Is it possible to clean the split system yourself? How to clean the air conditioner at home yourself: preparing climate control equipment for the summer season

Regular and correct cleaning of split systems will increase their reliable operation and maintain functionality in all operating modes. But not only that. A clean air conditioner successfully combats harmful pollutants that are present in the air of residential premises.

We will talk about how to clean climate control equipment, which can be done independently. The article we presented describes in detail the process of disassembling the system to remove contaminants and options for processing functional components. Taking into account our tips, you can clean the unit without difficulty.

We will consider the procedure for cleaning climate control devices, step-by-step instructions for their implementation and useful tips using the example of the most popular type of home and office units.

Before you start cleaning the split system yourself, you need to carefully inspect it externally, focusing on the following points:

no damage to the current-carrying wires of the electrical circuit, their insulation and grounding;
reliability of fastening of all screws in threaded connections;
integrity of the freon circuit;
no mechanical damage.

Such inspections of climate control 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 traps not only dust, but also various bacteria, microorganisms, and allergens. When inspecting an air conditioner, you can see with the naked eye the deposits where these invisible enemies of health reside, which are then concentratedly released into the air

In addition to periodic cleaning and, in case of certain symptoms based on the inspection results, there may be a need for unscheduled maintenance of the unit.

Signs of excessive contamination of the split system include:

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

During routine maintenance of the system or to treat the indicated symptoms, it is necessary to perform all cleaning procedures in a certain step-by-step sequence, the result of which will be a device cleaned of all contaminants and operating stably.

Based on the number of main units of the split system, the cleaning procedure can also be divided into two stages: caring for the indoor unit and cleaning the outdoor module.

Disassembling and cleaning the indoor unit

The process of washing parts of split system units 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 to correctly, without causing mechanical damage to the system, dismantle individual parts of the device for their subsequent cleaning or washing

In order to have a general idea of which parts and components of the split system are subject to maintenance, you need to know its structure.

The main components of the indoor unit include:

An evaporator, also known as a radiator or heat exchanger.
Shaft or impeller.
A motor that drives the shaft into rotation.
Drainage tray/bath.
Horizontal and vertical blinds.
Control unit with temperature sensors and indicators.
Mesh filters.
The housing of the internal module, into which all parts are compactly built.

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

Step No. 1 - cleaning the air conditioner filters

The first step when servicing a split system is to clean the filtration elements.

The main section with upper filters, whose operating principle is based on a 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 is also not too time-consuming.

It is recommended to check the degree of contamination of the primary filters and clean them as often as possible. Preferably weekly, but not less than once every 2, maximum 4 months

It is necessary to understand that even a slight accumulation of dust and grease deposits on the filters can create problems in the functioning of the entire device.

The procedure for servicing primary filters is as follows:

Disconnect the device and wait at least 10 minutes.
Unfasten the latches (usually on the side of the device) and open the outer cover.
Remove the filter mesh sections attached to the frame.

The sides of the filter sections, placed under the housing and mounted on skids, are easy to remove.

When removing the filters, some care must be taken to avoid damaging them. In most models, in order to detach the filter mesh section from its attachment point, simply pull the tabs at the bottom edge, and it will easily come off

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

You just need to carefully pull the handle, and it will easily come out of the socket along the grooves. The filter is installed on the back of the ionizer on a plastic frame and can be easily removed from its grooves.

In case of heavy contamination, you can use a vacuum cleaner for preliminary cleaning. Then it is recommended to wash the filters and ionizer in a container with detergent, and then under running water. For washing, use a sponge and a soft brush.

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

Step No. 2 - caring for the internal module

For further thorough cleaning of the entire air conditioner, it will be necessary to disassemble it, disconnecting and removing individual parts. This process is the most complex and time-consuming, especially if it is performed for the first time.

But the experience gained through regular maintenance of the device will help you quickly bring your home climate system into ideal condition and get joy from it.

The first step is to detach the front part of the housing. The screws are located underneath the plugs. By pulling the cover towards you and up at the same time, it can easily be detached from the body.

