Will cleaning an AC unit make it work better?
You’re standing by the vent, waiting for a blast of cold air… and it just feels “meh.” It’s not hot, but it’s not cold either. It’s like your AC is going through the motions without delivering the goods. You’ve probably wondered, “Will cleaning my AC unit make it colder?”
The short answer is yes, it absolutely can. And we’ve seen it firsthand in homes all across town. At Boulden Brothers, we’ve brought countless units back to life with a good deep clean. Let’s walk you through the why, how, and when it’s time to call us.
Why a Dirty AC Unit Can’t Keep Up
Your AC unit doesn’t just magically blow cold air. It works by pulling warm air from inside your home, cooling it through the evaporator coil, and then blowing it back into the house. Outside, the condenser releases that heat into the air.
Now, here’s the kicker: when dirt and debris block airflow, the system has to work twice as hard. That makes the air less cool, the unit run longer, and your energy bills spike.
We’ve seen outdoor units so caked in leaves, grass clippings, and dust they could barely breathe. Cleaning those coils was like giving the system a second wind.
How Cleaning Makes It Colder
A clean AC system moves air faster and chills it better.
Here’s what happens when we clean it up:
- The evaporator coil absorbs heat more efficiently
- The condenser coil releases heat faster
- Airflow increases through the system
- The compressor doesn’t overwork itself
- Humidity control improves
Put simply — it cools the air better, faster, and with less strain.
Our Process: How We Clean an AC Unit
We don’t just spray it and hope for the best.
Here’s how we do it, step-by-step:
Step 1: Shut Off Power
We start by switching off the unit at the thermostat and disconnecting it. Safety first.
Step 2: Clear Debris Around the Unit
Grass, sticks, and leaves get cleared from around the condenser. We want at least 2 feet of clear space all around.
Step 3: Remove the Top Grille
We carefully remove the fan grill to get access to the inside of the unit. We never yank wires or force parts.
Step 4: Clean the Condenser Coils
We use soft brushes and coil cleaner — nothing too harsh. We spray it down, let it soak, then rinse with a hose.
Step 5: Straighten Bent Fins
If the fins are bent, we use a fin comb to gently push them back. Better airflow, better cooling.
Step 6: Check the Drain Line
Inside, we flush the condensate drain to prevent clogs that cause water backup and moisture buildup.
Step 7: Clean or Replace the Filter
This one’s simple, but it makes a huge difference. A clogged filter chokes your system.
Step 8: Fire It Back Up
We power the system back on and test the temperature at the vents. We expect to feel a noticeable difference.
When to Call Boulden Brothers
You can rinse your outdoor unit with a garden hose and swap the filter, but deeper cleaning? That’s our job.
Here’s when to give us a call:
- Your AC is running, but the air’s not cold
- You haven’t had a cleaning in over a year
- There’s visible gunk on the condenser or evaporator coils
- You hear the system running constantly
- The unit shuts down or trips the breaker
- The drain line is clogged and leaking water
That’s when you say the magic words: You call. We come. It’s fixed.
At Boulden Brothers, we’ve seen systems go from lukewarm to ice-cold after a full cleaning and tune-up. We’re not just fixing — we’re restoring performance.
FAQs
How often should I clean my AC unit?
At least once a year — ideally before summer kicks in. More often if you have pets, allergies, or live near trees or construction.
Can I clean it myself?
You can rinse the outside unit and change the filter. But coil cleaning, drain flushing, and electrical inspection? That’s our lane.
Does a dirty filter really affect cooling?
Absolutely. A clogged filter strangles airflow and makes your system struggle. It’s the first thing we check.
My unit is clean but still not cooling. Now what?
It could be a refrigerant issue, electrical problem, or faulty component. We’ll track it down.
Do you check refrigerant levels during a cleaning?
Yes. We check the pressure, look for leaks, and top it off if needed.
Let’s Make Your AC Cold Again
You don’t need to settle for lukewarm air. If your AC feels like it’s just pretending to cool, it’s time to get serious. We show up, clean it right, and get it running like new. Fixed right the first time. That’s the Boulden promise. Let’s get your home cool again. You call. We come. It’s fixed.
