Marianne Martinez
Keeping your air conditioner clean is important for maintaining its efficiency and longevity. A dirty AC unit can decrease its efficiency, damage your system, and even make you sick. One of the most common reasons for AC malfunction is a clog in the drain line, which can be caused by dirt formation, bacterial growth, and mould growth in the drain pan. Regular cleaning of the drain pan can help prevent these issues and keep your AC in good condition.
How to Clean a Dirty Pan of AC
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Every two weeks for window AC units; once a year for central AC units |
| When to clean | Before its first use of the season; when there is a lack of cool air, unusual noises, an off smell, visual dirt, or high energy bills |
| What to clean | Filters and coils |
| Tools and materials | Shop vacuum with brush attachment; knife with thin blade or fin comb; can of compressed air; protective gloves; hydrogen peroxide; AC coil cleaner; mild dish soap or detergent; soft brush or cloth; vacuum; hose; screwdriver; fin comb or other blunt tool; foam air conditioner cleaner; soft brush and damp cloth; warm soapy water; scrub brush or scouring pad; baking soda and vinegar; lemon juice; distilled vinegar; bottle brush; air conditioner manual |
| Steps | Turn off the unit; remove the cover; remove and clean the filter; locate and clean the coils; remove the vent cover; remove and clean the drip pan; wash with soap and water; scrub with baking soda and vinegar; rinse and dry; clean the blades and exterior |
What You'll Learn
Remove the drain pan
To remove the drain pan, start by shutting off the power to your AC unit. This is an important safety measure to prevent any water from leaking out of the drain lines while you work.
Next, locate the drain pan. The pan should be underneath the indoor evaporator coil. Once you've found it, check for any standing water. If there is water in the pan, you'll need to remove it. You can do this by soaking it up with towels or using a wet-dry vacuum to suction the water out.
At this point, you can also clean the drain pan with vinegar or dish soap to remove any mould, algae, dust, or dirt. A thin wire brush can be useful for this step to help dislodge any debris.
Now, you're ready to remove the drain pan. Slowly remove the PVC cap and carefully lift the pan out. You may need to unclog the drainpipe at this point, using a wire brush to remove any mould, algae, or debris.
If you need to replace the drain pan, it's recommended to get a professional to do this to ensure the new pan is installed correctly and avoid any future issues.
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Drain the water
To drain the water from your AC unit, you will first need to turn off the power to your HVAC system at the thermostat and the breaker. This is an important safety precaution.
Next, locate the drain pan. This is usually found directly under the unit and may be covered by a removable access panel. If your AC unit is leaking water, you will need to drain the water from the pan. You can do this by using a wet and dry vacuum cleaner or by soaking up the water with towels. Alternatively, if you are removing the drain pan, you can simply tip the water out into a sink.
If your AC unit has an internal water reservoir, you may need to drain this too. To do this, locate the drain plug on the back or side of the unit and remove it, along with the rubber stopper, to drain the water tank.
Once you have drained the water, you can then proceed to clean the drain pan with soap and water.
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Wash with soap and water
Once you have removed the drain pan, you can move on to the next step: washing with soap and water.
Use regular detergent or dish soap, and create a warm soapy water mixture in your sink. Submerge the drain pan into the cleaning solution, and use a scrub brush or scouring pad to scrub the drain pan clean. If you are cleaning a plastic air conditioner drain pan, take care not to scratch it. Use a soft sponge or brush to scrub out the grime from plastic drain pans, and avoid using abrasive tools.
If your drain pan is made of metal, you can use a mild detergent or mild dish soap and a soft brush or cloth to clean the pan. Make sure to dry the pan thoroughly before reassembling the components.
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Scrub with baking soda and vinegar
To clean your AC drain pan with baking soda and vinegar, start by removing the pan and draining any water. Then, rinse the pan with plain tap water to remove any loose grime.
Next, create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Spray or squeeze vinegar onto the pan, then sprinkle baking soda over the top. Allow the ingredients to react and bubble, then leave them to sit on the pan for at least 10 minutes.
After the solution has sat for a while, use a scrubbing tool to scrub the mixture into the drain pan, focusing on any stained areas. The baking soda acts as a scrubber to remove dirt and stains without scratching the surface, while the vinegar helps to soften and lift them.
Finally, rinse the pan to remove the cleaning solution, then let the drain pan dry.
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Rinse and dry
Once you have removed the dirt from the drain pan, rinse it with plain tap water. This will help to remove any loosened grime, flush out bacteria, and wash away mould. Rinsing the pan with water may also help to reduce any unpleasant odours.
After rinsing, dry the pan thoroughly. If you are also cleaning the condensate drain line, use a bottle brush to scrub out any grime, then wipe the condensate drain line clean before applying a deodorizer. Allow everything to dry completely before reassembling the components.
If you have a frozen evaporator coil, a dripping AC unit, or a leaking condensate line, it is recommended that you call a professional HVAC technician to clean and fix these issues and prevent further damage to your air conditioner.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your AC drain pan at least once a year, preferably before its first use of the season.
If your air conditioner starts to smell like feet, or starts to leak water, there may be a problem with your drain pan. Other signs include a lack of cool air, unusual noises, and high energy bills.
First, turn off your AC and remove the drain pan. Then, drain any water from the pan using a wet and dry vacuum cleaner or towels. Next, wash the pan with soap and water, and scrub with baking soda and vinegar to remove deep-seated stains and smells. Finally, rinse and dry the pan before reassembling the components.
