How to clean the outdoor unit of the air conditioner yourself. How to clean the air conditioner and split system with your own hands in an apartment or office. Why are additional filter elements needed?

The housing, drainage, and filters of the device must be cleaned regularly. This should be done depending on the functional purpose of the equipment and its climatic location.

Caring for an air conditioner or split system in an apartment includes taking measures to prepare for the change of season. Regardless of whether the model is adapted for winter use or not, there are some temperature restrictions. Turning on the climate control equipment at a temperature below the permissible temperature may result in liquid leakage and subsequent icing of the external unit.

In preparation for the warm season, the internal module of the split system or air conditioner must be cleaned again. During idle time, fine house dust will certainly collect inside the case, so you need to rinse air filters and a fan, and, if necessary, an evaporator.

Caring for climate control equipment in an apartment or office increases its efficiency and increases the service life of the air conditioner. Technical device Air conditioning systems are not complicated, which is why many users prefer to carry out cleaning activities on their own.

Long-term use of the device leads to the accumulation of dust and grease on its elements. This applies to the heat exchanger, filter unit, fan and the inside of the housing. As a result, fungi and bacteria appear, which, together with the air flow, enter the room, and then into the person’s lungs, negatively affecting his health.

Contamination of the components also has a bad effect on its operation. If prevention is not done, over time the process of indoor air renewal deteriorates, and the load on the device and the electrical network increases.

In addition, not only the internal, but also external unit devices. A layer of fluff appears on it, which disrupts the operation of the heat exchanger and worsens the cooling process of the refrigerant. As a result, the air conditioner operates less efficiently.

To extend the life of the equipment and avoid health problems, it is important to promptly clean the air conditioner and disinfect the elements.

The frequency of cleaning the device depends on its purpose. For example, it is recommended to clean the filter elements of air conditioners for home use every six months. When it comes to office equipment, the frequency of work is once every three months.

If the split system is installed in a cafeteria, retail space or other public facilities, cleaning is carried out once a month.

The need for prevention can be easily determined by the smell that appears after turning on the equipment. An unpleasant “aroma” indicates the appearance of bacteria inside and the need to remove them.

Craftsmen note that during the maintenance process they often find mucus and various fungi inside. That is why it is so important not to delay repairs and call a specialist to carry out the work.

How often should you clean your air conditioner?

Cleaning a split system with your own hands is simple in the case of ultraviolet filters. It is enough to expose them to bright sun. On it, nanofilters self-clean. The functionality of the catchers is restored by 95%.

Leaks on the air conditioner unit

Failures in temperature conditions

Appearance unpleasant odor

Noise when connected to the network

We take out and clean the fine filters

During cleaning, not only the filter is washed, but also the air conditioner units. It is advisable to wipe the external one every 7-14 days. The indoor unit and filter are cleaned every 4-6 months. To access the devices you need to disassemble the air conditioner. The action plan is as follows:

  • Turn off the split from the network.
  • Following the instructions for the air conditioner, remove the filter.
  • Remove the outer panel of the indoor unit. To do this, unscrew the bolts on both sides. They are located under the plugs. All that remains is to pull the block body down.
  • We pull out the blades that direct the air flow from the grooves.
  • We remove the latches on the bottom side of the block and dismantle it.
  • Remove the drainage pipe.
  • Disconnect from the wire.
  • We remove the housing of the electronics unit and remove the grounding wiring in it, move the fixing brackets.
  • Dismantling the drain and outlet hose

Having disassembled the split, we proceed to cleaning the indoor unit. It includes a fan, heat exchanger and filters. My latest in warm water with 30 minutes soaking. Carefully removing household chemicals, the mesh is dried. If the filter is carbon, the sorbent must be replaced with a new one.


Cleaning the fan

Wash the fan with soapy water. After wetting the device with it, put it in cooling mode and on minimum power included in the network. You must first lay a film on the floor, since accumulated dirt will fall out of the holes in the block. The last “drops” will fall in about a quarter of an hour. All you have to do is turn off the fan and wipe the outside.

There are also ventilation holes at the top of the indoor unit cover. They also require maintenance, since they are passages into the room for purified air. Unable to get through contaminated holes, it remains in the system, leading to breakdowns. Wash the grooves with cotton swabs or a damp cloth.