Next, remove the tray to collect condensate. To do this, you need to unscrew the screw on the side fastening on the left of the housing and all the screws holding the damper drive and control unit on the right. When disconnecting the sensor, you must be careful and under no circumstances pull on the wires, but only on the retaining bracket.

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

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

After this, you can remove the control unit from the electronic board. To prevent moisture from entering the electronic part of the module when washing, a plastic bag is placed 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 from the housing and evaporator are unscrewed, 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, maximum care must be taken so as not to damage the evaporator fins

Completely disconnecting the indoor unit from the system connecting it to the outdoor compressor is a complex procedure and cannot be done at home. In addition, in this case, the entire system will need to be recharged with freon.

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

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

When removing the indoor air conditioner unit from the brackets, extreme care must be taken to avoid damaging the copper circulation lines.

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

Dry removal of dust and dirt from the evaporator.
Washing the heat exchanger using a spray method.

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 a permissible distance from the wall and carefully vacuumed using a crevice nozzle.

Given the tight space, it is not recommended to use a brush or brush to clean the rear part of the evaporator, so as not to damage the radiator.

Along the way, you must remember to clean all accessible plastic areas of the case, as well as the back of the condensate drain tray, using cleaning wipes or a rag moistened with detergent. But even the highest quality dry cleaning of the heat exchanger will not give the effect achieved by washing it with water.

Step #3 - cleaning the evaporator

In order to wash out all the deposits that have accumulated there from the radiator and the air conditioner housing, it is necessary to first protect walls, furniture and floor coverings from splashes and flooding with water and cleaning agents.

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

But it is quite possible to make such a device with your own hands. To do this, you need to stock up on film, tape and a container to collect water.

The installation procedure for homemade service protection is as follows:

Prepare a plastic film of the required size: with a margin of at least 1 meter for the width of the air conditioner on both sides and taking into account the distance from the unit to the container in which waste water will be collected, you can use a regular bucket.
Secure the top part of the film to the wall behind the air conditioner with tape.
Collect the bottom of the film and place it in 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 air conditioner is washed with a jet of water under pressure.

The following devices can be used for this:

a hose from a water tap with a nozzle for creating a high-pressure jet;
manual pump sprayer;
Kärcher automobile apparatus.

Karcher, which creates high pressure, should be used with some caution.

Assembling the indoor air conditioner module is carried out in the reverse order. When disassembling for the first time, it is recommended to record the entire process, leaving notes about the main actions on paper, or using video/photo shooting.

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

Maintenance of the external module of the split system

The main enemy of outdoor air conditioner units 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 for no more than two to three seasons.

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

To properly service this module, you must also understand its design.

The outdoor unit includes:

A fan that supplies air flow to the heat exchanger.
A condenser, which is a system of copper tubes through which freon circulates.
A compressor that compresses and circulates refrigerant through the system.
A four-way valve that provides reverse operation of the split system, changing the roles of the condenser and evaporator.
Filter.

As when working with the indoor unit, before starting the cleaning procedure of the outdoor module, you must make sure that the system is de-energized. At the first stage, all contaminants on the unit body are removed, after which the front panel is dismantled and you can begin cleaning from the inside.

Step by step it looks like this:

Remove the grille and fan.
Protect the engine from moisture by hiding it as tightly as possible in a plastic bag.
Dry clean accessible areas of the internal system of the device using a paint brush.
Use detergent to clean all internal parts of the module that are accessible when the front is open, as well as, where possible, on the outside, on the sides and at the back.
After waiting 5-10 minutes, wash all components in the same way as described for the indoor unit.
Install all removed parts in reverse order.

It should be remembered that cleaning the radiator of the internal module must also be done 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 problems in a timely manner in order to immediately correct problems. Our recommended article will introduce you to the rules of diagnostics.

A special feature of servicing external modules is that you can only clean the unit yourself if it is mounted within easy reach. In other cases, you will still have to resort to the services of service technicians who are certified to work at heights

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

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

Cleaning the drainage outlet

Aggregate changes in the state of the refrigerant inevitably lead to the formation of condensate. Accumulating in the indoor unit, water is discharged through a special drainage pipeline into the outdoor module, from where it flows down.

