Accumulation of dirt in an air conditioning unit is one of the primary reasons it quickly wears out. Therefore, it is crucial to clean your air conditioner. Let us look at how to clean a Goodman air conditioner.
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How to Clean a Goodman Air Conditioner – Guiding Steps
To do a thorough job of cleaning a Goodman air conditioner, take the following steps:
Step 1: Disconnect Power
The first step to clean the air conditioner is to disconnect it from electric power. Turn the circuit breaker outside the house off and turn off the power box inside. It helps nothing to leave it plugged in while cleaning it. It is about the same as cleaning any electrical appliance, so you do not need to have electric power running through it when cleaning it, especially with water.
Step 2: Dry Clean the Coils
Go to the outside unit and remove the cage cover over the condenser unit. Use a screwdriver or a wrench to remove it. There are fasteners to remove before getting to the cage cover over the coils. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt in the coils. You may want to attach a brush to the vacuum as it will do a better job of cleaning. Otherwise, use a condenser coil cleaning brush.
Step 3: Clean with Water
After dry cleaning the coils with a vacuum cleaner, gently spray water over them to do a more thorough job. It is crucial not to avoid using a forceful spray with high pressure, as it may damage the coils. A cleaning spray for fins can deep-clean the coils if they are significantly dirty.
Cleaning the coils helps the air conditioner’s compressor to function better. Dirt acts as a shield to keep hot air from leaving the unit. Much like a refrigerator, an air conditioner needs to expel hot air if it should keep a room cool. However, dirty condenser coils prevent this from happening.
Step 4: Clean the Environment
Allow the coils to dry if you use water to clean them. Afterward, replace the cage cover and check the area surrounding the outside unit. There may be debris and grass growing around it and reducing its ability to function. Therefore, do a thorough job of cleaning the environment and clearing any grass.
Consider covering the outside unit where the condenser unit is during the fall and winter months. That way, dirt does not enter the unit and coat it, reducing its capacity to work. Plywood or plastic works, but ensure you do not cover every side of the unit, or moisture will build and corrode the unit.
While you are at it, check the balance of the condenser. It should be level, just the way a refrigerator should be level. Uneven ground affects the condenser which, in turn, will eventually cause the compressor to fail. Therefore, ensure the shims or pads on which the unit sits are level and resist rot. Otherwise, the unit will lose balance.
Step 5: Clean the Evaporator Coils
The next step is to move to the inside unit when you are done with the outside one. You may need the air conditioner’s manual to find the exact location of the door to the evaporator coils so that you can clean them. Using a soft-bristled brush, clean the dust off of the coils when you locate them.
Then, get a coil cleaner, the no-rinse type, and spray the evaporator coils with it. You will not need to do any further cleaning on the coils, only the drain pan. The foam from the spray will drip into the pan, so you will need to clean and sanitize the drain and pan afterward.
Mix some bleach and mild soap in hot water, and wash the drain pan with it. Rinse it after washing it and mix water and bleach in equal parts. Pour the mixture into the drain to clean it, ensuring to pay attention to how fast the mixture drains. If it drains quickly and easily, your job is done. Just put everything back into their place before reconnecting the unit to electric power. You may want to keep a cleansing tablet in the pan to prevent the growth of bacteria in it over time. That way, the pan remains clean for a long time.
However, you will need to do a more thorough job of cleaning the drain if the mixture does not drain as quickly as it should. Use a vacuum to clean the drain after removing the vacuum’s filter. It may be an intense job if you are unfamiliar with the process, so consider hiring a professional to do the job.
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How to Clean a Goodman Air Conditioner Filter
To clean the filter in your Goodman air conditioner, find the user and instruction manual for the unit. There, you will know the location of the filter and how to remove it. Some filters are difficult to remove and will require the services of an HVAC professional to fix. If your Goodman air conditioner filter is one of those, it is best to let a professional handle it.
Mostly, though, opening the front panel of the unit reveals the air filter in the unit. However, ensure you disconnect the refrigerator from electric power before removing the panel or cleaning any part of the air conditioning unit.
Next, lift the filter out of the unit; it should be easy to do. Ensure you are not forceful when removing it; otherwise, you risk damaging it. If it seems stuck, it is best to leave it alone. But if you can remove it, pay attention to its positioning inside the unit; if possible, take photos. It will help you to place it properly when replacing it afterward.
Now, gently shake the filter to remove loosely-clinging dust and debris. Brush it down with a soft-bristled brush to loosen and remove dry debris. Do this outside and wear protective gear over your nose and eyes. After that, you can opt to wash it with mild soap and warm water. Rinse the filter to remove soap residue and other leftover particles. Then, leave the filter out to dry before putting it back into place.
Quick Recap
Maintaining your Goodman air conditioning unit is crucial to its functionality. A dirty unit will not run or cool as it should, especially when it is a split unit. Therefore, follow this guide on how to clean a Goodman air conditioner and keep an eye on it to ensure it remains in good working condition.