The heat exchanger can be washed every other time. If cleaning the filters of a split system is needed once every 4-6 months, then the heat block is treated once a year. First, remove the grille, and then vacuum the inside. Washing with soapy water is recommended only for extreme contamination.

Cleaning and refueling of the split system is completed by washing its external unit. This does not mean the front surface internal system, and the compressor is on the facade. It is mounted next to the window. You can reach it with a vacuum cleaner. Perfect cleanliness will provide a device with a wet cleaning function.


Cleaning the external unit with water pressure

The outdoor unit, hung at ground floor level, can be removed and cleaned like indoor air conditioner. The first step is to disconnect from the network. Next, just remove the front cover. The inside is vacuumed and additionally washed with a sponge soaked in soapy water.

Recently, air conditioners have become as common home appliances as a TV or refrigerator. Many people cannot imagine their life without these devices. Air conditioners become a salvation from the sweltering summer heat; they will help maintain comfortable temperature in a room during cool times, when the heating season has not yet begun, they can be used to dry the humid air in the apartment and even clean it. In order for equipment to flawlessly cope with all tasks, it needs to be looked after. The main care of the air conditioner is timely cleaning.

Dust and small particles of dirt that accumulate inside devices are one of the most common reasons failures in their operation and even serious breakdowns. Air conditioning is no exception. Reduced performance and breakdowns are not all the problems that a device can cause if it gets dirty. The fact is that air conditioners are designed in such a way that during operation they have to pass through large volumes of air, which, in addition to dust, may contain other unsafe particles. All this is retained on the filters, heat exchanger, fan, and accumulates, forming a “mud coat”.

Such pollution creates a favorable environment for the development of fungi and harmful bacteria. This leads to the fact that when turned on, the air conditioner becomes a source of unpleasant odors. But this is not the main thing, because microorganisms developing on the parts of the device are blown out with air and inhaled by humans. This does not have a positive effect on health and well-being.

To extend service life, ensure operational efficiency, and protect yourself and your loved ones, it is necessary to carry out regular cleaning air conditioner It is recommended to clean the removable filters during intensive use of the device 1-3 times a week, depending on the degree of contamination of the room. For example, if the apartment is located on the lower floors near roads, the procedure will have to be carried out more often than if it were on the upper floors of a multi-story building. All internal and outdoor unit You can clean them less often because they become less dirty. Ideally, this should be done 2 times a year - in the spring, shortly before the start of operation, and in the fall, before the off-season begins.

You can clean the air conditioner with the help of specialists or yourself. Specially trained people will carry out all manipulations with the device quickly and efficiently. Not everyone can invite them to your place, so next we will look at how to wash the air conditioner yourself.

Close attention must be paid to cleaning the indoor unit, especially the removable filters located under the front panel of the device. Through them, air enters the device. Filters trap dust and other small particles contained in it, protecting the device and the room. If they are not cleaned promptly, this can lead to:

  • premature contamination of the indoor unit;
  • reducing radiator airflow;
  • poor air cooling;
  • contamination of the drainage system and leakage of the device;
  • violation proper operation air conditioner;
  • making it difficult to clean filters in the future.

But dust lingering on the radiator fins can combine with condensation and turn into a dirt film. Such contaminants can clog up all the gaps. Removing dirt is very problematic. Steam cleaners are used for this. Such work should be entrusted to specialists.

Cleaning the fan

The next part of the air conditioner that needs cleaning is the rotor fan. Outwardly, it resembles a roller with many membranes. This part drives cooled air from the air conditioner into the room. A lot of dust lingers on it, which turns into dense mud deposits. Without cleaning, the fan membranes can become so dirty that the device cannot perform its functions.

To begin with, you should cover the wall on which the device is located and the floor underneath it with oilcloth. Next, you need to moisten all the partitions of the fan with a soapy solution and leave it so that the dirt can soak. Afterwards, you need to turn on the air conditioner at minimum speed to force air through the fan. At the same time, particles of dirt and soap solution will “fly out” of the air conditioner. After a few minutes, turn off the device and finish cleaning the partitions manually using a soap solution and a brush.

