Air conditioning means high comfort of use of rooms - not only in summer, but throughout the year. However, in order for the system to be as efficient as possible, and at the same time safe for health, it is necessary to properly maintain it. Among the care treatments, the most important is cleaning the air conditioning - it must be carried out regularly. What to remember when cleaning air conditioning to make it effective?
How often should you clean the air conditioning?
Correct air conditioning installation that's not all, unfortunately, to enjoy the fresh air at the optimum temperature. Air conditioning cleaning should be carried out regularly, but it is not a very onerous process. For moderately used domestic systems used for room cooling, an annual service is sufficient. It's best to do it just before the season starts. In the case of systems used for both heating and cooling, it is recommended to perform the service twice a year - before the heating season and at the beginning of summer.
If the air conditioning is used quite intensively, it is worth trying to clean it again after its completion. The hardest-working air conditioners in offices or commercial buildings are cleaned as often as once a month.
The fact that it is worth cleaning the air conditioning can be indicated by several characteristic changes in its functioning. Primarily:
- louder work,
- reduced performance,
- unpleasant odor emanating from the air conditioner,
- increased power consumption.
If you notice these types of symptoms, it is worth cleaning the system as soon as possible - so as not to damage its components and not to harm the household.
How to clean air conditioning?
The method of cleaning the air conditioning depends on the type of system used. These large and complex require a lot of work and specialized tools. The home-made ones, most often made in the SPLIT or MULTISPLIT system, are not difficult to maintain.
It is worth noting here that many modern devices have a self-cleaning function. It consists in thoroughly drying the unit by the internal fan, which reduces the risk of fungus and other organisms growing inside the air conditioner. This function is useful, but it is not a substitute for a thorough service performed at least once a year.
Air conditioning cleaning SPLIT, MULTISPLIT or portable air conditioners can be carried out on your own. However, it is usually more convenient and safer to rely on the knowledge of specialists. The service is not expensive, and by hiring professionals, you can be sure that they will not miss any detail. Many companies also provide warranties for the service work performed. What's more, a company specializing in air conditioning service will not only clean the filters, but also carry out comprehensive maintenance of the device, checking all elements affecting its proper operation.
If you want to do the cleaning yourself, know that you may lose the warranty on the device. To do all the work properly, first familiarize yourself with the construction of the air conditioner. It's best to look at its user manual. There you can also find cleaning tips. The service consists primarily in cleaning and replacing filters, so the most important information will be their location.
Air conditioning cleaning step by step
To perform basic cleaning, start by lifting the front cover of the air conditioner (indoor unit). Locate mechanical filters. You shouldn't have any problems removing them. It is best to vacuum the filters with a vacuum cleaner and then wash them under running water. You can also use mild detergents. Make sure the filters are properly rinsed and completely dry before reassembling them. You can also remove dirt from the external parts of air conditioners yourself.
Specialists, when carrying out the air conditioning cleaning process, apart from filters, also take into account the condenser, evaporator, checking the correct operation of controllers, system connections, wires and insulation.
Undoubtedly, filters are most often replaced or cleaned. They take on most of the pollution, which can cause less effective operation of the air conditioner. Equipment manufacturers typically recommend replacing or cleaning filters every 3 months. A convenient option available in the most technologically advanced devices (e.g. Daikin) is a message on the display indicating the need to replace the filters.
The drain pan is very important for the quality of the emitted air. As a rule, it is located in a warm and humid environment exposed to the rapid multiplication of fungi. Therefore, to maintain proper air purity, it is also recommended to clean it regularly. They are performed using hot water and then bactericides.
What to remember when cleaning air conditioning?
Professionals, while cleaning the air conditioning, also perform its inspection. Therefore, in addition to following the rules outlined above, it is worth using this moment to inspect the device. These types of procedures can be quite complicated, so it is difficult to carry them out without experience. When cleaning the air conditioning, it is also worth:
- check the tightness and patency of the installation and the condition of the refrigerant and, if necessary, replenish it;
- check the temperature in the evaporator;
- check the condition of compressors, bearings and fans;
- clean the drain pan, check the patency and tightness of the condensate drainage system.
This is especially important in the case of multi-split systems, when all internal and external installations should be checked.
After completing the entire procedure, you should also test the device and check if the previously noted disturbing symptoms (e.g. loud operation) have disappeared. If you do not feel confident to perform air conditioning service yourself, do not hesitate to call a specialist. The service is not expensive, and the specialist will quickly and comprehensively take care of the installation, so that it can serve without failure for months to come.
