Posted on April 13, 2023.

When it comes to maintaining your air conditioning system, one of the most important tasks is keeping it clean. A dirty AC unit not only reduces its efficiency but also poses health hazards by spreading allergens and contaminants throughout your home or workplace. In this blog post, we will outline some simple methods for identifying when it's time to clean your AC.

Poor Airflow

The first and most obvious sign that your AC unit is dirty is poor airflow. When your AC filter and/or evaporator coil become clogged with dirt and debris, they restrict the airflow, making it difficult for your unit to circulate air properly. As a result, you may notice that certain rooms in your home or office are not as cool as others, or that it takes longer than usual for your AC to cool the space.

To check for poor airflow, stand in front of one of your vents and see if you can feel the air coming out. If the airflow is weak, it's time to clean your AC. You can also check your AC filter and see if it's clogged with dirt and debris. If it is, you'll need to replace it or clean it.

Another reason why poor airflow can be a problem is that it puts a strain on your AC unit's motor. When your AC is struggling to circulate air, the motor has to work harder to keep up, which can result in overheating and damage to the motor. This can lead to costly repairs or even a complete breakdown of your AC unit.

Moreover, poor airflow can also have a negative impact on the air quality in your home or workplace. When air is not circulating properly, it can become stagnant and trap allergens, dust, and other contaminants in the space. This can cause respiratory problems and trigger allergies and asthma.

To avoid these issues, it's important to clean your AC unit regularly and replace your filters as needed. This will ensure that your AC is circulating air properly, keeping you comfortable and healthy. If you're unsure about how to clean your AC or replace your filters, it's best to call a professional cleaning service like OHANA CLEAN AIR to do it for you. Our team of experts will ensure that your AC unit is clean and functioning properly, providing you with peace of mind and a comfortable living or working environment.

Strange Noises

Another sign that your AC unit needs cleaning is strange noises. When dirt and debris accumulate on the motor or fan blades, they can cause your AC to make strange noises, such as rattling or grinding. These noises not only indicate that your AC is dirty but can also signify that your unit is damaged and in need of repair.

To check for strange noises, turn off your AC and listen for any unusual sounds coming from your unit. If you hear anything other than the usual hum of the motor or the sound of air blowing, it's time to clean your AC.

In addition to indicating that your AC unit is dirty, strange noises can also be a safety hazard. If your AC unit is making grinding or rattling sounds, it could be a sign that there are loose parts or damaged components inside the unit. These parts could potentially break off and cause damage to your AC or even pose a danger to your home or workplace.

Moreover, strange noises can also have a negative impact on your overall comfort and well-being. If your AC unit is making loud, disruptive noises, it can be difficult to relax or focus on your work. This can lead to increased stress levels and decreased productivity.

To prevent these issues, it's important to have your AC unit cleaned and inspected regularly. A professional cleaning service like OHANA CLEAN AIR can identify any potential issues with your unit and clean it thoroughly, ensuring that it's functioning properly and safely. Additionally, regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your AC unit and save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or replacements. If you hear strange noises coming from your AC, don't hesitate to call a professional cleaning service to address the issue.

Unpleasant Odors

A third sign that your AC is dirty is unpleasant odors. When mold and bacteria grow on your AC unit, they can cause foul smells to circulate throughout your home or workplace. These odors not only create an unpleasant atmosphere but can also trigger allergies and other health issues.

To check for unpleasant odors, simply turn on your AC and see if there's a musty or moldy smell coming from your vents. If there is, it's time to clean your AC.

In addition to mold and bacteria, unpleasant odors can also be caused by a buildup of pet hair or dust on your AC filter. These contaminants can create a musty, stale smell that can be difficult to eliminate. If left untreated, these odors can continue to circulate throughout your home or workplace, creating an unpleasant and potentially hazardous environment.

Moreover, unpleasant odors can also have a negative impact on your mental health and well-being. If your home or workplace smells unpleasant, it can be difficult to relax or focus on your work. This can lead to increased stress levels and decreased productivity.

To eliminate unpleasant odors and improve the air quality in your home or workplace, it's important to have your AC unit cleaned and inspected regularly. A professional cleaning service like OHANA CLEAN AIR can identify the source of the odors and clean your AC unit thoroughly, ensuring that it's functioning properly and safely. Additionally, regular maintenance can prevent the buildup of mold, bacteria, and other contaminants, keeping your home or workplace clean and healthy. If you notice unpleasant odors coming from your AC, don't hesitate to call a professional cleaning service to address the issue.

High Humidity

If you notice that the air in your home or workplace feels humid, it could be a sign that your AC is dirty. When your AC filter and/or evaporator coil are clogged with dirt and debris, they can't remove moisture from the air as efficiently, resulting in high humidity levels.