Cleaning the drainage system

Clog drainage system capable of accumulating dust, grease and mold and fungi. As a result, water will not flow outside, but inside the room. The most unpleasant thing is that mold accumulated in the pipes can spread first to the drain pan, and then to the radiator and the walls of the air conditioner.

There are several ways to clean a drain. At home it is easier to rinse it with detergents and water. Dishwashing liquid is suitable for this. After cleaning the drain, also rinse the drain pan, as it also often becomes dirty.

Cleaning the outdoor unit

Perhaps the outdoor unit is the most difficult to clean, since it is located in hard to reach places. Luckily, you can clean it once or twice a year.

For proper cleaning, it is advisable to remove the top cover from the outdoor unit. Next, you need to remove large debris from it. Then clean the block with a vacuum cleaner - it must be powerful, only in this case you will be able to remove dirt from the radiator, external filters, and brushes. Afterwards, it is recommended to carefully wipe the fan and internal surfaces block with a damp cloth.

A steam cleaner or compact mini-washers will allow you to clean the outdoor unit more efficiently. When using them, please note that assembly and connection of the air conditioner can only be done after all the parts are dry.

  1. Clean the filters in a timely manner - this way you can avoid problems with the device, including rapid pollution other parts of the indoor unit. Clean other parts of the appliance annually. Cleaning combined with careful handling - best prevention air conditioners.
  2. Before cleaning the device, unplug it.
  3. Twice a year it is worth disinfecting the indoor unit. It will be useful if the air blown out by the device begins to smell unpleasant. You can use conditioner products, a pharmacy antiseptic, or any disinfectant solution that contains alcohol. You will need about 0.5 liters of product. Disinfection should be carried out with the filter removed. Open the cover of the device, install it on minimum temperature and at maximum blowing, spray the product in the area where air is sucked in. Do this until the solution begins to drain. 10 minutes the air conditioner will emit bad smell, then it will disappear. Remove any remaining product from the tubes and housing.
  4. Do not scrub the radiator with a sponge or brush. Do not try to wipe it dry with a cloth, as you may damage the thin plates.
  5. Entrust the first cleaning to specialists and carefully monitor their work. Afterwards, it will be easier for you to clean your home air conditioner yourself.

A long time ago different types Air conditioners have become almost the main equipment in our homes, since thanks to them we establish an ideal microclimate in our premises and, thus, escape from heat or cold. But there is no equipment that does not require regular maintenance, so for the air conditioner to operate efficiently and properly, think about cleaning its parts. In what cases can you clean the device yourself at home, and in what cases will you need the help of a specialist?

In what cases is it necessary to clean the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioner?

Equipment should be cleaned immediately in the following cases:

  1. The air conditioner began to consume more electricity.
  2. The climate system began to work worse or its power decreased.
  3. When you turn on the air conditioner, a characteristic crackling or loud noise is heard from the electricity. In this case, you should check the unit's turbines or filters for clogging.
  4. During operation of the equipment, a condensate leak appeared from its external unit.
  5. An unpleasant and pungent odor that appears immediately after turning on the air conditioner. This is a warning that there is a problem with the drainage system or the evaporator grille.
  6. The appearance of gurgling or popping sounds, which indicate that the drainage has become worse or the cooling system is losing refrigerant.
  7. The external unit makes a characteristic knocking sound, which means it’s time to clean its body from clogging. The fan blades no longer rotate or catch on another object.

At careful attitude to the air conditioner it will work its entire service life without repair, which is about 11 years of perfect operation.

If you treat the air conditioner with care, it will last its entire service life without repair, which is about 11 years of ideal operation.

How to clean your air conditioner at home yourself: step-by-step instructions for different components

Before you start cleaning your air conditioner, determine the types of work that need to be done. The following processes are carried out independently: cleaning the fan, heat exchanger, filters, drainage.

The outdoor unit also needs cleaning, but it is better to hire a professional to do this job. Working at height is not safe and requires special equipment and experience.

To clean your equipment yourself, you will need the following tools:

  • vacuum cleaner;
  • soft cloths;
  • a small brush (not very wide and with medium bristles);
  • Toothbrush;
  • detergent;
  • soap;
  • container with warm water.

