Steps on How to Clean Split Type AC at Home

As temperatures and the sweltering summer months have continued to soar, finding solace in the cool confines of our homes has becomes a top priority. A trusty companion in battling the heat is either our window air conditioner or split air conditioner. These air conditioners (AC) provide us with much-needed comfort and relief. However, to ensure optimal performance and longevity of our beloved cooling systems, regular maintenance is crucial, and that starts with knowing how to clean air conditioner units at home.

In this write-up, we will embark on a journey to master the art of maintaining our air conditioner units, particularly split air conditioners. We will equip you with essential knowledge and practical tips to keep your split type air conditioning unit running smoothly, efficiently, and effectively. Say goodbye to dusty air filters, clogged condenser coils, and lackluster cooling fins as we delve into the step-by-step process of cleaning your split air conditioner, transforming you into a savvy air conditioning unit owner ready to beat the heat with ease.

Essential Steps to Clean and Maintain Your Split Type Air Conditioner Unit

To guarantee the best performance and longevity of your split type air conditioner unit, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your AC unit running efficiently. Here is a list of steps to guide you through the essential procedures of cleaning and maintaining your split type air conditioner unit, covering everything from cleaning the air filters and condenser coils to checking for any potential issues. With these practical tips and expert advice, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to maintain a cool and comfortable indoor environment throughout the scorching summer months. Get ready to breeze through the cleaning process and enjoy the refreshing benefits of a well-maintained split type air conditioner unit.

1: Remove the Moisture from the Air Conditioner

Before starting the cleaning process, whether it's a window air conditioner unit or a split type one, it is crucial to ensure that the unit is dry. After being in use, the AC unit may contain moisture and water. To dry it effectively, switch the unit to 'Fan Mode' and run it for around 30-40 minutes. This allows the moisture to evaporate, preparing the unit for the cleaning process.

Proper drying of the air-conditioner is necessary as it helps prevent potential damage and ensures more effective cleaning. By running the unit in 'Fan Mode', the moisture inside the AC evaporates, reducing the risk of mold or mildew growth. This step sets the stage for a successful cleaning, allowing you to maintain a clean and efficient air conditioning system.

2: Disconnect the Power Supply of the Unit

Safety should always come first when cleaning any appliance, and this includes disconnecting the machine from its power source. Before you start cleaning your unit, it is crucial to ensure that there is no power supply connected to the unit to prevent electrical accidents and ensures your safety during the cleaning process.

Disconnecting the unit from its power source is a simple yet essential measure. It minimizes the possibility of electrical accidents and protects both you and the air conditioner from any potential damage. Before proceeding with dismantling or cleaning the AC, double-check that the power supply is switched off or the power cord is unplugged from the electrical outlet.

3: Place a Cleaning Bag over the Unit

Once you have safely disconnected the air conditioner from its power source, it's time to protect your surroundings from dirt and drippings during the cleaning process. Lay a large garbage bag or an AC bag around the indoor unit, ensuring it covers the entire unit.

By covering the unit with a cleaning bag, you create a barrier that collects any falling dirt, dust, or potential drippings, keeping your surroundings clean and minimizing the need for additional cleaning tasks afterward.

Choose a bag that is large enough to fully cover the unit and secure it in place using tape, rubber bands, or any provided straps or fasteners. With the unit properly covered, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that any debris or liquid will be contained within the bag, preventing it from spreading and making the cleaning process easier and more convenient.

4: Remove the Front Panel

To gain access to the interior of your air conditioner, you need to detach the front panel. Begin by locating the latches or tabs that secure the front panel of the indoor unit. Undo the latches or push the tabs, and carefully lift the panel upwards to open it and access the inside of the unit.

If the front panel does not come out completely, you can still proceed with cleaning the interior. Hold the panel with one hand while reaching inside to perform the necessary cleaning tasks. Take care not to apply excessive force or strain any attached wires or components during this process.

