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Split air conditioners have become commonplace in most homes, keeping your home cool during hot weather. If your air conditioner only cools one room or area of your home, you most likely have a split air conditioner. Split air conditioners are easy to clean due to their simple design. To prolong the life of your split air conditioner and keep it in good working order. You should be able to clean it properly.
Importance of cleaning Split Air Conditioner
A clean air conditioner is more energy-efficient, lasts longer without needing maintenance, and can even help you save money on your electricity bills because it won’t have to work as hard to complete its job. The filters catch dust and microorganisms inside the conditioners. If these filters aren’t cleaned regularly, it will impair the system’s performance. Cleaning guarantees that it is restored to full capacity, enhancing your home’s ability to keep your home cool and refreshing. Recently the Butterfly Group offers air conditioners with an auto-clean feature, which takes care of half of the cleaning for you.
Process of Cleaning Split AC
Turn off the Power: This is one of the primary steps to start with any equipment cleaning process. Before removing your air conditioner for cleaning, make sure it is turned off. Turn off or unplug both the interior and outdoor equipment at the wall to ensure safety. (Jameel, n.d.)
Set AC in Dry Mode: Set the air conditioner to dry mode if you use it. You must first dry it before you can clean it. Set the air conditioner to fan mode for this. The moisture in the air conditioner will evaporate in 30 to 40 minutes. (Malik, 2021)
Gather Tools: Before beginning the cleaning process, gather the tools you’ll need, such as an antifungal cleaning spray, an AC flush kit, a fin comb, and an AC coil cleaner. Please note that it is unnecessary to use any special tools; you can complete the job by using dishwashing soap instead of a special spray. So, before you begin the procedure and open your unit, make sure you have a working vacuum, a soft brush, soap, a full spray bottle, an AC fin comb, or a toothbrush. It is preferable if you use a face mask, rubber gloves, a flashlight, and so on. (Brich, 2020)
Check Your Manufacturer’s Instructions: An air conditioner comes with an instruction manual that explains how to access and clean its air filters, as well as other parts that can be maintained at home. If you don’t have your instruction manual, you can get a copy from the manufacturer’s website. (hhaircon.com, 2019)
Remove the Filters: Open or lift the front panels and carefully remove the dust filters, careful not to spill the dust inside. Brushing or scraping can remove the majority of dust. This is simple; all you have to do is carefully take them outside, not to spill any dirt or dust. More stubborn dust and grime may require cleaning with water and detergent and drying. Then, when you’re finished, bang them clean against a solid object and replace them. (Gaywood, 2020)
Clean the Cooling Fins: You can remove any dust from the cooling fins by using an air blower. Blow over the entire length of the metallic lines without touching them. Cleaning the fins will improve the cooling process. You can lightly spray the air conditioner cleaner on the fins and allow them to dry so that the next time you turn on your AC, it will fill your room with fresh air. (Jameel, n.d.)
Spray the Coils: You can clean them using a special no-rinse evaporator spray If you have access to the spherical metal coils within your air conditioner’s indoor unit. Allow for a 20-minute cooling period before cleaning the metal clean. After that, close the machine and replace the filters. (Gaywood, 2020)
Clean the AC Drain Pan: Cleaning the drainpipe is simple. Use a 50/50 solution of bleach and water. To ensure that the solution is clear, pour it down the drain. (davidleroyplumbing.com, n.d.)
Vacuum the Outdoor Unit: While only a skilled HVAC technician or electrician should clean the compressor unit’s interior components, you may help the unit work more effectively by sweeping the air intakes to remove dust. You can sweep the outer area of ground-mounted compressors regularly to prevent leaves and debris from getting inside and blocking the system. (Gaywood, 2020)
Clean the Exterior: Finally, clean the exterior. If dust has accumulated, wipe down the exterior casing of your indoor air conditioning unit. This also applies to your outdoor air conditioning unit. Remember to regularly brush away any dust, leaves, or cobwebs, and keep it clear of any objects that could obstruct its airflow. (hhaircon.com, 2019)
Conclusion
These days, when we use our air conditioners virtually all day, it’s critical to clean them every two weeks to provide fresh, cool air. Try to do this cleanse when you have the time. Wear a mask when cleaning your air conditioner at home because inhaling dust and dirt particles can be hazardous to your health. As dust particles may fall, make sure to cover the floor or any area beneath your air conditioner. This is a lengthy procedure that will consume a significant amount of your time so remember to make a schedule for cleaning it. If the problem persists after you’ve cleaned the filters and coil thoroughly, there could be a problem with the air conditioner’s outdoor unit. This may necessitate hiring a professional cleaning service.
References
Brich, J. (2020, September 29). cielowigle.com. Retrieved from CIELO: https://www.cielowigle.com/blog/clean-air-conditioner/
davidleroyplumbing.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from David Leoroy : https://www.davidleroyplumbing.com/blog/how-to-clean-your-air-conditioner/
Gaywood, O. (2020, March 16). hipages.com. Retrieved from Hi Pages: https://hipages.com.au/article/how_to_clean_split_system_air_conditioner
hhaircon.com. (2019, November 27). Retrieved from H & H Air Conditionning : https://www.hhaircon.com.au/general-news/quick-easy-guide-how-to-clean-a-split-air-conditioner/
Jameel, A. L. (n.d.). redsea.com. Retrieved from Redsea : https://redsea.com/en/how-to-clean-your-split-ac-indoor-unit-at-home
Malik, T. (2021, July 4). herzindagi.com. Retrieved from Herzindagi: https://www.herzindagi.com/society-culture/how-to-clean-split-ac-filter-at-home-article-178203