A clogged drainage pipe and, as a result, a lack of free removal of water can cause problems during operation of the device. Often, the causes of clogged drainage systems can be not only deposits that have arisen during 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 hole in the drain pipe, you can clean it mechanically. An antenna cable is quite suitable for this.

Fill the system with a disinfectant, such as hospital-grade chlorhexidine, approximately 4 bottles.
Wait at least 15 minutes, connect a vacuum cleaner hose to the drainage tube and suck out all deposits.

If you don’t have a pump, you can pump in disinfectant manually using a plastic bottle, which you need to connect with a rubber tube and a hose to a drainage hole. By raising the container above the level of the drainage inlet, the liquid is pumped into the system using simple compressions.

An option is to remove drainage contaminants using the blowing method. This is available if the vacuum cleaner has this function, as well as with the help of a pump or a Kärcher high-pressure steam generator

With different diameters of the drainage hole and air injection device, you can make an adapter. With a little imagination, this is not difficult to do at home using available materials.

Antibacterial treatment of equipment

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

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

compositions containing antibacterial agents;
special cleaners for air conditioning systems;

The process of antibacterial treatment of split systems is simple and easily carried out using an ordinary trigger sprayer into which a disinfectant is poured, or with aerosol preparations

Often, simple clogging causes a decrease in the cooling capacity of climate control equipment. A complete list of reasons for the malfunction of the unit is presented in, which we highly recommend reading.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Tips for disassembling, servicing and assembling the indoor unit of an air conditioner from a specialist:

Do-it-yourself disassembly and cleaning of the external air conditioner module:

A mechanical method for removing a plug in the drainage pipeline of an air conditioner, the formation of which was caused by a wasp’s nest:

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

The given tips for self-service of the air conditioner will provide practical assistance in keeping it constantly clean, and this is a guarantee of protection against unwanted health consequences in the comfort zone.

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

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

Causes of pollution

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

The main reasons for clogging of the climate control unit are:

due to work without interruptions, the unit becomes clogged with dirt and dust particles that settle in external and internal blocks;
when moisture gets into the device, fungi, microorganisms spread, and mold develops;
dust and exhaust gases enter the split system due to its close location to the earth's surface;
in the summer, clogging of the climate control unit occurs due to poplar fluff getting inside it - this situation often causes a breakdown of the system;
Due to the accumulation of dust, dirt and moisture in the air conditioner, insects spread inside the unit.

Why and how often is cleaning necessary?

Any equipment needs care, the same rule applies to split systems. If you do not promptly clean the device from the dirt that has accumulated in it, you can count on the device not only cooling the air, but also polluting it. Signs to start cleaning the climate control unit are as follows:

dissemination of an unpleasant odor;
poor operating efficiency;
failure to maintain the specified temperature;
release of liquid from the block inside the device;
the appearance of noise and sounds uncharacteristic of the air conditioner.

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

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

Necessary tools and resources

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

liquid reagent with an alkaline base;
foam cleaner in an aerosol can;
medical antiseptic, for example, chlorhexidine.

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

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

How to disassemble an air conditioner?

Before proceeding to the analysis of climate control equipment, you need to conduct a detailed inspection of the equipment. It is worth emphasizing several points:

absence of defects on the wires that conduct electricity, damage to their insulation and grounding;
Is the fastening of each screw in the thread connection secure?
integrity of the freon circuit structure;
presence or absence of damage.

Inspecting equipment is not a long process, but it is necessary. The regularity of this process is considered the key to long-term operation of the air conditioner.

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

Switching off the unit from the network.
According to the information in the instructions for the equipment, it is worth removing the protective filter that is located in the indoor unit.
Removing the outer panel from the indoor unit. To do this, the bolts under the plugs are unscrewed on both sides. The block body stretches to the bottom.
Blades extend from the grooves, guiding and distributing air.
Removing the lower element of the block, which is secured with latches.
Disconnecting the electrical power cord.
Removing the drain pipe.
Disconnecting the electrical type wire from the device.
Removing the housing of the internal electrical unit. For this purpose, it is necessary to eliminate the grounding wiring, after which the fixing brackets are moved. The next step will be to directly remove the block.
Removing the drainage device and outlet hose.