Cleaning filters

Cleaning the filters is simple, so everyone can handle this process, the main thing is to follow this sequence:


How to clean the heat exchanger

The heat exchanger affects the quality of cooling and heating of the room, so the procedure for cleaning it should not be ignored.

  1. First, it opens in the device indoor unit.

    It is also important to clean a dirty air conditioner heat exchanger

  2. Get the grate.

    We take out the heat exchanger grille

  3. Use a vacuum cleaner to collect all the dust from the grate. The vacuum cleaner should operate at medium power.

    It is better to clean the heat exchanger with a soft brush.

  4. Wipe the grill with a slightly damp cloth so that there are no traces of dirt or dust accumulation left later.

    Wipe the heat exchanger grill with a rag

  5. We insert the element into its original place and cover it with a lid.

    Treating the heat exchanger with an antiseptic

  6. You need to wait a little before turning on the air conditioner.

How to clean the outside of the device

Also, the external unit of the device needs constant cleaning, although it gets dirty much less than the internal one, so it needs to be removed from dust once every 6 months.

For the procedure, a powerful vacuum cleaner is used, which is capable of extracting all the dust from the external filters and heat exchange radiator, as well as a soft brush:


When the outdoor unit is located within reach for servicing, use a compressor. A hose with a fitting is pushed into the housing and the valve opens. This way you will remove dirt outside the air conditioner grille.

How to clean a fan

The fan is located inside the unit, so you need to open the cover to see its blades. The accumulation of dust on the fan prevents it from working properly. You can remove plaque in this way:


The fan cleaning procedure must be carried out carefully and thoroughly so as not to damage the blades.

Cleaning the fan from dust must be done carefully and carefully so as not to damage the parts.

Cleaning the drain

The drainage of the device is cleaned using antibacterial treatment. This process includes maintenance of all equipment components. If you have a steam generator, this procedure can be completed much faster.


The housing, drainage, and filters of the device must be cleaned regularly. This must be done depending on the functional purpose of the equipment and its climatic location:


Equipment drains are cleaned as needed. You can check the contamination of the system channels visually by looking at wet spots..

The service life of the equipment depends not only on the selected model and good installation air conditioner, but also from it correct use. Sticking to simple rules, you will extend the operating time of the equipment.

  1. There should be no drafts in the room where the air conditioner is installed. Close doors and windows to maintain required temperature, otherwise the equipment will work in increased mode, so the load on the compressor and fan will increase.
  2. Unnecessarily, do not turn on the air conditioner for maximum airflow, as well as minimum airflow. temperature regime, because with constant high power operation of the equipment, internal parts wear out faster.
  3. The air conditioner must operate at the permitted outdoor temperature: inverter models - from -5 to -10 degrees, equipment with a “winter set” up to -20 degrees, basic models - from 0 to -5°C.
  4. Servicing must be carried out regularly. For intensive use twice a year, for moderate use - once a year. Specialized companies will charge a relatively inexpensive price for such a service, but this increases the likelihood of preventing serious repairs in the future.
  5. The indoor unit of the system should not be directly exposed to sunlight.
  6. After a long period of inactivity, the air conditioner switches to ventilation mode to run the entire system. This will remove accumulated condensation and eliminate unpleasant odors.
  7. The air flow coming from the air conditioner should not have any obstacles in its path.
  8. The external unit must be protected from exposure to precipitation. For example, make a canopy that will prevent snow and rain from falling on the block. You can also install an anti-vandal grille.
  9. Once a quarter, clean the air conditioner filters, dry them and put them back in place.

You can not only extend the operation of the air conditioner, but also make the equipment less dirty. To do this, follow these rules:

  • Ventilate the room periodically while using the equipment;
  • do not place foreign objects on the air conditioner and its indoor unit;
  • containers with water and flowers also do not need to be placed on the equipment;
  • do not touch the equipment with wet hands;
  • do not let animals sit on it.

In what cases can you not do without a service center?

When buying an air conditioner, be prepared for the fact that without service in some cases you won't have to. There are several reasons that will force you to turn to specialists:


You cannot eliminate any of these reasons yourself, which means you cannot do without service.

