Nowadays, many owners of houses and apartments equip their homes with climatic technology, which is able to maintain a comfortable microclimate in the premises. One of the most popular appliances for this purpose is the air conditioner. Modern models can have not only one function - air cooling, but also be "all-season", multifunctional, that is, at any time of the year, maintain a normal temperature set by the user in the rooms.

However, the microclimate will actually be comfortable, and the use of the air conditioner will not harm the owners if certain important conditions are met. In particular, such devices require some maintenance, so they are usually serviced by professional craftsmen. For this, contracts are often concluded with the company that carried out the further service maintenance... They also resort to one-time calls of the masters - there are a lot of ads of such content in the advertising press.

But such a service is not cheap, so many owners of devices are interested in the possibility of self-care for them. One of the important points in the maintenance of climatic equipment is to keep all of its components, in particular, the filter blocks, clean. Therefore, the question arises as to how possible it is to clean the air conditioner with your own hands? Yes, it's doable! And if you understand at least a little about the design of the device and know how such a process is carried out, then, indeed, you can put it in order yourself.

Why is the air conditioner cleaning necessary?

Is it really necessary to regularly clean climate equipment? Maybe this is just another "money scam" by manufacturers and service companies? No, everything is much more serious!

Devices that cool or heat the air drive it through the filtering devices installed in them, since it is unrealistic to completely get rid of dust in the premises. Accordingly, quite soon a large amount of dirt and dust collects in the filters.


Therefore, if you do not periodically clean the air conditioner, then the following problems will certainly arise:

  • There will be a clear drop in the functionality of the device, that is, a significant decrease in efficiency due to the difficulty of passing air through the filters.
  • If the air conditioner is not cleaned or performed irregularly, the heat exchanger with the freon inside it will start to overheat, which will increase the load on the compressor, and as a result, the device will wear out quickly.

  • High humidity and dust deposits inside and outside the filters contribute to the active reproduction of dust mites and various bacteria. Among pathogenic microorganisms, the most dangerous is Legionella, which causes a serious lung disease - Legionellosis (also called "Pittsburgh pneumonia"). Along with the currents of air passing through contaminated filters, spores of fungi and mold can spread through the premises, which can easily provoke allergic reactions, lead to asthmatic attacks and dermatitis.
  • An unpleasant smell in the room is probably the smallest nuisance of all that contamination of the air conditioner entails.

It should be noted that air conditioners, which are installed in multi-storey buildings on the highest floors, are less susceptible to rapid clogging, since at high altitudes several times less dust is concentrated than in the lower layers of the air. But this does not mean that they do not have to be cleaned - just there may be less dirt deposits.

Much more often it will be necessary to clean and disinfect devices installed in houses located near highways, in industrial zones of the city and in areas under construction, since the air there is the most polluted.

Another negative phenomenon for climate technology is poplar and other plant fluff, which can literally clog the air conditioner filters in a short time. Therefore, if the area where the house is located is planted with poplars or other trees (shrubs) with a similar form of flowering, then climatic devices should be monitored with special care.


The air conditioner, as a rule, itself begins to "declare" that it needs prophylaxis if it is not cleaned in time. So, such manifestations can be:

  • Continuous or temporary noise or crackling noise when turning on the device.
  • Unpleasant smell of dampness or delusion.
  • A clear decrease in the refrigeration capacity of the air conditioner.
  • The device began to consume too much electricity with the same or even reduced efficiency - this can be seen by taking readings from the meter.
  • The indoor unit started to leak while the air conditioner was running.

Prices for popular air conditioners

If at least one of the above signs appears, then this indicates that the device needs urgent prevention, otherwise the air conditioner may soon fail.

It is best to prevent such a situation, since it can result in the replacement of individual parts or structural blocks that have failed due to the banal carelessness of the owners, which leads to significant costs.


  • It is imperative to clean the filters of the device in the spring, before intensive work in the summer.
  • Prevention should be carried out in the fall, before the cold period, when the air conditioner is switched to heating the room.
  • Unscheduled prevention is urgent, in any case, if the above symptoms appear.

Thanks to timely preventive maintenance, the air conditioner will work out all its resource without any problems, which is usually 8 ÷ 12 years and even more.

Cleaning the indoor unit of the split system

Air conditioner indoor unit design

To figure out where to start preventive maintenance, and what exactly should be subjected to the most thorough cleaning, it is necessary at least a little to familiarize yourself with the design of the device. Most often, split systems have recently been used, and primarily affects the microclimate in the room, the indoor unit of the air conditioner most accessible to the user. Let's start with him.


So, the indoor unit consists of the following units and parts:

1 - Front panel of the device - it is a plastic case with a grill. Through it, air from the room enters the interior of the device for cooling (or heating), of course, with carried dust. The panel can be easily removed - if necessary, carry out maintenance work. For this, a system of locks (latches) is provided.


2 - Filter rough cleaning Is a fine-mesh polymer mesh that is designed for collecting large dust particles from the air, fluff, lint of animal hair and other similar suspensions. Such a filter requires cleaning, or at least control, at least twice a month. In innovative models, some manufacturers provide automatic cleaning of this filter. The coarse pre-filter is located just behind the front panel of the device.

3 - Fine filter... Usually, not one, but several filters are installed in a cascade, which can clean the air from various contaminants. Each of them has its own structural features:

  • Carbon filtercontaining activated carbon, and designed to remove unpleasant odors and neutralize harmful substances. This type of filter is not cleaned, but replaced completely, on average every 4 ÷ 5 months.
  • Zeolite filter made of porous mineral - zeolite... This version of the filter is able to absorb chemical compounds from the air, which include heavy metals, so it is more effective than carbon. In addition, unlike a charcoal filter, a zeolite filter lends itself to washing with water and can be operated for up to five years with regular maintenance.
  • Electrostatic the filter removes fine dust from the air by creating an electrostatic field. Dust particles passing through it are electrified and settle on oppositely charged plates. The service life of this filter is unlimited, and it is cleaned as it gets dirty.
  • Plasma filter works approximately on the same principle as electrostatic. In it, under the influence of an electric voltage, a plasma of low temperature is formed, which can destroy harmful substances and small dust particles, at the same time giving them a negative charge, due to which they settle on a positively charged plate. The plasma filter is also designed to remove odors and smoke. The service life of this filter is unlimited, and it is cleaned as it gets dirty.
  • UV filternecessarily turns on the LED of a certain spectrum of luminescence, which is capable of disinfecting the air in the room, destroying viruses and bacteria. Ultraviolet light is also able to prevent the growth and spread of mold and mildew inside the air conditioner. This option can be used alone or in combination with a photocatalytic filter.
  • Photocatalytic filteris a porous substance with titanium dioxide coated. This filter adsorbs on its surface all air pollutants passing through it, including toxic substances, unpleasant odors, fungal spores, etc. Getting under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, which is included in the complex photocatalytic filter, all toxic substances decompose to water and carbon dioxide. This type of filter copes well with both inorganic and organic air pollutants. The service life of this filter is limited only by the life of the UV lamp.
  • Antibacterial filter... It is intended to neutralize various pathogenic microflora - microbes and viruses. It contains such natural active ingredients as:

- catechin - an antiseptic found in apples and green tea;

- wasabi is a plant with antibacterial properties.

Air conditioner filters prices

filter for air conditioner

  • Antioxidant filter is made on the basis of flavonoids, which help convert free radicals into inactive chemical compounds.

4 - Fanthat circulates air through the air conditioner. Typically, the fan can have three to four speeds.

5 - Evaporator. This is, in essence, a radiator in which freon evaporates, due to which the air passing through it is cooled.

6 - Horizontal blinds, regulating the direction of air flows along the vertical. They are controlled remotely, from the remote control, through an electric drive installed in the air conditioner housing.

7 - Indicator panellocated on the surface of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. On it, using LEDs or a digital display, the operating modes of the device are shown, including the set temperature.

8 – Vertical blinds regulate air flows in horizontal directions. They can be moved manually or remotely, depending on the equipment of the device.

In addition to the above-mentioned structural elements, it must also contain others that are not shown in the figure:

9 - Condensate tray... This part is located under the evaporator, and it serves to collect water, which is then discharged through the drain hose from the air conditioner to the outside.

10 - Control electronic board... A central microprocessor is installed on it, with the help of which the device is controlled. The board is usually located to the right of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. Usually, a terminal group is located near it - for connecting the air conditioner to the mains and for electrical switching of the indoor unit with the external one.

11 - Fitting connectionslocated on the lower rear of the indoor unit. Copper pipes connected to them serve to connect the outdoor and indoor units - this creates a closed circuit for the circulation of the refrigerant.

Several preparatory operations

Due to the fact that the split-system air conditioner consists of two units, external and internal, their cleaning is also somewhat different from each other, which is important to consider when starting to prevent it. On the outer block, attention will be sharpened lower, but for now we continue to consider the inner one.


  • Before starting to carry out preventive work, it is necessary to protect your hands and respiratory tract, since you must not forget that the air conditioner housing contains a breeding ground for viruses and dangerous bacteria that got there along with dust from the air. They can easily enter the body, which threatens serious diseases, even for a person with excellent immunity.
  • Further, the air conditioner must be disconnected from the mains. It would seem that this action is understandable for everyone, but sometimes they forget about it, and remember only at the moment when the first electric shock occurs. It will be good if it is light, only in the form of a tingle….
  • Then, it is recommended to cover the area of \u200b\u200bthe floor under the air conditioner with plastic wrap, which is best just thrown away after cleaning the device. It is especially important to protect the floor surface if the air conditioner has been operating for a long time without maintenance, and a large amount of dirt has accumulated in it.

Procedure for general cleaning of the indoor unit

Sometimes it is only necessary to clean the filters of the device, as they are the first to get dirty. I must say that it is not difficult to rinse them yourself. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out this procedure almost weekly, making it a rule to perform these simple actions before starting cleaning an apartment or house. Naturally, such frequent prophylaxis is necessary if the device is used constantly.

If the climatic equipment is cleaned up regularly, the house is kept clean, and due to this, the dust does not have time to clog all the pores of the fine filters and coarse cells, then it is enough to dry clean with a vacuum cleaner.


If the air conditioner filters are heavily clogged, then they will have to be additionally washed with special detergents, and then with water.


Detergents are purchased in specialized stores of climate technology or in service centers for its maintenance.