How to clean?

Cleaning dust and other debris from the split system at home yourself does not involve any difficulties. You can do this yourself not only quickly, but also cheaply.

Indoor unit

After the unit has been disassembled at home with your own hands and you have access to its components, you can begin cleaning. For this purpose, you should not use hard brushes or metal objects, as they can damage the heat exchanger and the freon line.

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

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

The master should be prepared for the fact that dirt and debris will fly onto the floor during cleaning. To prevent this from causing discomfort, it is advisable to lay the floors in advance.

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

The air conditioner heat exchanger requires regular maintenance. Removal of accumulated contaminants in this part of the unit is required at least once every 12 months. In order to get to the heat exchanger, you will need to remove the grille. Next, you can use a vacuum cleaner or a soapy rag to remove debris. All procedures should be carried out with extreme care to avoid damage to the heat exchanger or personal injury.

If corrosion is detected when cleaning this part of the indoor unit, it is better to have the air conditioner serviced, as the danger may lie in a freon leak. To eliminate the unpleasant odor that the air conditioner emits, you need to do antiseptic cleaning. To this end, 500 milliliters of alcohol-based antiseptic should be poured into a tank with a spray bottle and sprayed around the radiator when the air conditioner is on. After inhaling small drops, after 10 minutes there will be no trace of the bad aroma.

The drainage system of climate control equipment also needs cleaning. The drain tube may become clogged with dust and mold particles. There are several ways to fix this problem.

A soap solution must be passed through the evaporator. It will wash away dirt and dissolve accumulated fat.
The disconnected drainage tube can be blown out with a vacuum cleaner. This cleaning option can only be used if it is heavily soiled.
The tube that is completely disconnected should be washed using a disinfectant.

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

Assembling the indoor unit of the split system is carried out in the reverse order. When disassembling the unit for the first time, it is worth recording information to make assembly easier. If you work carefully and carefully, there should be no unnecessary parts left.

External module

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

Stages of cleaning the external part of the split system:

dismantling the grille, fan;
protecting the engine from moisture, that is, sealing it in polyethylene;
dry clean all accessible areas of the internal system of the unit, using a paint brush;
treat each of the internal parts of the equipment with a detergent, including accessible front elements, as well as the side and rear parts;
after 10 minutes you can begin to wash each of the nodes;
installation of all elements of the external unit in the reverse order.

The technician should remember that cleaning the radiator should be done with extreme caution so as not to destroy or bend its fins.

The housing, drainage system and filters require regular cleaning. This procedure must be carried out taking into account the location of the unit and its purpose:

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

The service life of climate control equipment can be increased if you adhere to several rules.

There should be no drafts in the room where the device is installed. Doors and windows should be kept closed to maintain the desired temperature and allow the system to work in enhanced mode.
Unnecessarily, you should not turn on the equipment for maximum and minimum airflow, as this can lead to rapid wear of the internal elements.
Air conditioners must operate only at permitted temperatures, namely: inverter model - from -5 to -10, “with winter kit” - up to -20, basic models - from 0 to -5 degrees Celsius.
Maintenance needs to be carried out constantly. If the split system is used intensively, then this is done twice a year, and if the equipment operates moderately, then once every 12 months. Service is an inexpensive procedure, but it can increase the life of the air conditioner for many years.
The internal system unit should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
After downtime, the equipment must be driven, thereby removing all accumulated dirt and debris.
There should be no obstacles in the path of the air flow from the air conditioner.
The external unit of the unit must have special protection that will protect it from precipitation.
Once a quarter it is worth cleaning the equipment filters, drying them and installing them back.

To make your equipment less dirty, you can do the following:

ventilate the room;
do not place interior items on the split system;
do not touch the climate control equipment with wet hands;
Do not allow animals to sit on the air conditioner.