Video: how to clean the external unit of an air conditioner with your own hands

Now you already know how to maintain an air conditioner, but the process of cleaning various parts must be carried out carefully, since you can damage the equipment or injure yourself. What can we say about the fact that a badly damaged element will have to be replaced. Also make sure that after cleaning, the air conditioner parts dry thoroughly. Comprehensive service will help long time use your conditioner.

Antibacterial treatment and cleaning of the existing split system must be performed annually. Let us clarify: we are talking about internal modules used in your home, and office units need to be washed even more often. Maintenance of the external unit is carried out as it gets dirty, but at least once every 2 years. Let's figure out how you can clean your home air conditioner without calling a service technician, that is, with your own hands.

Why servicing more often is beneficial

Unlike the old one climate control technology, modern split systems are capable of not only cooling, but also heating the air. Therefore, owners of apartments and private houses often use them until the street temperature drops below -5 °C. Accordingly, the main elements of the air conditioner - filters, heat exchangers and fans - become dirty twice as fast. There are other compelling arguments in favor of timely maintenance:

  1. To your health. It is exposed to the harmful effects of fungi and mold that settle and actively multiply inside an overly dusty unit. The sign is an unpleasant musty smell.
  2. Dirt accumulated in the outer and inner radiator prevents normal passage air flow, which reduces the efficiency of the entire installation. With a constant output of heat or cold, more electricity is consumed.
  3. Seasonal washing is one thing, but cleaning and antibacterial treatment of a heavily contaminated indoor module is another thing entirely. You will do the first yourself, and for the second you will have to call a specialist with specialized equipment (washing high pressure, steam generator), which will cost you a pretty penny.

Note. Decrease in efficiency of any refrigeration machine leads to increased load on the compressor - the most expensive part. It turns out that heat exchangers clogged with dirt bring the time of repair, or even replacement, closer.

There is no point in developing the topic of harmful microorganisms living inside dirty air conditioners and harming people’s health, since this fact has long been known to everyone. But it would be useful to find out how much it costs in your region for professional cleaning of split systems with. After all, if the evaporator has not been washed for several years, then calling a specialist becomes inevitable.

Comparative example. Cost of comprehensive cleaning household systems air conditioning with a power of up to 5 kW is in the range of 2-3 thousand rubles. (35-53 USD). These are Moscow prices; in the regions they may be lower. If you wash the split with your own hands, then you can easily do it in 5, maximum – 10 cu. e., which you will spend to buy the cleaner. Agree, independent prevention is much more profitable than after-sales service.


In the photo - applying Bizol cleaning foam (price - about 6 USD)

Simple foam rinsing

This method of removing dirt from an indoor unit is very simple and accessible to everyone, including housewives. It is performed using detergents sold in aerosol cans(Liqui Moly, Plak, Bizol and the like). The technology is this:

  1. Disconnect the device from the power supply, open the lid and remove the filters. Rinse them running water and leave to dry.
  2. Apply foam from the bottle onto the evaporator fins and wait for the time specified in the instructions (from 10 to 30 minutes).
  3. Install the filters and turn on the split system in heating or ventilation mode (depending on the recommendations on the can) and let it work for half an hour. Ventilate the room.

How to foam clean an air conditioner at home is clearly demonstrated in the video:

Unfortunately, this method cannot be called effective, because it only allows you to flush the heat exchanger. The fan turbine, drainage basin and hidden cavities of the device remain dirty. Therefore, next we propose to consider how to properly clean the split system units, having first disassembled them.

How to disassemble and wash the indoor unit

The cleaning process is proposed to be considered using the example of a Korean Daewoo split with a power of 18 kBTU or 5.3 kW. What you will need for work:

  • flat and Phillips screwdrivers;
  • alkaline-based cleaner Carlyclean or similar in a container with a hand sprayer;
  • a special polyethylene cover with a water drain, made to fit the dimensions of the indoor module;
  • latex gloves;
  • another hand-held sprayer to rinse off the cleaner.

For reference. A single dose of Carlyclean can be ordered at any specialized online store at a price of about 3 USD. e. They also sell covers that protect walls from drips (cost is about 2 USD). If you wish, you can solder such a device yourself from plastic film.


Location of fastening screws

To thoroughly clean and disinfect all parts of the internal module, you need to disassemble it in the following order:


Note. Split systems from other manufacturers are disassembled in approximately the same order. Differences occur in the methods of attaching the panels, the number of blinds and the placement of the display.

