Cleaning Split Systems (38 Photos): How To Clean The Indoor Unit Of The Air Conditioner Yourself? Do-it-yourself Outdoor Unit Cleaning

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-09 13:15

Split systems are characterized by functionality and silence during operation, so many consumers prefer them. These units are convenient and easy to use, but often their owners think about cleaning the device and its maintenance.

Contamination reasons

The air conditioner needs periodic maintenance and cleaning - known information. You can use the help of specialists who, with the help of their professionalism and special tools, will quickly eliminate the problem. But in order not to waste the family budget, you can do the cleaning of the split system on your own without leaving your home.

The main reasons for the clogging of the climatic device are the following:

• due to continuous operation, the unit becomes clogged with dirt and dust particles that settle in external and internal blocks;
• when moisture enters the device, fungus, microorganisms spread, and mold develops;
• dust and exhaust gases enter the split system due to its proximity to the earth's surface;
• in the summer season, the clogging of the climatic unit occurs due to the ingress of poplar fluff inside it - this situation often becomes the cause of system breakdown;
• Due to the accumulation of dust, dirt and moisture in the air conditioner, insects spread inside the unit.

Why and how often do you need cleaning?

Any technique needs care, the same rule applies to split systems. In case of untimely cleaning of the device from the dirt that has accumulated in it, one can count on the fact that the device will not only cool the air, but also contaminate it. The signs to start cleaning the climatic device are as follows:

• the spread of an unpleasant odor;
• poor functioning efficiency;
• lack of maintenance of a given temperature regime;
• the release of fluid from the block inside the device;
• the appearance of noise and sounds uncharacteristic of an air conditioner.

If the user of this type of equipment noticed at least one of the above manifestations of contamination, it is worthwhile to immediately start cleaning. According to professionals, you should not bring the split system to a critical state, as this will only exacerbate the problem. It is recommended to clean the indoor and outdoor units every 6 months . To increase the effectiveness of the procedure, you can do it in the fall and spring. Hygienic cleaning should be carried out every 7 days using special means.

The reason to start cleaning the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioner is the increase in energy consumption, as well as the leakage of condensate.

Necessary tools and tools

The split system has a cooler, on which dust and bacteria that can actively multiply in conditions of high humidity are deposited. To prevent those living in the apartment from breathing mold and unpleasant odors, it is recommended to carry out regular antibacterial cleaning. For this procedure, you can choose one of the following means:

• liquid reagent with an alkaline base;
• foam cleaner in an aerosol can;
• a medical antiseptic such as chlorhexidine.

Units that have not been serviced for a long time should be cleaned with an alkaline spray, which will help thoroughly rinse the device. To clean the split system, you will need such devices as:

• vacuum cleaner;
• soft cloth;
• small brush with medium bristle;
• Toothbrush;
• detergent type;
• soap;
• container with warm water.

How to disassemble an air conditioner?

Before proceeding to the analysis of the climatic equipment, you need to conduct a detailed inspection of the equipment. In this case, it is worth focusing on several points:

• absence of defects on the wires that conduct electricity, damage in their insulation and grounding;
• whether the fastening of each of the screws in the thread connection is reliable;
• the integrity of the structure of the freon circuit;
• presence or presence of damage.

Inspection of equipment is not a lengthy process, but necessary. The regularity of this process is considered the key to the long functioning of the air conditioner.

Before cleaning the split system, the equipment must be properly disassembled. Let's list the stages of the procedure.

1. Switching off the unit from the mains.
2. According to the information in the instructions for the technique, it is worth removing the protective filter, which is located in the indoor unit.
3. Removing the outer panel from the indoor unit. To do this, unscrew the bolts under the plugs on both sides. The block body stretches to the bottom.
4. Blades are pulled out of the slots, guiding and distributing the air.
5. Removing the lower element of the block, which is fixed with latches.
6. Disconnecting the power cord.
7. Removing the drainage pipe.
8. Disconnection of the electrical type wire from the device.
9. Removing the body of the internal electrical unit. To this end, it is necessary to eliminate the grounding wiring, after which the fixing brackets are shifted. The next step is to remove the block directly.
10. Removing the drain device and the outlet hose.

How to clean?

Self-cleaning dust and other debris in a split system at home does not imply any difficulties. You can do this yourself not only quickly, but also cheaply.

Indoor unit

After the unit is disassembled at home with your own hands, and you have access to its component parts, you can start cleaning. For this purpose, you should not use brushes made of a hard fraction or metal objects, as they can harm the heat exchanger and the freon line.

Cleaning the system filter is quite simple and it is advisable to clean it regularly . To remove accumulated dirt, it is worth soaking the filter parts of the unit in a foam of detergent. After that, the parts must be thoroughly washed with running water, dried before direct installation.

The fan in the indoor unit of the climate system also needs regular cleaning and disinfection. This element has the form of a roller that drives cooled air flows into the apartment. To carry out this procedure, the fan can be dismantled without removing it from the unit. In this case, cleaning is carried out by treating the blades with soapy water. After completing the procedure, the equipment will need to be turned on to work at minimum power.