Detaching the front panel is a crucial step as it allows you to clean the interior components of your air-conditioner effectively. Dust and debris tend to accumulate inside the unit, and by accessing the interior, you can ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

5: Loosen the Air Filters

After detaching or lifting up the front panel of your split air-conditioner, you will find the air filters, which are long rectangular pieces that play a crucial role in filtering the air. These filters are fastened to the unit and can be removed for cleaning. To unfasten the air filters, locate the tabs that connect them to the unit. Press or squeeze these tabs to release the filters. If you are having trouble finding the tabs, consult the user manual for specific guidance on your air-conditioner model.

Once the filters are released, remove them carefully from the unit. To clean the filters, shake off the accumulated dust. Dust particles can be effectively eliminated by utilizing either a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a soft toothbrush, employing gentle strokes. Ensure that you clean both sides of the filters thoroughly. Cleaning the air filters is vital for maintaining proper airflow and ensuring the efficiency of your air-conditioner. Regularly removing dust from the filters prevents clogging and helps maintain clean air circulation in your living space.

Remember to handle the air filters with care, as they can be delicate. If you notice any tears or damages, it is recommended to replace them with new filters to ensure the effectiveness of your air-conditioner.

6: Clean the Air Filters by Washing Them

Once you have removed the air filters from the unit and cleared them of dust, it is time to wash them and eliminate small dirt particles. Create a mixture of mild soap and clean cool water, and submerge the filters in this soapy solution. Gently scrub the filters using a sponge or cleaning pad, ensuring thorough removal of all dust and dirt.

After scrubbing, rinse the filters with clean water to eliminate any remaining soap residue. It is crucial to ensure that no traces of soap are left behind, as this could lead to potential damage to the filters or unpleasant odors when the air conditioner is in use. To complete the cleaning process, allow the filters to air-dry completely. Find a well-ventilated area and lay the filters flat, making sure they are not exposed to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can harm certain types of filters, so it is best to avoid drying them in the sun. Give them sufficient time to dry thoroughly before reattaching them to the unit.

7: Ensure the Bacteria Filters are Clean

In addition to cleaning the air filters, certain models of air conditioners also feature bacteria filters that require cleaning. The process of cleaning these filters is similar to that of washing the air filters. After removing them, allow the filters to air-dry completely before reinstalling them.

To effectively clean the bacteria filters, you can follow the same steps as washing the air filters. Submerge them in a solution of mild soap and clean cool water, and gently scrub them with a sponge or cleaning pad to remove any dirt or debris. To ensure complete removal of any soap residue, it is pivotal to rinse them thoroughly with clean water. Alternatively, you can utilize an AC cleaner and purifier specifically designed for removing bacteria and germs from the filters. This cleaner not only eliminates harmful microorganisms but also helps eliminate any unpleasant odors that may be present in the air conditioner.

After completing the cleaning process, make sure to allow the filters to fully dry before reinserting them into the unit. Ensure they are securely fastened to maintain proper filtration and maximize the efficiency of your air conditioner.

8: Clean the Cooling Fins

After removing the air filters, you will notice the cooling fins, which are a set of metallic lines located inside the air conditioner. Cleaning these fins is essential for enhancing the cooling process and ensuring efficient air circulation. To clean the cooling fins, you can use an air blower. To collect the dust and debris blown off the fins, you can attach a box or bag to the air blower. This will help contain and gather the particles for easy disposal. Carefully blow air over the entire surface of the metallic lines without physically touching them. This will effectively remove the accumulated dust and dirt, allowing for better airflow and improved cooling performance.

In addition to using an air blower, you can further enhance the cleaning process by lightly spraying an air conditioner cleaner onto the fins. This will help eliminate any remaining dirt or odor-causing particles. Allow the cleaner to dry off completely before reinstalling the air filters.