IllustrationBrief description of the performed operation
So, the first step is to open the front cover of the air conditioner, which has a protective grill.
This process is simple, especially since all owners need to do it quite often, checking the degree of contamination of the device.
Further, the coarse filters are carefully removed. They can also be fixed in different ways. So, in some models they can be removed without even opening or dismantling the front panel.
Then the cover is removed to cover the fasteners.
In different designs, this panel can be fixed in different ways - in some models it is enough to simply remove it from the latches, while in others it has to be unscrewed.
In this model, the plastic case of the indoor unit is fixed with screws located at the bottom of the structure. They are covered with protective plates, which must first be opened.
For convenience, you can use a regular screwdriver - it picks up the cover screws, and then unscrews the fasteners themselves. The work must be done carefully, since plastic parts - fragile enough.
Having unscrewed the fasteners, it is also necessary to dismantle the indicator panel from the case, connected to electrical part air conditioner. This element, together with the wires, must be temporarily placed to the electrical unit.
After unscrewing the screws, the plastic case of the air conditioner is removed.
AT different models it also attaches in different ways, therefore, by unscrewing the screws on one side, you should not jerk the case. It must be carefully pulled towards you, and if it cannot be removed, then you will have to look for places where it is additionally fixed.
Further, fine filters should be removed from the air conditioner.
The next step is to make sure that the electrical unit of the device is protected from splashes of disinfectants and detergents, as well as jets of water.
For this purpose, ordinary hospital shoe covers are perfect - thanks to the elastic band located on them, they will fit snugly to the device, and the protection will not fall off during operation.
Now the time has come preparatory work for cleaning.
For this purpose, you can use a large, durable plastic bag, but this "device" will not be able to guarantee reliable protection of the surfaces of the room from the ingress of detergents along with dirt from the air conditioner.
In specialized stores or on online shopping sites, you can purchase a kit specially designed to protect the floor and walls during cleaning of climatic equipment. Such a set is more convenient, since it provides almost all the necessary elements for both its attachment and removal. dirty water into the bucket.
The service package includes a large specially shaped plastic bag with a funnel in the lower central part, on which a plastic spout is fixed for easy fixation of the drain hose.
In addition, it contains a polyethylene apron installed between the wall and the lower part of the air conditioner, holders like stationery, with the help of which the stiffeners inserted into the edges of the bag are fixed, and a tape for hanging it under the air conditioner.
Unfortunately, the kit does not include elements that act as stiffeners, as well as a hose for draining dirty water. Therefore, you will have to take care of these details yourself. This will require thin plastic or metal tubes, or even ordinary wooden glazing beads, which are used to fix window panes. The length of these rigid inserts must be: 600 mm - 2 pcs. and 1200 mm - 2 pcs.
The section of the hose should correspond to the diameter of the spout fixed to the plastic bag so that it fits snugly against the drain spout.
There are channels in the bag along its edges, in which you need to install stiffeners and fix them using stationery holders.
A strap is attached to one side of the bag, with which the bag will be hung on the air conditioner.
In its ready-to-use form, this device looks something like the one shown in the illustration.
Next, an apron is taken - this is an ordinary plastic sheet, which is slipped under the body of the device and is fixed on the wall with masking tape. It will protect the wall from getting dirty lumps of wet dust.
Then, the package with stiffeners is suspended under the air conditioner, the belt is put on top of the device body.
After that, a hose is put on the plastic spout, the other end of which is lowered into an ordinary plastic bucket standing on the floor.
Further, if after opening the indoor unit of the air conditioner, thick dust layers are found, they can be removed with a soft brush or collected with a vacuum cleaner.
After such a superficial removal of accumulated deposits, it will be easier to flush the structural parts from more deeply ingrained dirt.
After removing the external dust, you can proceed to the preparation of a cleaning disinfectant solution.
It is made from products specially designed for cleaning the air conditioner. The solution is mixed in accordance with the proportions indicated on the packaging of the detergents.
To apply the solution, you will need a spray gun, in which the jet can be adjusted to the spray diameter.
The next step is the ready-made solution is applied to all elements of the indoor unit.
It is especially necessary to spray the fan and radiator of the device. On the impeller blades of the roller fan, a huge amount of dust is collected, which eats into the surface of the material from which it is made. Therefore, it is simply impossible to qualitatively clean this part of the air conditioner from dirt without special means. The radiator is equipped with numerous heat exchange plates, between which dust also accumulates, and it is rather difficult to remove it with plain water, so you cannot do without special equipment.
A disinfectant cleaning solution should cover all structural details, since if unwashed areas remain, they will later become a favorable place for fixing new deposits of dirt.
Detergents are usually applied in two stages.
The first spray is liquid disinfectant detergent (in this case, Alphadez), followed by Winns 30202, which is sold in cylinders and produces a rich foam that helps to soften and flake dirt.
After the detergents are applied to the surface of the indoor unit, they must be left for a while, for about 20-25 minutes, so that the solutions will corrode the external and internal dirty layers.
When the foam has settled, a test check can be made to see how easy it is to remove dirt.
After the foam has settled, you can start flushing the split system with water supplied under high pressure with a thin stream.
For self-flushing, you can use the same spray bottle, but this will take a lot of time and a lot of water.
When flushing the system, dirt along the lower part of the air conditioner case will drain into a plastic bag suspended under it, and from there into a bucket.
It is important to ensure that the container does not overflow as dirty water and disinfectants can seriously damage the floor.
Flushing of the indoor unit of the split system begins from its rear.
Then the radiator is thoroughly rinsed, after which the inside must be cleaned again, since dirt from the heat exchanger grill may end up on the surface of the fan blades.
While the indoor unit is soaked by detergents, you can clean the parts of the plastic case removed from the structure.
They are also sprayed with disinfectants and detergents.
If necessary, the dirt on them can be rubbed with a soft brush, and then these structural elements are washed under running water.
In addition to the hard parts of the body, it is necessary to wash the coarse air filters.
They also need to be sprayed with detergents first. Then they are left for a while - until the dirt is separated from them, and then washed under running water.
The filter is washed, but not wiped off - the water should drain from it spontaneously, and it should dry out naturally.
When washing the filter, do not use ordinary detergents, as they can negatively affect not only the filter itself, but also the indoor unit of the air conditioner.
In addition, do not forget that the molecules of solutions household chemicals in the future they will enter the air of residential premises.
It is more difficult with fine filters, since among them there are options that cannot be washed, and dry cleaning will not bring results, and therefore they will have to be replaced with new ones.
So, I would like to remind you that replaceable filters include carbon, antibacterial, antioxidant, and vitamin filters.
Filters that are washable include electrostatic, photocatalytic, plasma and zeolite.
New replacement filters are usually sold at service centers for air conditioners, or in service centers of manufacturing companies.
When all the inside of the unit and all the parts removed from it are well dry, you can remove the suspended package and shoe covers from the electrical unit, and reassemble the air conditioner in the reverse order.
Fine filters (new or washed) are returned to their place, then the washed case is fixed, the indicator panel is fixed to it, and the coarse filters are installed last.
Now that the cleaning work of the air conditioner is completed, you can plug it in, check the operability and proceed to normal operation, until the next maintenance.

Cleaning the drainage system of the air conditioner

One of the most common problems faced by air conditioner owners is water leakage to the floor or walls from the indoor unit. Most often, leaks occur for the following reasons:

  • Due to pollution drainage system the appliance when condensation cannot pass through the clogged pipe, and therefore begins to drain from the indoor unit into the room. In this case, the drainage system must be cleaned. Clogged drainage occurs due to the fact that the cleaning of the air conditioner units was not performed in time - the dust turned into dirt and clogged the tube.
  • If the amount of freon (refrigerant) is reduced in the system, then the temperature of the evaporator also becomes lower, therefore, ice forms on it and water does not enter the pan, and also flows down to the floors of the room.
  • If the air conditioner does not have a pressure regulator, then when the temperature on the street drops, the pressure drops and in the system, as a result which also reduces the temperature in the evaporator. However, it should be noted that pressure regulators are usually installed in all modern air conditioner models.
  • Drain pipe freezing - this happens when the air conditioner is used in winter period for cooling rooms.
  • Another cause of stagnant drainage is wasps or other flying insects, which often clog the edge of a pipe outside.

If the drain tube is clogged, then before starting to clean it, it is imperative to flush the drain pan, as well as other elements of the air conditioning system. Drainage cleaning work is carried out with the device turned off from the network and is carried out in the following order:

  • The first step is to remove the coarse filters.
  • Further, the lower narrow panel is dismantled, hiding the attachment of the case to the air conditioner.
  • Then the drain pan is removed - in each structure this operation is carried out differently, but it is not difficult, and it is quite possible to figure it out on the spot. It is necessary to remove this structural element in order to clean it of dirt, as well as in order to get to the hole into which water flows from the sump, and to which the drain pipe is connected.

  • The next step is to disconnect the drain tube from the air conditioner and connect the hose of the compressor (hand pump), steam generator or vacuum cleaner with a blowing function to it.

  • Another option for cleaning can be a mechanical method. To do this, take a long one, enough hard, but at the same time, a flexible wire (something like a television cable will work well), which is inserted into a disconnected drain tube or directly through a hole in the tray. It is pushed through the entire drainage system. Thus, it must emerge from a pipe overlooking the street, through which condensate escapes.
  • However, these are not all the actions necessary in this process, since it must be borne in mind that the cork has been removed from the tube, but there is still dirt in it along the stacks. New dust will easily adhere to these remnants of dirt during operation of the air conditioner, and the plug will recover. Therefore, the tube must be thoroughly rinsed. This can be done with a pump or homemade deviceconsisting of a plastic bottle and a piece of silicone hose put on its neck.

  • It is recommended to use chlorhexidine to flush the drain tube, which is an excellent antiseptic and is sold at the pharmacy. Flushing requires approximately 400 ml of fluid.
  • If flushing is carried out through the drain hole, that is, without removing the tube from it, then the flushing liquid can be poured through it. The chlorhexidine bottle has a spout, which allows this procedure to be performed without the use of improvised means. After 15 ÷ 20 minutes, the system must additionally be purged with a vacuum cleaner or pump. After cleaning the system, it is recommended to check it immediately. To do this, one of the methods described above is poured into it again one and a half liters of ordinary water, which should freely pour out through the pipe on the street.

