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A.

Yes, an air conditioner’s condenser should be cleaned every three years or even every year if it’s used in a high traffic area. Failure to do so could result in increased energy consumption and premature failure. Also, people tend to let their so-called “self-cleaning” ovens become a total mess. Then maybe once a year, they spend an entire day cleaning it. It should actually be cleaned several times a year, which will save you time in the long run. Most importantly, a dryer’s venting should be thoroughly cleaned and checked seasonally. If lint backs up into the machine, it could cause a potential fire hazard.

-- Mararget Winslow

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