9: Clean the Coils

To ensure the optimal functioning of your air conditioner, it's important to clean the coils regularly. The coils, which are rounded metal pieces running across the center of the indoor unit, play a crucial role in the cooling process. Cleaning them will help maintain efficient heat transfer and enhance the overall performance of your AC. One of the most effective methods for cleaning the coils is to use a no-rinse evaporator spray. You can easily find these sprays at your local hardware stores or online. When using the evaporator cleaner, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Begin the cleaning process by directly spraying the evaporator cleaner onto the coils. The cleaner is specifically formulated to penetrate and loosen any dirt, dust, or debris that may have built up on the coils. Allow the cleaner to remain on the coils for approximately 20-30 minutes to ensure that it adequately dissolves and eliminates the accumulated dirt and grime.

After the specified time has passed, take a clean cloth or sponge and gently wipe off the coils. Be thorough in your cleaning, ensuring that you remove all traces of the cleaner and any loosened dirt or debris. Take care not to apply excessive pressure to the coils, as they are delicate and can be easily damaged.

10: Use Antifungal Spray

To prevent the growth of mold and inhibit the formation of toxins in the interior parts of your air conditioner, utilizing an air-conditioner antifungal spray is highly recommended. This spray is specifically designed to sanitize the coils, fins, and other areas where mold and toxins are likely to accumulate.

Begin by applying the antifungal spray to the coils and fins of the air conditioner. These areas are particularly susceptible to mold growth. Ensure thorough coverage of the surfaces by following the instructions provided on the spray bottle. Allow the spray to sit for approximately 5 minutes to effectively neutralize any existing mold or fungal growth.

Additionally, you can also use the antifungal spray to sanitize the AC air filters. This step is crucial as the air filters can harbor mold spores and other allergens. After applying the spray, allow it to sit for a few minutes before reinstalling the air filters back into the air conditioner.

11: Reinstall the Air and Bacteria Filters

Once the air and bacteria filters have been thoroughly cleaned and completely dried, it's time to reinstall them back into the air conditioner. Before fixing the filters, ensure they are free from any dampness by using a dry cloth to wipe them down.

To reattach the filters, carefully slide them back into their designated positions inside the air conditioner. They should fit easily and securely. If you encounter any difficulty or uncertainty, refer to the user manual for guidance specific to your AC model. Once the filters are back in place, it's essential to cover them by fixing the front panel. Ensure that the panel is latched properly to prevent any air leakage or damage to the filters. Take a dry cloth and wipe the front panel clean, removing any dust or residue that may have accumulated during the cleaning process.

12: Clearing the Drain Lines

To clear any clogs in your AC drain lines, begin by disconnecting the pipe between the indoor and outdoor units. Utilize a pressurized flush kit, equipped with a specialized nozzle, to effectively remove obstructions from the drain pipe. By applying water or cleaner under pressure with the nozzle, the clogs can be dislodged and cleared. It is important to allow the drain line to air-dry for at least an hour before reconnecting the pipe and restoring power to the AC unit.

13: Self-Cleaning Activation

After reassembling all the components and ensuring proper connections, it's time to reconnect the air conditioner to the power source. Before turning it on, set the AC to maximum cooling mode and let it run for approximately 15-20 minutes. During this time, the unit will expel any accumulated dirty water that may have accumulated during the cleaning process. It's advisable to have a cleaning bag or cloth, as well as a bucket, readily available to collect the discharged water. Once the AC completes this self-cleaning process, you can expect to enjoy a refreshing and clean airflow in your room.

To ensure optimal performance of your home air conditioner, regular cleaning is essential, especially if you use it frequently. Proper maintenance of your air conditioner not only prolongs its lifespan but also helps regulate your household's energy usage.

Beat the heat with Lumina Homes. Our commitment to providing comfortable and energy-efficient homes extends beyond the initial purchase. Our team wants to equip our current and prospective homeowners with the knowledge to maintain your AC units. We want ensure that you can enjoy your real estate investment with cool and refreshing living spaces all year round. Hence, don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in our affordable house and lot properties and experience the ultimate comfort and convenience. Contact us today and embark on a journey towards owning a house and lot Philippines!