Do you know how AC mopping works? If not, read on. Have you ever heard of the term mop-and-soak method? Well, this is just that. This method basically involves running a clean, wet cloth over your AC’s filters to clean them thoroughly. These filters trap dust and dirt so it’s best to clean them regularly to keep the air inside your home fresh and free of dust particles. But do you know what other people call this process? Let us explain – Running a wet cloth over your AC’s filters is called AC mopping and not everyone calls it that because most people don’t do it regularly or correctly. Mopping implies constantly cleaning the same area with a damp cloth while soaking implies leaving the cloth out in the water for some time before using it again or washing it. In other words, running a wet cloth over your AC filters instead of just using a damp one could mean that you’re leaving behind dirt and grime that could end up damaging the system faster and more expensively than if you just cleaned them with a regular bucket of water from time to time.
What causes your air conditioner to work harder?
The most common reason behind your AC working harder and longer is a build-up of dirt and dust inside the system. Increased air pressure inside the system forces the filters to expand and the more dirt and dust they trap the less air gets through them which in turn, increases their workload. Now if you regularly clean your system with a bucket of water, you’re probably thinking, “Why not use this method too?” Well, the truth is, you actually do. Many people clean their filters with a bucket of water, then use a wet cloth to wipe the inside of the system, only to wash the cloth with a bucket of water and repeat the whole process again and again. Over time, this process damages your system more than if you just cleaned it with a regular bucket of water and a cloth.
Misting system
Some air conditioners can be misted instead of being soaked. A misted system doesn’t require cleaning the filters at all. Instead, it’s the fan that collects dirt and dust. The good thing is, that you only have to clean the fan to remove any mist that builds up on it. Now, how does this work? Well, the AC system is equipped with a plastic hose that’s connected to the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is connected to the water spout via a pipe. Before turning on the AC, you connect the hose from the AC unit to the spout by turning on the faucet. Once the water starts flowing, it pushes the water inside the hose. When you turn on the AC, the pressure inside the hose forces the water inside the hose to come out of the spout as a fine mist that covers the inside of the AC system.
Using the wrong chemicals for your AC system
AC systems come with different chemicals to purify the air inside your home. If you’re not sure what to use or how much to use, you could end up damaging your AC system faster than if you just followed the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For example, there are many people who believe that vinegar is enough to clean their AC system. In fact, it’s the most common mistake that people make when cleaning their air conditioners. What they do is pour some vinegar into a bucket and pour some water into another bucket. Then, they place a rag into the vinegar bucket, close the bucket with a lid, and place it inside the AC unit. They then turn on the AC and leave it running for a few hours. When they get back home from work, they take out the bucket, take the rag out of the bucket, and start wiping the inside of the AC unit with the rag. They then use some water from the bucket to rinse the rag. What they don’t know is that all of these steps could damage the system more than just cleaning with vinegar.
Not connecting your system to your home’s indoor plumbing properly
Many people don’t connect their systems to indoor plumbing properly. There are three options that you can use to clean your AC
– Use a wet rag to wipe the outside of the system, then connect a hose to the outside of the system and place it inside the AC unit to hose off the inside.
– Connect your hose to a sink, then turn on the AC to force the water inside the hose to come out of the spout as a mist, then wipe the outside of the system with a wet rag.
Using the wrong fan for your system
Every system comes with a fan to cool the air inside the system. The problem is, that not all fans are made equal. Many people who are just starting their DIY journey think that buying a cheap fan will suffice. But in reality, it could actually damage their system more than a more expensive fan. A cheap fan could be one that’s less than $50. But you might want to spend a little more to get a reliable and durable fan that lasts longer. A reliable and durable fan could be one that costs $100 and above. The best way to find the right fan for your system is to read the reviews. You can also ask other people who also have a similar system and ask them what type of fan they’re using so you can get a better idea of what type of fan to get.
Don’t immediately turn off your system when you’re done using it
Many people don’t realize that the indoor fan should be left on when you turn off your AC. This is because your system has to cool down before it stops blowing air. So, you have to leave your fan running for about five minutes before turning it off.
Conclusion
You can clean your air conditioner with vinegar, but it will damage your system more than if you just cleaned it with a bucket of water and a rag. If your air conditioner is misted, you don’t need to clean the filters at all. If your air conditioner is connected to your indoor plumbing, you don’t have to clean it, and if your air conditioner fan is too cheap, it will damage your system more than a more expensive fan.