In the event that the air conditioner is equipped with a drain pump, that is, the condensate is not discharged outside, leakage may occur for the following reasons:

  • Failure of the pump - it may not work at full capacity or even burn out. In any case, the device must be checked, and for this it will have to be removed.
  • If the float chamber is clogged and the float is locked in one position, the pump will stop draining water.
  • Float or proximity sensor does not work.
  • The air exhaust pipe is pinched.
  • Insufficient contact of the pump supply terminals.

To find the cause of a problem with models with drainage pump, you will have to invite a HVAC repair specialist. It is not recommended to meddle in this system yourself.

Automatic air conditioning cleaning system

Some modern models air conditioners are equipped with an automatic cleaning system. The principle of operation is quite simple - with a certain frequency, the device switches to idle operation, and the air passing through the filters dries out all structural details.


In addition to the usual automatic cleaning, ion air cleaning is installed in some models. Thanks to the latter, dust particles are ionized, so they easily fall into the dust collector. In another version of the devices, ionized water dust is used to protect against unpleasant odors - this is a complete ionization and filtration system.

In addition, these air conditioners are usually equipped with sensors that can monitor the composition of the air. If necessary, they instruct the automatic cleaning system to turn on.

These functions of the air conditioner prolong the life of the air conditioner and make it easier to care for. However, you should not think that you will not have to clean the device manually or call a wizard for this purpose, since the automatic system will not be able to remove and rinse its filters, and this is necessary, one way or another.

Find out, as well as familiarize yourself with the evaluation criteria for devices, in a special article on our portal.

Cleaning the external block of the split system

Air conditioner outdoor unit design

Now, having figured out how to clean the internal block of the split system, you need to consider how the preventive work of its external part is carried out.

Unlike the inner one, the outer block is washed once a year, but it is still necessary to do this, since it is clogged not only with dust, but also with leaves, poplar fluff, small twigs and other debris. From this it becomes clear that it is absolutely impossible not to clean this part of the air conditioner. The most difficult thing is to carry out preventive measures if the device is installed on the upper floors of multi-storey buildings, in this case, you cannot do without specialists.


The structure of the outdoor unit consists of the following blocks and parts:

1 Fan, occupies most of the case of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner Its functions are to blow off the heat exchanger-condenser.

2 – Capacitor located along the inner walls of the case, near the fan. It is a set of copper pipes, inside of which freon is pumped, which is cooled by a running fan.

3 – Compressor provides circulation of freon along the general closed circuit of the air conditioner. This device is of two types - piston and spiral. The piston version of the compressor is more affordable, but less reliable, in contrast to the piston device. This factor is especially important, given the conditions of winter low temperatures.

4 - Control board, but it is only available in inverter air conditioners. In other climatic devices, all electronics are located in the inner case, since external natural factors can negatively affect the electronic components.

5 - Four-way valve installed only in models of reversible air conditioners, that is, capable of not only cooling, but also working to heat rooms. This control unit is necessary to change the direction of movement of freon when switching the device to heating mode. After that, in fact, the outdoor and indoor units change their functions - the outdoor one starts to work for cooling, and the inner one - for heating the air pumped through it.

6 - Fitting connections there are both on the indoor and outdoor units, since it is to them that the copper pipes are connected, connecting for the air conditioning department into one common refrigerant circulation system.

7 - Filter for cleaning the refrigerant is installed in front of the compressor and protects it from the ingress of small particles and copper crumbs, which often remain in the circuit during the installation of the air conditioner.

8 - the Protective covercovering the terminals of electrical cables and fittings. However, in some models, this cover is provided only for electrical connections, while the fittings remain open.

Cleaning the outdoor unit of the air conditioner

Cleaning the external block of the air conditioner can be done by hand only if it is installed in a private house, and you can safely work from a ladder, or on the balcony of a high-rise building. Independent work at height without special equipment, insurance system and experience is strictly prohibited!

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lG air conditioner

The cleaning process is carried out in stages, in the following order:

  • The first step is to completely de-energize the device.
  • Next, the front panel of the outdoor unit is dismantled. Taking it off, the owner will surely immediately will see the entire volume upcoming work.
  • First, all large debris found in the case is removed - it is he who slows down the operation of the air conditioner. Large debris is usually removed by hand and no tools are required for this process.
  • The next step is to remove dust layers from hard-to-reach places housing. For this purpose, brushes of different widths and a handheld vacuum cleaner are used.

  • The fan blades can also be vacuumed and, if necessary, wiped with a damp cloth. Wet cleaning should be done carefully so that no water gets on the electrical contacts. If you have to use a large amount of water to wash the fan, then the electrical unit should be covered with plastic wrap.
  • The condenser has smooth smooth surfaces, so it is not difficult to clean it - it can be done with a regular damp cloth or sponge.
  • Before replacing the front panel, it should also be rinsed and dried well.
  • Do not touch the electrical unit of the device. Its repair and prevention should be carried out by specialists.
  • The air conditioner can be turned on only after it has completely dried.

Find out how to do it, and also check out a few simple models with step-by-step instructions, in a special article on our portal.

At the end of the topic, I would like to give some useful tips that will help you not to make mistakes when operating and cleaning climatic devices.

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haier air conditioner

  • When purchasing an air conditioner, it is recommended to conclude a contract for service maintenance device. It can be carried out free of charge during the warranty period.
  • Timely preventive maintenance will extend the period of trouble-free operation of the air conditioner and save you from many problems.
  • It is recommended to entrust the first cleaning and disinfection of the air conditioner to specialists from the service department. At the same time, it is worth carefully following how they carry out preventive measures, in order to then use their experience in performing independent work.
  • If the air conditioner starts to malfunction, then do not think that the malfunctions will go away by themselves. It is necessary to disconnect it from the mains and call the wizard for diagnostics and possible repairs.
  • If it is decided to clean it yourself, then it is necessary to use special detergents and disinfectants. In addition, it is convenient to use comb brushes to clean the radiator of the indoor unit, which are designed specifically for this purpose.

  • The air conditioner will be cleaned better if you use a steam cleaner. A jet of hot steam not only removes dirt, but also provides preventive disinfection of structural parts.
  • Assembly and connection to the network can be done only after all parts of the air conditioner are completely dry.
  • Do not start the air conditioner when detergents are applied to its internal surfaces and fan. It is extremely dangerous to do this, as water can get into the electrical unit of the device, which will cause a short circuit in the network. In addition, dirt accumulated on the fan blades will scatter throughout the room, hitting the surfaces of walls, ceilings, floors, furniture and other interior items.
  • In order for the device to serve for a long time, it is necessary to follow all the rules for its operation specified by the manufacturer in the instructions.

So, from all that has been said above, it becomes clear that it is quite possible to carry out work on cleaning climatic equipment independently, if you know the design of the device and the procedure for carrying out this process. If the owner can carry out the preventive maintenance of the air conditioner on his own once and understands all the nuances, he will no longer have to call a master for this purpose, since a specialist will only be needed to solve more serious problems.

And, probably, the interested reader will benefit from a video plot in which an amateur craftsman shows how he independently cleans his air conditioner.

Hello! In general, I am a rather boring and meticulous person, but this is justified when you are engaged in the installation, configuration and maintenance of various equipment.

In particular, the same air conditioners are very fond of regular maintenance, and many things you can do yourself, you just need to carefully read the instructions)

Today I would like to talk about one of the most common procedures - cleaning from dust and dirt. If such work is not done on time, the device will overheat, emit unpleasant odors, and in the end it may simply burn out.

I have selected a bunch of useful information, video tips, expert recommendations, read, apply knowledge in practice and save your money!

Introduction

Your air conditioner distills large amounts of untreated air every day. All dust and dirt accumulates on its filters, which require regular and thorough cleaning. If you do not clean it, then dirty air with dust will again enter the room, and you will breathe it. And this is fraught with allergies and other health problems.

Moreover, an uncleaned air conditioner is noisier and may give off an unpleasant odor. Experts advise to carry out preventive cleaning of the air conditioner at least twice a year before the start of the season of use. In this article we will figure out how to clean the air conditioner yourself at home.

Signs of contamination

How often the air conditioner should be cleaned can depend on many factors, such as:

More frequent cleaning may be due to the fact that you have a device that combines the functions of air conditioning and air purification.

If you find the following symptoms, it is recommended to clean the air conditioner yourself as soon as possible:

Indoor unit

Unplug the appliance to clean the indoor unit. Carefully remove the top cover and take out the mesh filters. Soak them in warm, soapy water and let sit for a while.

So the dirt accumulated over a long time will better lag behind. If an unpleasant odor is felt during the operation of the air conditioner, use antiseptic and disinfectants when cleaning. This will help fight off bacteria and fungi. It is recommended to clean the indoor unit at least once a month.

As for pocket filters, it is not recommended to clean them yourself. Otherwise, you will most likely have to change the entire block. Just remove and replace them with new ones.

After the filters, it is necessary to clean the rotary fan made in the form of a roller. Since this part of the indoor unit of the air conditioner is designed to circulate cooled air from the device to the room, enough dust also settles on it. Over a long period without cleaning, the fan blades can become so heavily contaminated with dirt that they cease to perform their functions.

For effective cleaning of a rotary fan, it is necessary to moisten the blades in a soapy solution and, turning the device on, blow air through them. After a few minutes, the device is turned off and the cleaning is completed by hand with a brush and soap solution.

Heat exchanger

Cleaning the air conditioner also includes cleaning the heat exchanger, which is responsible for both heating the air in the cool season and cooling it in summer. After you clean the vents on the top cover, proceed to clean the heat exchanger.

Opening the cover, gently brush dust off the fins of the heat exchanger with a brush. In the case of severe contamination, wet cleaning is used, but special care is needed here so as not to deform thin plates. This cleaning should be done about once a year.

Outdoor unit

The outdoor unit does not need to be cleaned as often as the indoor unit. It is enough to clean and rinse it 1-2 times a year. Most often, it is clogged with poplar fluff, plant pollen, leaves, debris, small twigs. If the outdoor unit is not cleaned, it is likely to cause serious problems.

The equipment will not be able to effectively perform the air conditioning function, breakdown is inevitable. It is also necessary to clean the outdoor unit because dirt that gets there interferes with the normal heat transfer in the radiator. And this, in turn, leads to its overheating and compressor failure.

The stages of cleaning the outdoor unit of the air conditioner include removing large debris. Next, they are cleaned with a brush and a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner will allow you to extract dust from hard-to-reach places. Then the fan blades are cleaned, for which it is better to use a damp cloth. This must be done very delicately. During wet cleaning water can get on the electrical components of the device. To prevent this from happening, you must cover them with plastic wrap.