The master should be prepared for the fact that dirt and debris will fly to the floor when cleaning. So that this does not cause discomfort, it is advisable to lay the floors in advance.

Elimination of blockages from the fan openings, which are located on the top panel of the unit, is possible by wiping with a cloth soaked in soapy water.

The heat exchanger of the air conditioner needs regular maintenance . Removal of accumulated dirt in this part of the unit is required at least once every 12 months. In order to get to the heat exchanger, you will need to remove the grate. Further, to eliminate litter, you can use a vacuum cleaner or a soapy rag. All procedures should be carried out with special care to avoid damage to the heat exchanger or your own injuries.

If, when cleaning this part of the indoor unit, corrosion is found, then it is better to give the air conditioner to the service, since the danger may lie in the leakage of freon. To eliminate the unpleasant odor that the air conditioner exudes, you need to do an antiseptic cleaning . To this end, 500 milliliters of alcohol-based antiseptic should be poured into a spray tank and sprayed around the radiator when the air conditioner is on. After tightening the small drops, after 10 minutes, there will be no trace of the bad aroma of the smell.

The drainage system of the HVAC equipment also needs to be cleaned. The drain tube can become clogged with dust and mold particles. There are several ways to fix this problem.

1. A soap solution must be passed through the evaporator. It will wash away dirt and dissolve accumulated grease.
2. The disconnected drain tube can be blown out with a vacuum cleaner. This type of cleaning can only be used in case of heavy contamination.
3. The tube that is completely disconnected should be rinsed using a disinfectant.

Chlorhexidine can be used to disinfect the pipe. To check the quality of purification, 1500 milliliters of water is poured into the drainage system. If the liquid pours out in full and without obstacles, then the work has been done efficiently.

The assembly of the indoor unit of the split system is carried out in the reverse order. When disassembling the unit for the first time, it is worth recording the information to make the assembly easier . With careful and careful work, unnecessary parts should not remain.

External module

Often, the outside of the air conditioner suffers from poplar fluff and dust outside. Insufficient maintenance of the equipment can lead to a reduction in the life of condensers and compressors. First of all, the master must make sure that the equipment is de-energized. The first step in cleaning the block is the elimination of dirt on the block body. Then you need to dismantle the front panel, and proceed to cleaning the inside.

Stages of cleansing the outer part of the split system:

• dismantling of the grill, fan;
• protection of the engine from moisture, that is, its sealed packaging in polyethylene;
• dry clean all accessible places of the internal system of the unit, using a paint brush;
• treat each of the internal parts of the equipment with a detergent, including the accessible front elements, as well as the side and rear lobes;
• after 10 minutes, you can begin to wash out each of the nodes;
• installation of all elements of the outdoor unit in reverse order.

The master should remember that it is worth cleaning the radiator with extreme care so as not to destroy or bend its ribs.

Professional advice

The housing, drainage system and filters need regular cleaning. It is necessary to carry out this procedure, taking into account the location of the unit and its purpose:

• when the device is at a level below the 4th floor - once every 3 months;
• when the unit is located at a level from 4 to 8 floors - once every 2 years, since this technique does not come into contact with organic dust and debris;
• air conditioners installed on the 12th floor require only external cleaning no more than once every 2 years;
• internal filters are cleaned every few months;
• the split system should be cleaned before use;
• do not forget that in winter the units need to be removed from icicles and ice to avoid damage to the transport that is located below.

The life of the climatic equipment can be increased by adhering to several rules

1. There must be no drafts in the room where the device is installed. Doors and windows should be kept closed in order to maintain the desired temperature, to allow the system to work in an enhanced mode.
2. Without the need, you should not turn on the equipment for maximum and minimum blowing, as this can lead to rapid wear of the internal elements.
3. Air conditioners should operate only at permitted temperatures, namely: inverter model - from -5 to -10, "with winter kit" - up to -20, basic type models - from 0 to -5 degrees Celsius.
4. Maintenance must be carried out constantly. If the split system is used in an intensive mode, then they do it twice a year, and if the work of the equipment is moderate, then once every 12 months. Service is an inexpensive procedure, but it can increase the life of the air conditioner for many years.
5. The internal system unit should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
6. After downtime, the equipment must be driven away, thereby removing all accumulated dirt and debris.
7. There should be no obstacles in the path of the air flow from the air conditioner.
8. The external unit of the unit must have special protection to protect it from atmospheric precipitation.
9. It is worth cleaning the equipment filters, drying them and reinstalling them once a quarter.

In order to make the equipment less dirty, you can do the following:

• ventilate the room;
• do not put interior items on the split system;
• do not touch the climatic equipment with wet hands;
• do not allow animals to sit on the air conditioner.

Owners of air conditioners and split systems should remember that any technique needs respect, care and periodic cleaning. At home, you can clean the equipment from contamination with your own hands. However, there are situations in which you should not refuse to turn to professionals. These include cases when the unit stops turning on, some functions do not work in it, the device turns off spontaneously, or liquid drips from the indoor unit. In order for the split system to function properly, saving people from heat and cold, it is worth taking time to clean it regularly.