Cover with drain prevents wallpaper from splashing

If you are servicing your home air conditioner for the first time, the disassembly procedure will take approximately 1.5-2 hours. This gives you access to the fan turbine and the cavity behind it, which also needs to be cleaned. Then everything is simple: pull the cover over the module, sliding its edges between the wall and the body, then start cleaning the “split”:

  1. Wear rubber gloves and thoroughly apply cleaning fluid to the heat exchanger, fan drum and internal cavities. At the same time, rotate the turbine with your free hand.
  2. After 5-10 minutes, take a water sprayer and wash off the product along with the dirt. You need to spray until clean water runs out of the block.
  3. Wait until all the water has drained from the indoor module, then remove the cover and let the device dry.
  4. Wash the removed panel, bath and filters and dry them. At the same time, try not to wet the foam seals. After drying, the air conditioner can be assembled.

This is what the turbine and heat exchanger look like after flushing

Advice. It is better to start assembly the next day so that all the parts have time to dry thoroughly. Our video will tell you how to properly disassemble and clean the internal unit of a split system:

Instructions for cleaning the outdoor unit

The main difficulty in servicing the external unit is its location. If it is installed on the wall high-rise building on the side of the window opening, then it is better to avoid cleaning it yourself, unless you live on the first floor. It is safer to work when the capacitor is placed in the following places:

  • on not glassed balcony or loggias;
  • on the wall of a private house where you can attach a ladder;
  • under the apartment window.

The disassembly and cleaning procedure itself is quite simple and is performed in the following sequence:


For reference. The electronics and compressor installed in the external unit are separated from the condenser by a partition, so you can safely apply the product and rinse it off with water.


Washing is carried out from 2 sides - external and internal

It is also better to postpone turning on the cooler for a day so that the seals have time to dry. How to clean the outdoor air conditioner module is shown in the video:

Conclusion

Explained technology self-cleaning Suitable for split systems that have not become heavily clogged with dirt. After watching the video, you will see how easy it is to wash the parts of a cooler that has been in use for 1-2 years since the last service. If, upon opening, you find a decent layer of dirt, then it is better to contact a service workshop for the first time. Its specialists will thoroughly clean the air conditioner and perform antibacterial steam treatment, and you will take care of further cleaning.

A split system is a technique that requires regular maintenance. It is important to clean the air conditioner in time, otherwise the device will not perform its job properly. Ideally, trust this process professionals, but if necessary, you can clean the split system at home yourself. To do this you need to know correct order action and follow it, otherwise there is a risk of causing serious damage to the device, the repair of which will cost a large amount.

Signs you need cleaning

Carry out maintenance Samsung air conditioner, Midea or other brand should be regularly, when the first signs of contamination appear. These include:

  • liquid leakage from the indoor unit;
  • the appearance of an unpleasant odor when the device is turned on;
  • increased energy consumption by equipment;
  • when operating, the split system makes extraneous noise, there is a crackling sound, the fan does not work correctly;
  • The air conditioner does not cool or heat the room well, and also randomly changes the temperature in the apartment, office or home.

If at least one of the listed signs appears, this already indicates the need to urgently clean the equipment so that it does not have to be repaired over time.

Owners of climate control devices from Daikin, Leberg and other brands are interested in the question of how often they should clean their home or office air conditioner. You need to understand that the frequency of maintenance depends on many factors. For example, caring for equipment located on the upper floors of multi-storey buildings, dir. e than for split systems installed on the lower ones. This is explained by the fact that on high altitude There is much less dust and debris, so the device clogs more slowly.

On a note! Factors influencing the frequency of cleaning the air conditioner are proximity: land, routes with moving cars, industrial buildings, increasing air pollution, poplars or other plants from which fluff flies, etc.

DIY cleaning step by step

At home, you need to clean the air conditioner yourself using special chemicals . To perform the process itself, you should disassemble the split system, and then clean the indoor unit, filters, radiator, fan, drainage system, heat exchanger, evaporator and outdoor unit one by one.

Important! If the device is equipped with an auto-clean function, it must be used continuously.

