Ideally, air conditioning should be serviced twice a year to ensure optimal performance, although once is sufficient for some systems. To keep your AC running smoothly, it's important to clean or replace the filter every one to two months during the cooling season. If your AC is used constantly, is exposed to dusty conditions, or if you have furry pets in the house, you may need to clean or replace filters more frequently. As a general rule of thumb, it's best to get in the habit of doing it on the first day of every month. Between visits from a professional technician, the condenser coils can be cleaned by removing large debris and rinsing them with a hose, after cutting off the electrical power.
Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. They are available in a variety of types and efficiencies. Another part of the air conditioner that needs regular maintenance is the evaporator and condenser coils. While the air filter will reduce the dirt and grime that build up on these coils, over time, dirt will still accumulate. This buildup of dirt will reduce airflow and insulate the coil, decreasing its ability to absorb heat and reducing the efficiency of the air conditioner. Cleaning these coils is an important part of maintaining your AC unit, but it's a task best left to professionals.
Other parts of the air conditioning unit will also need to be cleaned, such as the condensation drains and the coil flaps.
