Forgetting to clean or replace filters regularly (…my bad).
- Attempting to clean internal parts without proper tools or experience (…maybe let’s call the professionals next time…).
When to Call a Pro | “Who You Gonna Call…?”
If your AC:
- Isn’t cooling efficiently
- Makes strange noises or emits weird odours
- Hasn’t been serviced in over a year
…it’s time to call The Heating Ninja!
We offer fast, reliable HVAC services in Calgary, including:
- Deep cleaning of internal components like the coils and blowers
- Quality tune-ups for optimal energy efficiency (saving you money in the long run)
- Diagnosing and repairing any and all performance issues (we’re basically Doctors…of HVAC)
Your Local Experts in Air Conditioner Cleaning
Since 2011, The Heating Ninja has been Calgary’s go-to HVAC company for dependable, friendly, and affordable services. We’re locally owned, fully licensed, and proudly offer:
- Highest-quality trusted brands with 10-year warranties when registered
- Transparent, reasonable and competitive pricing – with no pushy sales
- A variety of residential and commercial AC services
We’re here to make sure your air conditioner functions at its absolute BEST so that you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
Need Professional AC Cleaning? | The Heating Ninja TO THE RESCUE!
It’s time to enjoy your summer, and enjoy it without cooking like a roast chicken!
Keep things cool this summer and book your air conditioner tune-up or maintenance today with Calgary’s most trusted HVAC experts.
Connect with us today and give your AC The Heating Ninja treatment it’s been waiting for!