Air conditioner cleaning products

Before carrying out the procedure, you need to choose what to clean your equipment with. The range of products offered is very wide, and they are produced different manufacturers, but the bulk has the form foam in cans or aerosols.

Used to clean the heat exchanger. It is applied in an even layer to the surface, after which the product acts within a few minutes and, together with the contaminants, flows into the drainage pan. To complete the procedure, the air conditioner should be operated in ventilation mode for several minutes.

Aerosols are used somewhat differently. They can be applied not only to the heat exchanger itself, but also to the air intake openings by running the air conditioner in recirculation mode. detailed information information about the use of this or that product is contained on its packaging.

Advice! If there is no special product at hand, you can use a solution of ordinary laundry soap. It effectively flushes dirt out of the split system. Sometimes dishwashing detergent is used for these purposes.

Disassembling the split system

To completely clean the split system, you will need to disassemble the external and internal units. They usually start from the inside, which contains coarse air filters, a fan, a radiator and an evaporator heat exchanger, as well as a drainage system. It is necessary to rinse each of these units sequentially. How to do this will be described separately for each component in the corresponding section.

Cleaning filters

Cleaning air filters is a mandatory procedure. They should be washed at least once every two weeks during the season, since during operation the air conditioner draws in air along with dust and debris, which settle on the filter meshes. If you do not clean it regularly, the split system will begin to work worse, and the cooling (or heating) efficiency will decrease.

Find air filters very easy. It is necessary to lift the top cover of the air conditioner - these elements are located immediately under it. They look like fine plastic mesh. In total, depending on the brand of the split system (Saturn Bio, LG Art Cool, etc.), there can be from one to three pieces.

To wash the filters, you need to unplug the equipment, then lift the top cover of the air conditioner and remove the screens. If they are heavily soiled, you can clean them with a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush. If there is little dirt, skip this step. Next, the parts are washed under cool running water. After this, the meshes are left to dry completely.

Important! Do not use hair dryers or other heating devices as they may damage the filters.

Cleaning the drainage system

The air conditioner drainage system includes two elements - a tray in which moisture from the evaporator is collected, and a drain pipe for discharging water outside the room. To get to these nodes, it is necessary to disassemble the housing of the indoor unit. This is quite easy to do; you just need to unscrew the screws holding it. Some of them may be hidden under plastic plugs; these should be removed first. After the case is removed and put aside, you should disconnect the tray from the board and drainage tube and then pull it out.

The bath is washed under the tap, and drainage channel- under the air stream. To do this, connect a compressor or vacuum cleaner with a blowing function to it. After this procedure, 400 ml of chlorhexidine is poured into the tube and, after ten to fifteen minutes, it is purged again.

Advice! To make sure that the user was able to flush the drainage system himself, he can pour one to one and a half liters of water into it. If the liquid is discharged properly and no leaks are detected, all actions were performed correctly.

Cleaning the fan

The fan in the indoor unit of the air conditioner is cleaned in different ways.

  1. The first method is considered ineffective and is used in the case when it is impossible to disassemble the equipment and remove the fan drum (impeller). You need to remove the filters, and then use a blow-out vacuum cleaner or a can of compressed air to clear the dust from the blades. Next, using a long-bristled brush, apply a solution of laundry soap or dish soap to the impeller blades. To completely cover the entire surface, the drum is turned by hand. After the composition is applied, you need to wait five to ten minutes, and then lay the film under the diffuser and start the equipment. Dirt and debris will be blown out. Next, it is recommended to process the blades special means for air conditioning systems against mold and bacteria; you can find them for sale at any hardware store.
  2. Most split systems allow remove the fan drum. To do this, the front panel of the case and the drain pan are first removed. Next, the impeller should be turned to locate the locking screw located at the point where the drum meets the motor. This place can be determined by the absence of one blade. Carefully bend the evaporator, remove the screw, and then pull out the drum. It is completely placed in soap solution, washed and then disinfected.

It is recommended to entrust the actions of removing the fan impeller and cleaning it to specialists - this difficult task, which, if handled carelessly, can result in damage to the device. If the user wants to do the cleaning on their own, you need to find a description of the procedure in the operating instructions or search for a video of equipment disassembly on the Internet.