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

During its operation, any climate control equipment displaces countless amounts of air, which contains mechanical inclusions of various fractions, dust, bacteria and fungal spores, as well as fluff and hair from pets. So all this would remain in the air if there were no filter elements installed in the air conditioner, which periodically need to be replaced or cleaned. Depending on the design of the air conditioner, its power and purpose, filters need to be cleaned at different times recommended by the manufacturer, and in some cases based on “clinical” performance indicators of the air conditioner.

When and why you need to clean air conditioning equipment

As a rule, the situation when you have to clean a household split system arises extremely rarely: that’s all you need, but how to clean it, yourself or with the help of a specialist, or call a specialized team from a cleaning company for such a case - this is the question that worries the user most often. This article is intended to answer several common questions related to cleaning air conditioners, what you can do on your own, and where professional intervention is required.

First of all, you need to answer the question: “Why do you need to clean the split system yourself?” Of course, for these purposes you can call a specialist and pay him several thousand hard-earned, but why pay for something that is no more difficult to do than cleaning, for example, a vacuum cleaner. Few people call a specially trained person for this.

In an air conditioner that has not undergone a preventive maintenance procedure for a long time, a lot of dust has accumulated inside, which will certainly lead to problems, namely:

Significant deterioration of the indoor microclimate. Dust that settles on the air conditioner units will spread throughout the room, which can cause allergic attacks in people in the room. You can read how to check the air in an apartment in the article.
Difficulty in the operation of this climate control device. The thing is that accumulated dust and dirt in the filter elements will prevent the free passage of air flow.
Significant reduction. These are the consequences of dust buildup on the heat exchanger.
Increased risk of failure of the split system due to increased air resistance and, as a consequence, increased load on the fan motor.

"Clinical" indicators of the air conditioner indicating cleaning

One of the most striking manifestations of a long-term lack of maintenance of air conditioners is the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the internal module. First of all, this indicates colonies of fungi and mold that have developed in the device. And with every turn on of the air conditioner, millions of spores fly around the apartment and inevitably enter the human respiratory system, leading to terrible diseases such as asthma, allergies and various types of dermatitis.

If a mold smell appears, you must immediately clean the inside of the air conditioner and its filter elements. If you delay cleaning, the likelihood of subsequent problems increases. In addition to the smell, there are several other signs that the split system needs to be cleaned:

Reducing the power of the device.
Increased energy consumption.
Icing of highways and connecting fittings.

We are gradually cleaning our climate control equipment

Do-it-yourself air conditioner cleaning consists of three stages:

cleaning or replacing the air conditioner filter;
cleaning the “insides” of the internal module;
preventive cleaning of the external unit.

Before carrying out any work, the climate system must be completely disconnected from the power supply.. To effectively clean the filter elements in the internal block of a split system, you need to carry out a series of sequential operations, which are proposed in this article:

Advice:
Do not wash one filter element more than 8 times, as water disrupts its throughput, which affects the efficiency of the entire climate system.

How to clean the indoor unit of a split system yourself

Very often the question: “How to clean an air conditioner at home” should be meant as follows: “How to clean the indoor unit of an air conditioner with your own hands.”

In addition to replacing and cleaning the filters of the internal module of the split system, you can independently clean the evaporator heat exchanger from dust accumulated in it. This is the main part of any climate system, which must be kept perfectly clean for the device to work well.

It is assembled from tubes in which the freon evaporation process takes place, as a result of which the evaporator is cooled. Air flows “wash” the heat exchanger and cool themselves. In order to clean the air conditioner evaporator, you need to:

De-energize the climate system.
Remove the protective grille according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Using a vacuum cleaner and a thin brush, clean the heat exchanger and the space between the tubes and shut-off valves from dust.

Important!
If there are traces of metal corrosion on the surface of the heat exchanger, you should urgently contact a service center to avoid freon leakage.
Reassemble the device in reverse order.

Advice:
When cleaning the air conditioner evaporator, do not use a hard brush or metal objects that can damage the freon line and heat exchanger.