Radiator fins are washed with a strong pressure of water. To do this, use a hose or a special mini-sink. If the contamination is strong, then additionally detergents are used.

Finally, you can wipe the inner surface of the block with a sponge. It is important to remember that the assembly and connection of the device can only be done after all parts are completely dry.

Drainage

If the drainage systems are not cleaned for a long time, the air conditioner is likely to leak. The fact is that in the drainage pipes, not only dust and dirt, but also fungi or mold accumulate in large quantities. All this can clog the pipes so much that the water outflow through them will stop and water will go inside. The danger is also that mold from the pipes can spread to the radiator and to the walls of the housing.

There are three ways to clean the air conditioner drain:

At home, routine cleaning is easiest. A fat-dissolving detergent, such as dishwashing liquid, is suitable. And don't forget to thoroughly rinse the drain pan, as contamination is the main cause of bad odor.

How to use the device correctly?

In order for the air conditioner to serve you as long as its manufacturers promise (the service life depends on the brand and manufacturer and is 7-12 years), you must adhere to the following rules:

  1. Clean the indoor unit of the air conditioner and rinse all filters regularly (at least once a month).
  2. If any signs of malfunctioning of the air conditioner appear, turn off the unit immediately and call for service.
  3. Once a year, it is imperative to call specialists who will check the pressure of the device and refuel the air conditioner with freon. Also, experts will clean those blocks that you could not clean yourself.
  4. Air conditioners with a built-in all-weather unit should never be used at temperatures external environment below 0 ° C.

Seasonal readiness

Now you know how to clean an air conditioner yourself at home, but that's not all there is to know about air conditioners. Along with regular cleaning twice a year, it is necessary to prepare the equipment for the start of the new season.

Summer

Before the start of the warm season, it is imperative to clean the heat exchanger located in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Also check how the equipment works in all modes. Check the fans, set them to full capacity.

The only exception to this can be high humidity. Replace the air filters if necessary. Rinse the outdoor unit thoroughly, ideally under high pressure.

Winter

If the air conditioner is not equipped with an all-season unit, then it can be used up to a temperature of minus 3 ° C. If such a block is installed, then no more than 0оС. Switching on the device at lower temperatures is dangerous for its drainage system freezing. If this happens, then most likely you will soon find out about it, since water will begin to flow from the indoor unit of the air conditioner. This is the condensate that should have flowed out through the drain pipe.

Adaptation of the air conditioner for winter may also include equipping it with a special crankcase heating device in the compressor, as well as a speed controller in the outdoor unit. And if you also install the so-called "warm drainage", then the air conditioner can be operated all year round at any temperature.

So, let us remind once again why we need to regularly clean the air conditioner:

Thus, we see that in order to clean the air conditioner with our own hands, no special skills and means are required.

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Basic Rules

The coolness that the air conditioner gives in the sizzling summer heat is comparable to an oasis in the desert. It is difficult to do without these household appliances in the summer in central Russia, and even more so in the southern regions. But in the absence of proper care, the air conditioner, in addition to coolness, can bring many health problems, which is why it is so important to clean it in a timely manner, based on the attached instructions, as well as being guided by the general rules for cleaning equipment.

When and why to clean the air conditioner - the dangers of dirty equipment and signs that cleaning is already necessary

Every air conditioner needs regular cleaning. Oddly enough, not everyone knows about this, and many owners of this household appliance believe that, apart from refueling with freon, the air conditioner does not need anything (and they will only find out about that when the device stops cooling the air).

But the air conditioner, which “just hangs to itself,” after a year (or even earlier) becomes the source of numerous problems:

And if buying a new air conditioner when the device breaks down is not a very serious problem (although the cost of air conditioners today may become too high for many), then you should definitely think about your health.

The most "popular" diseases caused by an air conditioner that is not cleaned in time include ...

However, general terms for all air conditioners still exist:

The average lifespan of an air conditioner is about 7-12 years with proper care and maintenance.

Timely cleaning and prophylaxis of the device will allow you to develop the resource of equipment without repairs, nerves and consequences. How do you know when it's time to clean your air conditioner?

Your device definitely needs urgent care if ...

  1. The air conditioner has ceased to "cool".
  2. Incomprehensible sounds are heard from the device, which are not typical for it (crackling, etc.).
  3. You notice an unpleasant odor in the room.
  4. Water drips from the inner (not the outer!) Unit.
  5. The power of the apparatus decreases, and energy consumption increases.
  6. Mold has started in the technique.

If this option is yours, and you have no idea from which side to approach cleaning the device, then you have 2 options - to figure it out on your own - or to call professionals.

Cleaning the indoor unit of the air conditioner

Any split system consists of 2 blocks.

The indoor unit contains:

In the external block:

Note: An air conditioner cannot produce cold - it only transfers heat with the help of a refrigerant from the street to the house or vice versa, as when you turn on the mode to heat the room. During cooling, the freon evaporates and the refrigerant leaves the compressor.

Cleaning the filters

It is recommended to carry out it every 3-4 weeks, and under certain conditions of severe pollution - even more often. The filter is a fine mesh that is located under the panel of the device. It is through it that air is sucked into the equipment.

Rotary turbine cleaning

It is usually cleaned in the fall or based on the degree of pollution.

Cleaning the evaporator grill

This part is a system of pipes in which the evaporation of freon occurs. If at the time of cleaning you noted the presence of rust on metal parts, it means that you need to urgently contact the service center (look for it in the documents issued when purchasing the device). Cleaning the evaporator grill is recommended in the spring - before starting the air conditioner.

The use of metal brushes for cleaning is prohibited.

  1. Remove the cover of the indoor unit.
  2. Next, remove the front grill that covers the heat exchanger.
  3. With the help of a brush, carefully and as accurately as possible, we clean off the dirt and dust, which we immediately remove with a vacuum cleaner with a special nozzle.

Important: in case of serious contamination of this part of the air conditioner, it will not be possible to do without a steam generator. In this case, it is recommended to contact a specialist.

Drainage cleaning

An extremely important part of the technique, stagnation in which provokes the growth of fungus and mold.

In addition, blockages in the tubes lead to device breakdown. It is recommended to wash the drain pan from dirt and moisture regularly!

There are several cleaning options:

After complete cleaning of the indoor unit, perform antibacterial cleaning:

  1. We turn on the device at full power.
  2. We select the mode - cooling.
  3. We spray inside a special spray intended for cleaning air conditioners.

Cleaning the external compressor block of the split system and air conditioner - what can you do yourself?

Speaking about the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, it is worth noting that most often and most intensively this outer part of the system is contaminated with fluff from trees, dust, sand and other dirt when located on the lower floors of houses.

And it gets even more polluted if the outdoor unit is on the motorway side of the house. Naturally, these contaminants do not pass without leaving a trace for the air conditioner: the work of parts slows down, heat exchange is disrupted, the refrigerant stops cooling completely, parts wear out, etc.

Therefore, cleaning the outdoor unit is necessary - although not as often as for the filters.

Mechanical flushing of the outdoor unit is usually sufficient:

It is important that moisture does not get into the electrical unit during cleaning! Deep cleaning of the internal system of the device should be carried out by specialists if you are incompetent in this matter (any violation can lead to equipment breakdown).

In addition, not everyone is able to flush the outdoor unit. Moreover, if it is located above the first floor and far from the window.

Air conditioning and split system - is there a difference?

In fact, the difference is insignificant. And the designs of both devices are almost the same, and there is no difference in their cleaning scheme, with the exception of specific nuances.

The split system has a wider "package" of advantages and functions. It has a higher power and lower noise level, cools the air faster, is capable of ionizing and humidifying the air, and can also be located on any surface in the room.

Regardless of the characteristics of the technique, it is important to remember the following recommendations when cleaning the air conditioner:

  1. We use products and tools that are made specifically for cleaning air conditioners (special brushes and sprays).
  2. We call specialists to clean the outdoor unit. We also call them in case of any doubts about cleaning the indoor unit (with the exception of filters, which can be easily removed even by a person ignorant of technical issues).
  3. It is recommended to entrust the first cleaning to professionals. Firstly, the cleaning will be carried out using a steam generator, and secondly, you will see how to properly clean your equipment.
  4. For cleaning and daily use, refer to the instructions for the device.
  5. Do not wipe the parts after cleaning or dry them with hair dryers - they must dry on their own!
  6. Do not turn on your device in the middle of winter without a specific set of work corresponding to this adaptation process.
  7. Clean the filters regularly - this will save the remaining parts of the indoor unit from rapid contamination.

Disinfect the indoor unit periodically with special antiseptics or alcohol solutions. It is carried out with the filter removed: the device is set to the minimum temperature and maximum blowdown mode, and the agent is sprayed into the air intake area until the solution drains. Next, you need to remove the remnants of this agent from the tubes and the body itself.

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How to clean the air conditioner yourself at home

As a rule, any conditioner needs to be cleaned periodically. Dirt and dust, covering all the working surfaces of the indoor unit, cause an unpleasant smell and reduce the efficiency of the unit. In this article, we will consider when and how air conditioners are cleaned and whether it can be done at home.

How often should the indoor unit of the air conditioner be cleaned?

Without going into details why fungi and bacteria are so fond of the technogenic environment inside the cooler, we note that their appearance marks an extreme degree of contamination of the device parts and is characterized by a very unpleasant odor... To such an extent, it is better not to bring air conditioners to work and maintain them in accordance with the recommendations.

Since the indoor unit of the air conditioner constantly mixes the air in the room, the degree of contamination of its filter elements and working parts depends on the dustiness of this air. Experts recommend doing a full cleaning and rinsing at least twice a year. The filtering elements themselves should be washed at least once a month, and in case of increased dustiness - once every 2 weeks.

Highly dusty rooms are characterized by a large concentration of people (offices), rooms with many thick carpets, upholstered furniture and other materials that attract dust particles. A significant role is played by the quality of the air environment outside, as well as by the presence of highways with busy traffic next to the building. Then the preventive work will need to be performed more often.

Parts most susceptible to contamination are the air conditioner filter, heat exchanger and fan turbine. In addition, part of the dust enters the condensate collection tray, together with the latter, the dirt from the heat exchanger also flows there. All of these elements must be thoroughly cleaned. If this is not done on time, then the air conditioner will expect the following consequences:

Cleaning instructions

The most common and easiest way is the prevention of the air conditioner, it consists in flushing the filter elements of the indoor unit. No tools are required to remove them, and no special products are required for rinsing. Open the top cover of the unit and manually remove the dirty filters. When you do this for the first time, you need to make sure that the right and left elements are the same, otherwise they will need to be set back in the same order.

The elements must be washed under running water, covered with a foam of neutral soap or odorless detergent and left to sour for 10-15 minutes. After that, rub thoroughly with a soft foam sponge and rinse again. Always dry the filters before reinstalling.

It is necessary to use an odorless detergent so that later these aromas do not spread around the room when the air conditioner is operating.

Before starting to clean the inside of the air conditioner, it is recommended to prepare wall protectors under the air conditioner so as not to splash them with muddy water. For this, ordinary plastic film will do, which is better to slip under the block body and hang down to the floor.

There are special service packages on sale that are suspended from the indoor unit and equipped with a drain. A similar tool is used by service employees because they are very convenient. You can rate the product by watching the video.

To clean the air conditioner yourself at home, you must first disconnect the device from the power supply and remove the front panel of the indoor unit by unscrewing a few screws. The condensate tray must also be unscrewed. If you manage to shoot only one side of it, it's okay, you just need to take it down a little, as shown in the photo.

Next, taking the tube of the switched on vacuum cleaner with one hand, you need to brush away the layer of flying dust from all internal parts with a long-bristled brush, keeping the suction tube as close as possible. After that, you need to take a special agent for cleaning air conditioners in an aerosol can and cover the entire surface of the heat exchanger, turbine blades and the condensate tray with it.

There are many different products and fluids on the market for the care of air conditioners, you need to use them, using the instructions on the package.

After maintaining the prescribed period of time, further cleaning of the indoor unit is performed. It consists in the fact that the applied detergent and antibacterial agent, together with the dirt, is washed off with water using a brush. The work requires patience, since access to parts is limited, especially to the fan rotor, which must be rotated by hand when flushing. The procedure is continued until the flowing water becomes clear.

At the end, do not forget to wipe well on all sides of the unit housing and ventilation openings, and also wash the removed front panel from the inside. The last stage is drying and assembly, this completes the cleaning of the air conditioner with your own hands.

Conclusion

Of course, the service technicians have all the tools for cleaning: water nozzles, special bags and even a steam generator for steaming the heat exchanger. But their services cost money, while such work can be done independently and for free. And it is better to call specialists when something goes wrong and the air conditioner needs to be repaired.

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HOW TO CLEAN AIR CONDITIONING: FILTERS, PIPES, RADIATOR AND OTHER ELEMENTS

During operation, the air conditioner passes through its filters dust particles, wool, fungi and bacteria. Impurities accumulate over time, which leads to deterioration in the operation of the electrical appliance, its breakdown. How to clean the air conditioner and its components? Just follow the instructions below.

The procedure must be carried out not only because of possible breakdowns... First of all, you should think about health. A large amount of accumulated dust deteriorates the quality of the supplied air and can cause the development of dangerous diseases:

Therefore, timely preventive measures are a must. In addition, the cleaning procedure does not require specific knowledge. The material obtained from the article will be enough for correct cleaning air conditioner and its components.

HOW TO CLEAN AIR CONDITIONING FILTER

Consumers often underestimate the importance of filter installation and cleaning. It is believed that replacing a part is much easier. However, equipment manufacturers recommend that the filtration system be cleaned regularly. It may not be necessary to strictly follow the instructions, but if signs of contamination appear, you will have to clean the filters in the air conditioner in any case. There are several signs that signal the need for a procedure.

The presence of even one sign already speaks of the need for an early cleaning of the device. Only clean equipment can guarantee reliable, efficient operation of the device. Follow our instructions on how to clean your air conditioner filters and you can effortlessly keep the air clean and extend the life of your appliance.

  1. Disconnect the system from the power supply. Open the cover carefully. Filters are often very easy to access. The most that may be required is a screwdriver. Take care to protect your hands when removing filters. It's not just about pollution. If the equipment was turned off just before the cleaning process, you may get burned from the heat exchanger.
  2. Next stage - removing the air conditioner filter... First, it should be inspected for wear, to determine the degree of contamination. If tears and tears are visible on the filter, then it is better to replace it. Further use such a filter would be ineffective.
  3. Removal of contamination. The easiest way to clean the filter is with a vacuum cleaner. If not, you can use any suitable brush. There can be a lot of dust, so you should take care of protecting the floor covering from it, in other words, lay paper or a piece of polyethylene on the floor before work.
  4. Disinfection. A little detergent is diluted with water to obtain a weak solution. The filter is completely immersed in the solution. This procedure kills allergens and bacteria. If cleaning is carried out infrequently, the filter can be kept in solution for four hours. With occasional cleaning, an hour is sufficient.
  5. Reverse installation. After disinfection, the filter is washed with warm water and dried. It is best if it dries naturally. It remains only to reinstall the filter in reverse order.

As soon as the electronics or the appearance of the electrical appliance signals the need for cleaning, carry it out. It's about human health and the reliability of equipment.

HOW TO CLEAN AIR CONDITIONING EVAPORATOR

The evaporator is one of the essential attributes of an air conditioning system. It, like other significant pieces of equipment, sometimes needs cleaning. For long, reliable operation of the equipment, it is easiest to carry out periodic preventive measures. It is not easy to clean the evaporator in the air conditioner yourself. It is required to know the mechanism of operation of the electrical appliance, to take into account possible complications arising during reassembly.

It is good if you need to clean the evaporator from dust. In this case, proceed as follows.

Wait a little for the remaining moisture to evaporate. After that, you can connect the power supply. This option is suitable for light cleaning. If it is necessary to remove very pronounced deposits, you will need to use special products. You also need to have the skills to install air conditioner parts, to have the appropriate equipment. In general, cleaning the evaporator in a home air conditioner is as follows.

In addition to knowledge, work requires patience, since there is no direct access to all parts of the evaporator. The procedure is continued until the flowing water becomes clear. Then all parts of the body are additionally wiped. Also, the removed panel is washed from the inside.

Naturally, the masters of service centers know better how to clean the evaporator of a home air conditioner. They have specialized equipment such as a steam generator. Such services cost money, so everyone makes the choice independently. But, if there is no confidence in the successful completion of the case, then it is better to pay specialists than spend a large amount on fixing an electrical appliance.

HOW TO CLEAN AIR CONDITIONING DRAIN PIPE

The most common breakdown that air conditioner owners face is leakage. The main reason is the malfunction of the drainage system. During the operation of climatic technology, condensation is necessarily formed.

When the device is in working order, the formed water flows freely through the drain pipe. But during operation, particles of dust, wool, and other contaminants clog the small drainage hole of the tube. This leads to leakage, so it is necessary to regularly clean the drain tube in the air conditioner to avoid problems.

First of all, you need to know that it is easiest to clean a clogged drain pipe with a wire. However, the positive result does not last long. Therefore, a professional approach to cleaning the air conditioner drain tube should be considered for best results.

Then the drainage tube is decontaminated. For this, it is treated with chlorhexidine. This inexpensive product can be purchased at any pharmacy. It is best to pour the solution inside the pipe for 10-15 minutes. Then the tube is rinsed with running water, then the parts are dried and assembled.

Basically, you can clean the air conditioner drain pipe yourself, especially with a wire. But, if there is no experience, and professional intervention is required, it is better to entrust the work to specialists.

HOW TO CLEAN AIR CONDITIONING RADIATOR

The radiator is one of the most important elements of any climate system. Its functionality is to heat and cool the passing air. Cleaning the radiator of an air conditioner is a delicate process, as it consists of thin, tightly spaced plates. The gaps between the plates are extremely small and easily clogged. If the contaminated area exceeds the permissible parameters, this leads to a deterioration in the operation of all equipment.

Slightly dirty areas can be cleaned with a thick, long-bristled brush with a powerful vacuum cleaner. The radiator fins are fragile, therefore, in order to avoid deformation, they are cleaned very carefully. In the case when dust deposits in combination with condensate form a mud film, specialized equipment is required - steam cleaners. Since the steam cleaner is not used in everyday life, you will most likely have to contact a specialized organization.

HOW TO CLEAN THE AIR CONDITIONER YOURSELF

The basic rule applicable to climatic technology is timely care. Regular cleaning of the air conditioner prevents strong blockages, makes it possible to independently deal with the contamination of important components. During the cleaning process, special attention is paid to the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the process takes place in stages.

Manufacturers recommend cleaning the air conditioner twice a year. Before starting operation - in spring, then in autumn. But, as a rule, the minimum deadlines are usually not enough. Affected by the high level of dustiness in the air, especially in urban conditions. Therefore, everyone makes the decision to clean the air conditioner independently, depending on the level of performance of the electrical appliance.

Cleaning of each element of the air conditioning system has specific features. It is generally better not to touch some details without the appropriate skills. The easiest way is to flush the filters; it is easy to use a wire to clean the drainage pipe for a while. Cleaning and rinsing other items must be approached with caution.

In radiators, small dirt is removed with a stiff brush. But on the parts, in addition to dust, a resinous film accumulates, which can damage the equipment. In this case, use alkaline-based cleaning agents. The main thing in eliminating contamination is to maintain the integrity of the thin protective coating and the structure as a whole.

Cleaning the fans is straightforward, but requires a different preparation. Most often, the blades are cleaned mechanically, and then a detergent is applied. Then the fan is scrolled intensively. This produces a lot of dirty water. Therefore, the area around the air conditioner is covered with a protective material.

While a clogged fan may be the cause of the leak in some models, the main culprit is the drainage system. Like other parts, the drainage tube is clogged with dust and wool, sometimes with colonies of fungi. You can clean the gap with a wire, but to obtain a long-term result, you need to de-energize the equipment, then sequentially remove the cover and filters, and then the sump. With careful self-cleaning, as mentioned above, chlorhexidine is used.

The outdoor air conditioner unit, located outside, also needs maintenance. You can only clean it yourself outside. Dirt is removed with brushes with dense bristles, if possible, use a vacuum cleaner.

The correct approach to cleaning allows you to extend the life of the device and increase its performance. Required inventory - a lot of rags, napkins, a bucket and brushes. You may also need a steam generator for complete cleaning.

Most often it is necessary to clean the indoor unit, where most of the dust flying in the air settles. To clean the filters, they are taken out and washed in water with the addition of detergent. It will be correct if this procedure is repeated regularly.

Then the turn of the condenser, heating and cooling the air flow passing through it. Due to the temperature drop, condensation forms on the surface of the part, which tends to form mud compounds that are difficult to wash off. Brush it with a cleaning agent. But it is better to use a steam generator. The steam from the device penetrates into all hard-to-reach places, cleaning them and killing microorganisms.

Next, a fan is cleaned that drives the air in the room from the air conditioner. They clean it because of fatty deposits, which worsen the speed of the fan and, as a result, the entire system. For good cleaning of the blades, the box is removed. Fat deposits are removed with a brush. The working area around the air conditioner is covered with protective material.

Next, clean the drain tray and the drainage tube that drains the condensate. Constant moisture in the drainage tube leads to the development of colonies of fungi, mold, and microbes. This results in an unpleasant odor. To clean the drainage system, it is dismantled according to the instructions and treated with a disinfectant solution. Mechanical measures to remove blockages are ineffective here.

Together with the outside air, the main part of the dust and exhaust gases gets into the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. To clean the radiator and fan, take water, a brush, and a rag. The first step is to remove the case of the device in order to gain access to the fan and far parts of the radiator. Then carefully remove any visible dirt from them. Then everything is rinsed with clean water. Do not wet the electronic hob inside the housing with water.

Follow the recommendations, and cleaning of climatic equipment will become available to everyone. Remember that proper, regular cleaning of your air conditioner is a great way to extend the life of your equipment, improve the performance of your unit, and stay healthy.

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How to clean a home air conditioner yourself?

Timely caring for household climatic appliances, you can maintain efficiency, a high level of reliability, and extend the service life. Initially, this concerns cleaning the home split system from dirt and dust. It is not at all necessary to call the specialists of the cleaning service. Consider how to clean the air conditioner yourself, using a minimum of funds and financial costs.

What is cleaning for?

Cleaning the home climate system is necessary, first of all, to preserve the health of residents, and only then - for the high-quality operation of equipment. The effect of cool, but saturated with pathogens, air does not appear as quickly as a breakdown climatic equipment, unusual smell, leakage, mold on the module.

The decision to clean the air conditioner is made exactly after the appearance of the above signs of a malfunction of the air conditioner. But this is just an extreme degree of pollution that has accumulated for a long time, poisoning the driven air.

If the tenants are relatively healthy, the impact of a damaged split system will not be felt immediately. It will be more difficult for asthmatics, people who have problems with the respiratory system, cardiovascular diseases - they will quickly feel the difference in the operation of dirty equipment.

To prevent an extreme situation, it is necessary to regularly clean the entire climate system. This will help preserve the health of people living in the apartment, extend the service life of electrical mechanisms, and create optimal microclimatic conditions every day.

How often should I clean my home air conditioner?

The frequency of cleaning a split system is determined by many factors. If we talk about an external module, once a year is enough for the normal functioning of the entire system.

The various elements of the indoor unit require a specific processing time for them. So, the most frequently cleaned parts are air filters, which take on the bulk of all the debris that comes along with the air. They must be cleaned once every 1-3 months, depending on the degree of contamination of the room itself, the characteristics of its location, etc.

The fan, the heat exchanger can be cleaned less often - twice a year is enough. As a rule, experts recommend processing in the spring before the start of active use in the summer and late autumn, before the onset of winter frosts.

If the air conditioner is used under conditions of increased pollution, cleaning procedures are carried out even more often, as dust settles on the elements of the device. This must be monitored independently, timely maintenance of the climate control installation, then cleaning the air conditioner at home will not be difficult.

What needs to be cleaned?

Household climatic equipment is subject to cleaning almost completely, to one degree or another. At the indoor module, it is imperative to process the fan, evaporator, drainage group, air filters, internal and external surfaces of the plastic case.

Outdoor unit treatment - flushing the metal case, filters, fan, condenser. Particular attention is paid to the equipment under the visor. Birds like to settle under it, thus hammering the outer element of the system with fluff, small feathers, food residues, and other waste products.

Let's consider in more detail how to clean an air conditioner in a living space with your own hands.

How to clean the outdoor unit of the air conditioner?

Most often, the outer element is clogged with fluff during poplar flowering, street dust, sand carried there by the wind. If the house is located on a motorway, on a street with active traffic, the outer body of the block, internal parts are covered with soot and soot.

Over time, these impurities adhere to the blades of a fan, compressor, condenser in a dense layer, making it difficult for them to work. The heat exchange process is disturbed, since the adhered dirt does not allow the refrigerant to cool effectively. This leads to an increase in energy consumption during the normalization of heat exchange work, wear of the internal parts of the device.

Mechanical flushing of the outdoor unit of the split system is sufficient to maintain cleanliness and proper operation. Let's define a few recommendations on how to clean the outdoor unit:

How to clean the indoor unit of the air conditioner?

Cleaning the indoor unit requires more attention, time, tools. The main points of the process are cleaning treatment of air filters, fan, evaporator, drainage system, inner surface of the case. Let's consider each separately.

AIR CLEANING FILTERS

They are processed most often, because they get dirty faster than other parts. They are a fine mesh with a plastic partition; they are a primary, coarse cleaning system for incoming air. How to clean a filter in an air conditioner:

FAN

Most modifications of climatic equipment provide for a removable drum with fan blades. This allows it to be rinsed separately if necessary. Cleaning sequence:

EVAPORATOR

Deep cleaning of the heat exchanger is carried out only by employees of a special cleaning service with the removal of the indoor unit. At home, it can only be treated superficially. Therefore, do not clog the air conditioner, you need to clean it in a timely manner to avoid large financial expenses. Cleaning process:

DRAINAGE SYSTEM

It is very important to clean this part of the split system. It accumulates a lot of moisture, which, later combining with dust, becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and fungal colonies. From dirt, mucus, a plug is formed, which prevents the outflow of condensate, which leads to a leak from the climate device module. Purification sequence:

The process of cleaning the air conditioner is not complicated, but it requires care and accuracy. It can be done independently or entrusted to professional workers. The frequency of processing must be observed in order to avoid unpleasant consequences, unforeseen financial expenses. Any climate system must be cleaned, even those equipped with a self-cleaning option.

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How to properly clean the air conditioner

Every day huge masses of untreated air pass through the air conditioner. The filters become dirty over time, requiring cleaning. If you do not know how to properly clean the air conditioner, then polluted air will enter the room again.

From a device for maintaining an optimal microclimate, the split-system turns into one of the main sources of allergens. Add to this the increased noise during operation and the unpleasant smell that comes from the device.

According to experts, those who clean the appliances twice a year are right: before the start of the winter and summer seasons. Consider how to clean air conditioners from dirt at home.

Cleaning need: signs of contamination

How quickly the air conditioner filters get dirty depends on the following factors:

The device has to be washed more often if it combines 2 functions: air purification and air conditioning. Here are some signs that the device hasn't been cleaned in a while and needs cleaning:

Indoor unit

First, before starting work, de-energize the device. Then remove the outer cover and take out the mesh filters. Soak them in soapy water for about half an hour. It will be much easier to remove dirt accumulated over a long time.

If the air conditioners are operating with an unpleasant odor, add a disinfectant to the cleaning solution to help get rid of mold and mildew.

Important! Pocket filters must not be cleaned, otherwise the entire unit may be damaged. Just remove them and replace with new ones.

Rotary fan

The next stage of cleaning is a roller-shaped rotary fan. Its purpose is to circulate cooled air into the room. For this reason, a large amount of dust also accumulates on the roller.

If the fan is left dirty, so much dust will collect on the blades that the structure will not work properly. Clean the rotary fan with soapy water. Use a brush for hard-to-reach places.

How to clean a heat exchanger

The purpose of the heat exchanger is to cool the air in summer and heat it up in cool weather. We clean the heat exchanger in the following sequence:

How to clean the outdoor unit

It is not necessary to remove the external unit as often as the internal unit. Once a year is enough. Most often, the outer part of the split system is clogged with dust, branches, plant pollen, poplar fluff, and small litter.

In the end, the dirty outdoor unit fails. The reason is that the accumulated dirt interferes with heat transfer. The radiator overheats and the compressor fails.

First, you need to clean the external unit from large debris. Next, a vacuum cleaner and a brush are used. The vacuum cleaner extracts dust from difficult to access areas. The fan blades can be conveniently cleaned with a soft damp cloth. Do this very carefully so that water does not come into contact with electrical components. To eliminate this risk, protect them with plastic wrap.

Radiator fins are well washed out with water under pressure. This can be a regular garden hose or a mini sink. Should I use a cleaning agent? If the plates are very dirty, then you cannot do without the use of a cleaning composition.

The final stage of cleaning is wiping the inner surface of the block. You can connect the split system only after all the parts are completely dry.

Drainage system

A sure sign of a clogged drainage system is an air conditioner leak. The situation is also dangerous because the dirt filling the drainage pipes is a fertile environment for the growth of fungi and mold.

In the end, the walls of the case and the radiator are affected by the fungus. Those who have cleaned the air conditioner know that it is very difficult to remove mold or mildew.

The drainage is cleaned in the following ways:

To clean yourself, just choose the first option. For cleaning, you can use a detergent that is highly soluble in water, such as dishwashing liquid.

TOP 40 tips for choosing a mobile air conditioner without an air duct for your home! thirty best advice on the purchase of a split system with installation! The best 30 tips for choosing split systems for an apartment, reviews, prices, TOP-2019!

Caring for the outdoor module of the split system is necessary, since it is most in contact with dust, flying insects, moisture, precipitation and chemicals atmosphere. If cleaning is ignored, then the condenser and the compressor located outside will remain effective for no more than 2-3 seasons.

Further, the process of supply of fresh air will worsen and the load on the power grid will increase. A layer of poplar fluff builds up on the outdoor unit, which interferes with the operation of the unit and the cooling of the refrigerant. The frequency of work depends on the location of the unit:

  • from 1 to 4 floors, should be cleaned before each working season;
  • split systems of residents from 5 to 8 floors can be cared for once every 2-3 years, since the air at this level contains almost no dust and insects fly in there;
  • hVAC equipment located on the 9th floor and above can undergo routine maintenance once every 3-4 years.
of the external block with their own hands - the event is not difficult, but the user must understand the procedure and features of the event so as not to harm the technique by careless actions.