Cleaning the radiator and evaporator heat exchanger

You can clean the air conditioner radiator and heat exchanger yourself only superficially. To perform complete maintenance, you will need to remove the indoor unit and then reinstall it.

On a note! The radiator and evaporator are cleaned with a long-hair brush. You only need to move the tool from top to bottom, otherwise you can bend and damage the fragile heat exchanger plates.

Next, you need to pour into the sprayer 0.5 liters of antiseptic, then recirculate the air conditioner and set the temperature to the lowest setting. After this, the antiseptic is sprayed around the radiator within the air suction radius. As a result, a film of dirt will appear on the heat exchanger; to remove it, you will need a brush and a steam cleaner. After cleaning, treatment with antiseptic materials is carried out.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also needs to be maintained regularly. It gets clogged with dirt, dust, fluff, branches and other debris. If cleaning is not carried out regularly, the equipment will become more and more clogged, which will sooner or later lead to compressor overheating and subsequent breakdown.

The difficulty in cleaning the external unit is that it is often difficult to access. IN apartment buildings it is installed under a window or on the side, so you can only reach it with the use of a special safety net. For these reasons It is recommended to call professionals for maintenance equipped with the equipment and equipment necessary to clean equipment.

To clean the outside yourself air conditioner unit, you need to disconnect the device from the network, and then remove all large debris from its body. Next, you need to unscrew the fasteners and remove the protective casing, then clean the debris from the inside. Then you should wipe the fan blades with a wet sponge, and rinse the radiator with water pressure or clean it with a steam cleaner. When performing the procedure, it is important to carefully ensure that moisture does not get on the electrical components. After completion of the work, the external unit must be assembled, but it can only be started after it is completely dry.

Automatic cleaning system

A number of models of climate control equipment are equipped with a built-in automatic cleaning system.

On a note! The operating principle of self-cleaning is that the equipment periodically switches to “idle” operation during cooling or heating, thus drying the internal parts.

It looks like this - after the user turns off the air conditioner, the device continues to work for several minutes, removing the moisture that has appeared inside. This avoids the formation of mold and mildew inside and delays the need to perform maintenance on the device.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

The main problem that a user may encounter during cleaning is air conditioner disassembly. You can find a diagram for dismantling the equipment in the operating instructions or on the Internet. To others a good decision You will need to call specialists to clean the climate control equipment.

Advice! During the procedure, you need to carefully observe the actions of professionals and remember what and how they do. This will allow you to service the device yourself next time.

It must be remembered that when disassembling the split system, it is important to act as carefully as possible so that do not damage the equipment, especially the fan drum. Repairing and replacing a broken unit will cost a large sum of money.

When you need specialist help

As stated above, It is better to entrust the first cleaning of the air conditioner to professionals. They will inspect the equipment, clean it, and disinfect it.

If The air conditioner works less well even after cleaning than earlier, this may mean that the amount of freon in the system has decreased. For diagnostics and refueling, you should also contact specialists.

You will also need the help of qualified craftsmen if The split system is unstable. It is necessary to check the device and, if a problem is found, fix it. Regular cleaning will not work in such a situation.

For efficient work any type of air conditioner, be it a window unit or a split system, is important regular care for equipment.

  1. Firstly, the device must be cleaned after winter, before the start of the season. While the device is inactive, fine dust settles inside it, which should be removed before starting. Otherwise, the user may find that the room smells unpleasant when turning on the device.
  2. During spring and summer, when the air conditioner operates constantly, it needs to be cleaned regularly, especially when signs of contamination appear (the device stinks, it works weaker, etc.),
  3. At the end of the season The device must be thoroughly dried (most models have a special “FUN” function), and full maintenance must be performed.
  4. In that case, if the user cleans the split system independently, once every two to three years it is recommended to call specialists to diagnose the device. This is necessary in order to detect in a timely manner possible problems, as well as refill the refrigerant if its volume has become smaller and the equipment operates less efficiently.

So, it is recommended to entrust cleaning the air conditioner in your home or car to professionals, but if you want to save money, you can carry out this procedure on your own. In order not to harm the equipment, you need to know the correct procedure and follow it, and also be very careful and careful when disassembling. If there is any doubt about own strength, don’t take the risk - repairing a split system will cost more than the cost of cleaning.

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