To check for high humidity, use a hygrometer to measure the humidity levels in your home or workplace. If the humidity levels are above 50%, it's time to clean your AC.

High humidity levels can have a number of negative effects on your home or workplace. Humid air can feel oppressive and uncomfortable, making it difficult to relax or focus on work. It can also promote the growth of mold and bacteria, which can be hazardous to your health. Additionally, high humidity levels can cause damage to your property, such as peeling wallpaper, warped wood, and water damage.

To prevent these issues, it's important to address high humidity levels as soon as possible. Cleaning your AC unit is an effective way to reduce humidity levels and improve the air quality in your home or workplace. A professional cleaning service like OHANA CLEAN AIR can clean your AC unit thoroughly and identify any other potential sources of humidity, such as leaky pipes or inadequate ventilation.

Moreover, there are other steps you can take to reduce humidity levels in your home or workplace. These include using a dehumidifier, fixing any leaks or water damage, and ensuring that your home or workplace is properly ventilated. By addressing high humidity levels, you can improve your comfort and health, as well as protect your property from damage.

Higher Energy Bills

A dirty AC unit can also result in higher energy bills. When your AC is clogged with dirt and debris, it has to work harder to cool your space, which can drive up your energy costs.

To check for higher energy bills, compare your current energy bills to your bills from the same time last year. If you notice a significant increase in your energy costs, it's time to clean your AC.

Higher energy bills can be a significant financial burden, especially if they're caused by a dirty AC unit. When your AC is clogged with dirt and debris, it has to work harder and use more energy to cool your space. This can result in significantly higher energy bills, especially during the hot summer months when your AC is working overtime.

Moreover, higher energy bills can also have a negative impact on the environment. When you use more energy, you're contributing to the demand for fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources. This can have a harmful effect on the environment, contributing to climate change and other ecological issues.

To reduce your energy bills and protect the environment, it's important to clean your AC unit regularly. A professional cleaning service like OHANA CLEAN AIR can clean your AC unit thoroughly and ensure that it's functioning efficiently. Additionally, there are other steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption, such as using a programmable thermostat, sealing any drafts or leaks, and using fans to circulate air. By taking these steps, you can save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy a comfortable living or working environment.

Ice Buildup

Finally, if you notice ice buildup on your AC unit, it's a sign that your AC is dirty. When your AC filter and/or evaporator coil are clogged with dirt and debris, they can cause the refrigerant in your unit to freeze, resulting in ice buildup.

To check for ice buildup, simply look at your AC unit and see if there is any ice on the coils or pipes. If you notice ice buildup, turn off your AC and let it thaw before cleaning it.

Ice buildup on your AC unit is not only a sign that your unit is dirty, but it can also cause damage to your AC system. When ice builds up on your AC coils, it can cause them to bend or warp, which can lead to leaks or other damage. Additionally, ice buildup can cause your AC system to shut down completely, leaving you without cool air during the hot summer months.

To prevent these issues, it's important to address ice buildup as soon as possible. Turning off your AC unit and letting it thaw is a good first step, but it's important to also clean your AC unit thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that may be causing the ice buildup. A professional cleaning service like OHANA CLEAN AIR can clean your AC unit thoroughly and ensure that it's functioning properly.

Moreover, there are other steps you can take to prevent ice buildup in the first place. Regular maintenance, such as replacing your AC filter and cleaning your AC coils, can help prevent ice buildup and ensure that your AC unit is functioning efficiently. Additionally, ensuring that your AC unit is properly insulated and that your home or workplace is well-ventilated can also help prevent ice buildup and improve the overall performance of your AC system. By taking these steps, you can prevent damage to your AC system and enjoy cool, comfortable air all summer long.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several signs that your AC unit needs cleaning, including poor airflow, strange noises, unpleasant odors, high humidity, higher energy bills, and ice buildup. It's important to clean your AC unit regularly to ensure that it's functioning properly and to prevent health hazards from spreading allergens and contaminants throughout your home or workplace.

If you notice any of the above signs or if it's been more than a year since your AC was last cleaned, it's time to call a professional cleaning service. At OHANA CLEAN AIR, we specialize in Sanitizing / cleaning, offering estimate, Sanitizing Service, Drain Pan and Drain Hose Flushing, Condenser Flushing services. Our team of experienced professionals will clean your AC unit thoroughly, ensuring that it's running efficiently and keeping you and your family safe and healthy.

Don't hesitate to reach out or get in touch with us at (808) 494-6366 and/or [email protected] to schedule your AC cleaning today. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities.