During hot weather, air conditioners (ACs) are used in many homes. Sometimes it feels like the AC is not cooling enough, which is often related to dust and dirt buildup on the filters, fins, and coils of the unit itself. Many people turn to specialists for cleaning and maintenance, spending significant amounts of money. However, if you want to save money and perform a deep cleaning of your split system or window AC unit at home without unnecessary hassle, you can do the maintenance yourself by following several simple and safe steps.
What You Will Need for Cleaning
To carry out the cleaning, you will need the following items: a dry cotton cloth and an old toothbrush; a solution of liquid soap or mild detergent; a spray bottle filled with water; a large plastic bag or protective cover for servicing the air conditioner (to protect against water); a dust brush or blower (if available).
Cleaning Method
First, for safety, you must completely disconnect the power supply via the main switch of the air conditioner and unplug the plug from the socket. Next, gently lift and open the front plastic cover of the indoor unit of the split system. Carefully clean the installed air filters inside.
First, shake off the dust accumulated on the filters using a dry cloth or brush. After that, rinse them under running water, using liquid soap and a toothbrush very carefully. Allow the filters to dry completely in the shade. Next, on the back side of the filters are thin aluminum plates; the dirt on them needs to be carefully removed from top to bottom using an old toothbrush or a soft brush.
Place a plastic sheet or basin under the air conditioner so that water does not get onto the wall. Then, spray the mixture of water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid onto the coils using the spray bottle so that the contaminants are washed into the drain pipe. It is important to ensure that water does not get onto the electrical board located on the right. Also, check the drain pan and the air conditioner's drain pipe, making sure there are no blockages. Check if water drains easily from the drain pipe by adding a little water.
When the filters and coils are completely dry, reinstall the filters and close the front panel. Wipe the exterior surface of the air conditioner with a dry cloth. After 30 minutes of drying time, turn on the power and run the air conditioner at a temperature of 24–25°C. You will notice that fresh and cool air begins to flow.
