How to remove slime from air conditioner

Vertical A-coil air conditioners are popular models for home HVAC systems. Still, a common problem with these models is the accumulation of slime, which may appear like brown sludge in air conditioner drip trays. If you've got brown goo air conditioner problems, read on.

Cleaning Slime From Drip Trays

To start the cleaning, the experts at Bob Vila recommend that you disconnect the power supply to your air conditioner and put on chemical-safe gloves to prevent accidents and protect yourself. Much of the brown goo air conditioner is mold or fungus, so dispose of it properly. The drip tray is behind the coil access door, which may be screwed on, so you'll need a screwdriver handy. If you can't find that door, refer to your owner's manual diagram.

Spray an alkaline coil cleaner on the coils inside. Allow it to sit and drip into the tray below, which will begin to break up the jelly-like substance in air conditioner units; then, you can remove the drip tray to deep clean it. Use a putty knife or tool to scrape any hardened gunk off the drip tray. Use a hose, rinse any loose material in the tray and spray it generously with a corrosive cleaner. First, try using vinegar, but you may need something stronger.

Put a couple of condensate cleaner tablets in the drip tray and then put it back and reinstall the coil access door. Remember to restore power to your AC unit.

Window Air Conditioner Maintenance

It's critical to deep clean your window air conditioner at least once a year. Otherwise, accumulated dirt can impair its functioning or even break the machine. Worse yet, you don't want to breathe in the dust, mold and dirt.

Next, you should remove the unit from the window and take it outside. Remove the case and use your hose to spray it down. Use water pressure or cleaner to break up debris. You can also use a soft-bristle brush. Wipe down the unit's interior using your cleaner, rags and spray coil cleaner on any parts you can't reach. Be sure to clean the aluminum fins, interior base and fan.

Finally, you can use your hose to spray down the coils, tray and case. Before you reassemble the unit, allow everything to dry thoroughly.

Preventing Brown Sludge in Air Conditioners

You can do several things to prevent brown sludge from accumulating in your air conditioner in the first place, many of which are based on performing maintenance year-round. For example, the writers at Dengarden recommend using condensate cleaner tablets as a great preventative measure. These items slowly release chemicals that prevent mold and mildew from growing.

Similarly, you can put some vinegar on the bottom of the tray. A few tablespoons every month or two during the warmer months will usually prevent anything from growing inside the air conditioner, making the air in your home more safely breathable.

Of course, having your entire air conditioning unit regularly cleaned and properly serviced is critical to keeping the appliance running well. A dirty machine will naturally produce more harmful debris you don't want your family to breathe. For best results, have your HVAC system serviced annually and follow expert recommendations for maintenance.

Things You Will Need

• Aerosol alkaline coil cleaner

• Bleach or vinegar cleaner

• Condensate cleaner tablets

• Chemical-safe gloves

• Screwdriver

• Putty knife

• Hose

• Rags, paper towels and other cleaning materials

What’s the Origin of White Slime?

White slime may be found in many areas of your system, including the drain lines, evaporator pan, and condensate pump. This wet, dark, environment promotes the growth of microorganisms. In this case, the goo is protecting a colony of bacteria beneath it that enjoys consuming dust for food. When this bacteria is found in a condensate drain pan, it could be a sign your air conditioner is oversized, leading to short operating cycles that provide a warm, moist, hospitable environment for the microorganisms to grow.

How It’s Gumming Up Your System

As it grows, this white goo can create multiple issues you’ll need the help of an HVAC repair service to address. Because these microorganisms grow quickly, they can cause severe problems in a short period of time when maintenance needs are ignored:

• Building up and restricting the flow condensate lines.
• Growing to completely block condensate lines, causing the evaporator pan to overflow.
• Creating mold growth problems within ductwork and insulation.
• Leading to leaks in your home that result in costly property damage.

Getting Rid of the Goo

Left unchecked, white slime can become a health hazard, negatively impacting indoor air quality. So it’s essential to get rid of the goo. Unfortunately, this takes more than a little spray and swipe of effected surfaces. Professional treatment is necessary to thoroughly clean the slime out of all affected areas so it cannot return. To get rid of the goo for good, your HVAC service pro will:

• Remove and replace the old air filter, which can harbor the bacteria that cause the goo, leading to a re-sliming if overlooked.
• Clean the condensate drain and other system components with a wet/dry vac and appropriate cleansing solution to neutralize the bacteria.
• Clean the coil, as with replace your home air filter, to prevent the return of the slime from remaining microbes.
• Leave behind special tablets that will kill any bacteria that become wet, placing them in a safe space where they won’t move and clog system components.
• Schedule follow up cleaning semi-annually, and more frequently through cooling season, to ensure the bacteria has been eliminated.

Preventing Slime Before it Takes Over

Most slime stories begin with reactive maintenance – those that do not schedule annual preventative maintenance cleanings but wait until system failure or issues, resulting in the need for emergency HVAC service. To prevent your system from becoming a precautionary tale, keep white slime away with proactive system maintenance.

e aiDon’t live in fear. Exorcise slime from your system and safeguard the indoor air quality in your home with the help of the local air conditioning contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

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