Expert opinion

Ask an expert

On whatever floor the air conditioner is installed, if it is used in winter, it needs periodic cleaning of ice.

In order for the prevention to be performed correctly, you need to have an idea of \u200b\u200bwhat the outdoor module consists of:

  • most of the interior space is occupied by a fan that serves the heat exchanger;
  • a condenser is installed near the cooler, along the inner wall, it consists of copper pipes through which the refrigerant is transported;
  • choke connection combines copper pipes into a single system;
  • the circulation of freon through the system is provided by a compressor, usually scroll or piston-type units are used;
  • there is a control board on the inner surface of the case;
  • in reversible air conditioners, a 4-way valve is provided in the design;
    a filter for cleaning the refrigerant;
  • a protective cover that prevents access to the terminals, spigot and electrical cables.

Measures for cleaning the external block of the split system are carried out sequentially:

  1. Mechanical cleaning. First, the climatic technology is de-energized, only after that you can start prevention. First, dirt is removed from the outside. Then the body is dismantled and debris is removed from the inside.
  2. Flushing. Dust is removed from the fan and condenser blades with a damp cloth or sponge; care must be taken that moisture does not get on the electrical parts of the device. If the cooler needs a large amount of water, the electrical unit should be covered with a film.
  3. . Dust from hard-to-reach places is removed with a hand-held vacuum cleaner or brushes of various widths.
  4. Cleaning the radiator. It can be cleaned with special comb brushes, rinsed with water pressure or with a steam cleaner.

Expert opinion

Ask an expert

The electrician of the outdoor unit of the split system can only be serviced, cleaned and repaired by specialists. Self-prophylaxis is prohibited.

After completion of the work, the case must be installed in place and wait until all elements are completely dry. Only then can the climatic technology be connected to the network and used. The first

Regular and correct cleaning of split systems will ensure an increase in their reliable operation and maintain their functionality in all operating modes. But not only that. A clean air conditioner successfully combats harmful pollution that is present in the air in living spaces.

We will tell you about how the HVAC equipment is cleaned, which is available for self-execution. The article presented by us describes in detail the process of disassembling the system to remove contaminants and options for processing functional components. With our advice, you can easily clean the machine.

Cleaning procedure for climatic devices, step-by-step instructions for their implementation and useful tips Let's look at the example of the most popular type of home and office.

Before starting to clean the split system on your own, it is necessary to conduct its external inspection in the most careful way, focusing on the following points:

  • no damage to the conductive wires of the electrical circuit, their insulation and grounding;
  • reliable fastening of all screws in threaded connections;
  • the integrity of the freon circuit;
  • lack of mechanical damage.

Such inspections of climatic equipment do not take much time, and it is recommended to carry them out not only before servicing the air conditioner, but also on a regular basis, at least twice a month.

Working on the principle of a vacuum cleaner, the split system retains not only dust, but also various bacteria, microorganisms, allergens. When revising the air conditioner with the naked eye, you can see deposits where these invisible enemies of health reside, which are then concentratedly thrown into the air

In addition to periodic cleaning and, with certain symptoms, according to the results of the inspection, it may be necessary to perform unscheduled maintenance of the unit.

Signs of excessive pollution in a split system include:

  • characteristic unpleasant odor immediately after turning on the device;
  • leaks from the case of the indoor module;
  • the appearance of an unusual sound during operation, extraneous crackling or increased noise;
  • change in blowing temperature.

For routine maintenance of the system or for the treatment of these symptoms, it is necessary in a certain step by step sequence perform all cleaning procedures, the result of which will be a device that is free of all contaminants and stably working.

By the number of main units of the split system, the cleaning procedure can also be divided into two stages: taking care of the indoor unit and cleaning the outdoor unit.

Dismantling and cleaning the indoor unit

The very process of washing parts of split systems blocks does not need a very detailed description. We will dwell on some of the nuances of this procedure below.

The main thing in the process of cleaning the air conditioner is correct, without causing mechanical damage to the system, to dismantle individual parts of the device for their subsequent cleaning or washing

In order to have a general idea of \u200b\u200bwhich parts and units of the split system are subject to servicing, you need to know its structure.

The main units of the indoor unit include:

  1. An evaporator, also known as a radiator or heat exchanger.
  2. Shaft or impeller.
  3. The motor that drives the shaft in rotary motion.
  4. Drainage tray / tray.
  5. Horizontal and vertical blinds.
  6. Control unit with temperature sensors, indicators.
  7. Mesh filters.
  8. Indoor unit housing, in which all the details are compactly integrated.

Careful acquaintance with the device of the indoor unit makes it possible to approach with understanding the cleaning procedures, and also after their completion, to install all the parts in the right sequence in their places, carefully and correctly making the connection.

Step # 1 - cleaning the air conditioner filters

The first step in the maintenance of a split system is to clean the filtration elements.

The main section with the upper filters, the principle of which is the static effect, is located under the cover of the device. Their cleaning is the simplest procedure that does not require special knowledge and skills, and also is not too time-consuming.

It is recommended to check the degree of contamination of the primary filters and clean them as often as possible. Better weekly, but at least once every 2, maximum 4 months

It should be understood that even a slight accumulation of dust and grease on the filters can create problems in the functioning of the entire device.

The maintenance procedure for primary filters is as follows:

  1. De-energize the device and wait at least 10 minutes.
  2. Having unfastened the latches (usually on the side of the device), open the outer cover.
  3. Take out the filter mesh sections fixed to the frame.

The sides of the filter sections, inserted under the body and fixed on the runners, are easy to remove.

Some care must be taken when removing the filters to avoid damaging them. In most models, in order to detach the filter mesh section from the attachment point, it is enough to pull on the tabs at the bottom edge, and it can be easily removed

In order to remove an additional filter, usually a sponge, it is necessary to remove the air ionizer, if the split system is equipped with it. Usually the ionizer is mounted on the radiator on the side of the control panel of the device.

It is required to gently pull the handle, and it will easily come out of the slot along the grooves. The filter is installed on the back of the ionizer on a plastic frame and can be easily removed from its slots.

If the dirt is heavily soiled, you can use a vacuum cleaner for pre-cleaning. Then it is recommended to wash the filters and ionizer in a container with detergent, and then under running water. A sponge and a soft brush are used for washing.

Having completed the water procedures, it remains to shake off moisture from the washed elements and lay them out to dry.

Step # 2 - taking care of the indoor unit

For further major cleaning of the entire air conditioner, it will be necessary to disassemble it, with disconnection and removal of individual parts. This process is the most difficult and time consuming, especially if it is performed for the first time.

But the experience gained with regular maintenance of the device will help in the future to quickly bring the home climate system to perfect condition and get joy from it.

The first step is to detach the front of the case. The screws are located underneath the plugs. By pulling the cover towards you and up at the same time, it will easily detach from the case.

Next, the tray is removed to collect condensate. To do this, unscrew the screw on the side bracket on the left of the housing and all screws holding the damper drive and control unit on the right. When disconnecting the sensor, be careful not to pull on the wires, but only on the retaining bracket.

After that, the drain pipe is disconnected. Despite the fact that filters do the main job of creating a dust barrier, a fairly large amount of dirt settles on the fan blades. Therefore, the need for cleaning the fan shaft is beyond doubt.

In order to remove the impeller, you must first unscrew, but not completely, the screw of its fastening from the side of the control panel. Since the shaft is removed together with the motor, it is necessary to remove the motor wires from the connectors. As a rule, there are two such connectors.

The control unit can then be removed from the electronic board. To prevent moisture from entering the electronic part of the module, when washing, a plastic bag is put on the unit, which is tightly tied and secured with tape.

The continuation of the process of removing the impeller is to disconnect the heat exchanger, for which the motor mounts are unscrewed from the housing and the evaporator, as well as the screw holding the evaporator on the left side of the block.

When disassembling the indoor unit, especially when removing the fan shaft, you must be very careful not to damage the fins of the evaporator.

Complete disconnection of the indoor unit from the system that connects it to the outdoor compressor is a complicated procedure and is not performed at home. In addition, in this case, the entire system will need to be refilled with freon.

Therefore, it is enough to free the module from its attachment to the wall and carry out further cleaning procedures. For the convenience of work, a rope is tied to the block body. With its help, it is hung out on the brackets from which it was removed.

Having freed the evaporator, it will be easy to disconnect the unit with the impeller and the motor from the module itself and then send it to the sink.

When removing the indoor unit of the air conditioner from the brackets, be very careful not to damage the copper circulation pipes.

From this moment on, further maintenance of the split system can be continued in two ways:

  1. Dry removal of dust and dirt from the evaporator.
  2. Spray cleaning of the heat exchanger.

The first method involves cleaning the front of the heat exchanger with a vacuum cleaner and a brush. To clean the rear part, the heat exchanger is removed to the permissible distance from the wall and carefully vacuumed with a crevice nozzle.

Given the tightness, it is not recommended to use a brush or a brush to clean the rear part of the evaporator in order not to damage the radiator.

Along the way, you must remember to clean all accessible plastic parts of the case, as well as the back of the condensate drainage tray, using cleaning napkins or rags moistened with detergent. But even the highest quality dry cleaning of the heat exchanger will not give the effect achieved when washing it with water.

Step 3 - cleaning the evaporator

In order to wash all deposits accumulated there from the radiator and the air conditioner case, you must first equip the protection of walls, furniture and floor coverings from splashing and flooding with water and cleaning agents.

There are special service packages available for sale made of PVC material, which are assembled in the form of a container with a drain tube and fixed under the air conditioner. Depending on the height of the indoor unit, the tube can be extended to the required size

But such a device is quite affordable to make and with my own hands... To do this, you need to stock up on film, tape and a container for collecting water.

The procedure for installing a homemade service protection is as follows:

  1. Prepare a polyethylene film of the required size: with a margin of at least 1 meter width of the air conditioner on both sides and taking into account the distance from the block to the container in which the waste water will be collected, you can use an ordinary bucket.
  2. Tape the top of the foil on the wall behind the air conditioner.
  3. Collect the bottom of the film and put it into a bucket, cutting off the excess part and securing it with tape along the edge of the container.

All dirt along with water will be drained into a bucket through an equipped funnel, without causing damage to the room. The conditioner is washed with a jet of water under pressure.

To do this, you can use the following devices:

  • a hose from a water tap with a nozzle for creating a jet of increased pressure;
  • manual pump spray;
  • körcher car apparatus.

The use of the high pressure Körcher should be done with some caution.

Assembling the indoor unit of the air conditioner is carried out in the reverse order. At the first disassembly, it is recommended to record the whole process, leaving notes on the main actions on paper, or using video / photo shooting.

Care and accuracy in this matter will not lead to a situation in which unnecessary parts will remain after assembling the product.

Service of the external module of the split system

The main enemy of outdoor units of air conditioners is street dust and poplar fluff. In the absence of timely maintenance, the condenser and compressor of this module, depending on the height of the location, will work effectively no more than two to three seasons.

The maintenance procedure of the external unit is somewhat simpler than the internal one, and does not require its complete disassembly, with the removal of the fan, heat exchangers and other parts

For competent service of this module, it is also necessary to present its device.

The outdoor unit includes:

  1. Fan supplying air flows to the heat exchanger.
  2. Condenser, which is a system of copper tubes through which freon circulates.
  3. Compressor that compresses and circulates refrigerant through the system.
  4. A four-way valve that provides reversible operation of the split system, changing the roles of the condenser and evaporator.
  5. Filter.

As with the indoor unit, before starting the outdoor unit cleaning procedure, make sure that the system is de-energized. At the first stage, all dirt on the block body is cleaned, after which the front panel is dismantled and you can start cleaning from the inside.

Step by step it looks like this:

  1. Remove the grill and fan.
  2. Protect the engine from moisture by hiding it as tightly as possible in a plastic bag.
  3. Dry clean the accessible areas of the internal system of the device with a paint brush.
  4. Treat with detergent all internal parts of the module that are accessible with the front open, and, where possible, from the outside, sides and back.
  5. After waiting 5-10 minutes, wash all units in the same way as described for the indoor unit.
  6. Install all removed parts in reverse order.

It should be remembered that you must also clean the heatsink of the indoor module with care so as not to bend or damage its fins.

During cleaning, it is advisable to inspect its components. It is important to identify it in a timely manner in order to fix the problem immediately. The article recommended by us will familiarize you with the rules for conducting diagnostics.

A feature of servicing external modules is that you can only clean a unit that is mounted in an accessible vicinity on your own. In other cases, you still have to resort to the services of service technicians who have permission to work at height

It is important not only to understand in what sequence and how to clean the components of the split systems in normal home conditions, but also not to violate basic safety measures.

All contacts with the internal components of the system are allowed only on a de-energized device, and when working at height, it is necessary to provide insurance and observe maximum caution.

Drainage vent cleaning

The aggregate change in the state of the refrigerant inevitably leads to the formation of condensation. Accumulating in the indoor unit, the water is discharged through a special drain pipe to the outdoor unit, from where it flows down.

A blockage of the drainage pipe and, as a result, the lack of free drainage of water, can become a cause during the operation of the device. Often the causes of blockage in the drainage system can be not only deposits that have arisen during the operation of the device, but also, for example, a plug from a nest made by wasps.

By disconnecting the drain pipe and gaining access to the opening of the drain line, you can mechanically clean it. An antenna cable is quite suitable for this.

  1. Fill the system with a disinfectant such as the hospital-used chlorhexidine, approximately 4 bottles.
  2. Wait at least 15 minutes, connect a vacuum cleaner hose to the drain pipe and suck out all deposits.

In the absence of a pump, you can pump a disinfectant in an improvised way using plastic bottleto be connected with a rubber tube with a hose to a drain hole. By raising the container above the level of the drain inlet, the liquid is pumped into the system by simple compressions.

Option with removal of dirt from the drainage by blowing is possible. This is available if the vacuum cleaner has this function, as well as using a pump or steam generator high pressure Körcher

With different diameters of the drain hole and the air blower, an adapter can be made. With a little imagination, it is not difficult to do it at home from improvised means.

Antibacterial treatment technique

Mandatory at the final stage of maintenance of the split system will be the procedure for treating all parts with antifungal agents and antibacterial compounds that are acceptable for spraying in a residential area.

To neutralize the air conditioner from microbes and various microorganisms, the following can be used:

  • formulations containing antibacterial agents;
  • special cleaners for air conditioning systems;
  • The process of antibacterial treatment of split systems itself is simple and is easily carried out using an ordinary trigger spray, into which a disinfectant is poured, or with aerosol preparations.

    Quite often, a banal blockage causes a decrease in the cooling capacity of climate control equipment. A complete list of the reasons for the malfunction of the unit is presented in, which we highly recommend reading.

    Conclusions and useful video on the topic

    Tips for disassembly, maintenance and assembly of the indoor unit of the air conditioner from a specialist:

    Dismantling and DIY cleaning of the external air conditioner module:

    Mechanical way to remove the plug in the drainage pipe of the air conditioner, the cause of which was the hornet's nest:

    It should be understood that the need to invite specialists for its repair depends on how the split system is regularly cleaned. But not only that.

    These tips for self-service of the air conditioner will provide practical help in maintaining it in constant cleanliness, and this is a guarantee of protection from unwanted health effects in the comfort zone.

    Would you like to talk about how you yourself cleaned your own or office split system? Do you have useful information to make cleaning easier for your site visitors? Please write your comments in the block below, post photos, ask questions on the topic of the article.

Today air conditioners have become an integral part of the life of any modern person. They are installed in offices, salons, dachas, shops, and apartments. These devices are able to provide the room with the necessary coolness in hot weather. And some of them can even increase the level of heat in the room in winter. During the operation of the device, any owner of the device faces the question: "How to clean the filter in the air conditioner and is it necessary to call specialists for this?"

Why is the air conditioning system dirty?

Before talking about how to clean the filters in the device and the air conditioner itself, you must at least roughly imagine the principle of its operation and understand how important cleaning the device is. You must admit that many of you have probably heard from your neighbors or acquaintances that they haven’t cleaned their devices for several years, but those, nothing, work.

The operation of any device from the series of split systems is associated with the fact that it has to pass through itself many cubic meters of air every day. And the air contains dust, dirt from the street or premises. All this, passing through the device, settles on its internal components.

The accumulated dust and dirt can subsequently cause a very bad smell during the operation of the device, as well as loud noise. The internal parts of the device are in constant contact with a humid environment from the resulting condensation, and this is the most favorite area for the development of mold and other fungi. That is why, for every owner, cleaning filters and the air conditioner itself should become an obligatory and regular procedure.

If cleaning is diligently ignored, then filters will no longer cope with air purification, and this, especially in winter time, can cause many infectious diseases... And, of course, timely prevention of dust will help extend the life of your device many times over.

Why clean the system

Air conditioners have one feature: unlike many household appliances, the malfunctioning of an air conditioner always remains almost invisible. All the shortcomings do not appear immediately, but gradually accumulating, they contribute to the destruction of the device. Among the main factors that affect why you need to clean the air conditioner filter are the following:

  • without cleaning, polluted air begins to flow into the room;
  • a dirty filter creates an ideal environment not only for the development of fungi and bacteria, but also for mites;
  • dirty filters and blocks of the device will significantly reduce its service life.

When to clean the air conditioner

As a rule, the passport for any device must indicate the time when it is desirable to perform preventive cleaning of the device itself or its filters. But sometimes, in conditions of constant work and increased air pollution, preventive work may be required much earlier than the established time.

If you notice that your system is not working properly:

  1. After starting up the appliance, you start to smell an unpleasant, musty smell.
  2. During the operation of the device, you began to notice that water began to flow from the internal block of the device.
  3. When you turn on the air conditioner, there are extraneous noises in the operation of the device, crackling or metallic clanging.

All this is a sign that the time has come to carry out certain work. The air conditioner filter can be cleaned by yourself. You can also clean the internal block of the device from accumulations of dust and dirt on your own.

How to clean the system air filter

These elements, working on the principle of a static effect, in ideal should be cleaned at least once a month. According to experts, even minor dust and dirt build-ups can seriously interfere with the operation of the air filter.

And the question naturally arises: How can you clean the air conditioner filter yourself, since it will be very expensive to call specialists every month for such work.

The work is carried out in several stages:

  1. First, remove the outer cover of the air conditioner.
  2. Gently lift the bottom of the filter and pull it out.
  3. Rinse the filter under a tap with warm water. You can use dishwashing detergents and a soft sponge to be more effective.
  4. Next, put the filter down and let it dry. Never place the filter near heat sources: batteries, boilers, gas stoves.
  5. After the element dries out, it can be inserted back into the device.

How to clean the indoor unit

It should be noted that it is the inner part of the device that most often needs the cleaning procedure. Having such a device at home, you should definitely know how to clean the filter in the air conditioner, which is located inside the device and how to clean the unit itself.

The internal filter has a fine mesh. It is located under the front panel of the instrument. Through it, air enters the system from outside. Fine dust particles and larger dirt particles remain on this mesh. Thanks to this, both the room and the internal components of the device remain reliably protected.

Cleaning work is carried out as follows:

This completes the cleaning of the filters in the system. Experts recommend paying attention to the environment and carrying out preventive maintenance depending on the conditions. The purpose of the air conditioner filter is, first of all, to purify the air coming from outside.

For example, cleaning the filters of a split system located on the 9th floor of a high-rise building in an ecologically clean area will be required much less often than a device located on the first floor of an office located on a noisy highway.

Frequent problems

How the filter protects the air conditioner and the room is already known about dirt and dust. But is it necessary to take any measures not only for cleaning, but also for maintaining the device for effective and long-term operation.

Of course, it is necessary. Firstly, experts recommend that you prepare the device for the summer season without fail. This is due to the fact that it will be necessary to technically prepare the air conditioner. In summer, the dustiness of the air is much stronger than in winter.

Very often, owners complain that the device has stopped cooling the air. The most common cause is refrigerant leaking from the unit. Here, the primary factor is to find out the cause of the breakdown.


Many owners of split systems are faced with the problem that they cannot determine exactly when to clean the filter. It is worth noting that modern devices almost all are equipped with indicators that show how dirty the filter is.

If this indicator is absent, then you should rely on the average optimal period, which is determined by the manufacturer, approximately 1 month.

Do not forget that filters in devices are different. For example, pocket filters are completely disposable and should never be washed as mesh filters. Such an element will have to be completely replaced after it reaches its maximum.

Thus, having determined for yourself the priority cleaning times, you can always be sure of the efficient operation of your air conditioner. Carrying out preventive work on time, you can be sure that your device perfectly cleans and cools the air in the room, and dust, dirt, bacteria and fungi do not accumulate in the cleaning elements.


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