Sometimes it is necessary to clean the indoor unit fan from dust and grease deposits, but it is strongly recommended not to carry out this procedure on your own. The best option would be to call a service professional.

Cleaning the compressor unit of a split system

It is immediately necessary to clarify that the design of the split system involves the location of the external unit of the split system outside the room, so disassembling and cleaning it should be carried out by professionals. The only thing that needs to be done is flushing the air conditioner, or rather its external unit. To do this you need:

Disconnect the air conditioner and remove the plug from the socket.
Using a soft brush and cloth, remove dust and dirt from the unit body.
Having connected the hose to the water supply network or a car wash, direct the stream directly into the device and try to rinse the contents as thoroughly as possible without opening the housing of the external unit of the climate system.
After cleaning, remove excess water and the device body.

Now you have learned how to clean the air conditioner yourself. If such simple procedures are carried out promptly and carefully, you can significantly extend the service life of the climate system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cleaning the fan

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

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

Cleaning the drainage system

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

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

Cleaning the outdoor unit

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

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

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

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

Over time, any air conditioner will have to be cleaned of dust and other contaminants, and it does not matter which device is used to cool the air - mobile, floor-standing, window or wall-mounted. This article tells you how to clean a split system at home, because with the right approach, doing it yourself is not at all difficult.

Help from Wikipedia: split system (English to split - “to separate”) - air conditioning, air conditioning system, consisting of two blocks: external (compressor-condensing unit) and internal (evaporative).

Causes of pollution

There are many reasons why dirt accumulates in your air conditioner. Let's list the main ones:

A constantly running air conditioner becomes clogged with dirt from the air, which remains in the external and internal units of the device.
Moisture entering the air conditioner with air causes the development of pathogenic microorganisms, fungus and mold.
The location of the external unit close to the ground leads to clogging of the split system with street dust and exhaust gases.
In the hot season, poplar fluff contaminates the device and can cause it to break.
Dust, dirt, and moisture accumulated in the air conditioner cause various insects to appear in the device.

If you do not promptly clean the device from accumulated dirt, this will lead to the fact that the air conditioner will not only cool the air, but also clog it.

How to understand when it’s time to clean your device

Any air conditioner will have to be cleaned sooner or later. However, it is often difficult for inexperienced owners to understand correctly when to do this. In order not to miss the moment, you need to pay attention to the following signs:

unpleasant odor;
low operating efficiency - the device does not maintain the set temperature;
release of liquid from the internal block of the device;
presence of noise uncharacteristic for the device when connected to the power supply.

If the owner observes at least one of the signs listed above, this is a sign that the system needs to be cleaned urgently. Experts recommend not to bring the device to a critical state and to wash it from dirt in a timely manner.

How to disassemble the indoor unit

Before general cleaning, the air conditioner will have to be disassembled. But before you start working, you should read the instructions supplied with the device and its design features. After all, today there are many manufacturers of climate control equipment. Thus, a Panasonic split system may differ significantly in appearance from air conditioners manufactured by Ballu, Lgen, Dantex, Lessar, Whirlpool, MDV, Gree or Daikin. However, no matter what logo is depicted on the air conditioner unit, the sequence of work will be similar.

When disassembling the device, you must adhere to the following step-by-step order:

disconnect the device from the power supply;
following the instructions, remove the protective filter of the indoor unit (usually to do this, unscrew the bolts under the plugs and pull the housing down);
remove the blades that control the air direction (fan drum);
remove the lower part of the block;
disconnect the power cord;
remove the drainage pipe and electrical wires;
remove the housing of the internal electronic unit;
remove the outlet hose and drain device.

Remember all the steps taken during the disassembly stage, because after cleaning the indoor unit, the system will need to be reassembled in the reverse order.

To learn more about the features of disassembling an LG household split system, watch the video:

Cleaning the indoor unit

Once you have access to all components of the internal unit of the split system, you can begin cleaning them. For this It is not recommended to use hard brushes or metal objects, which can damage the heat exchanger or freon line.

Cleaning Air Filters

Cleaning the air conditioner filter with your own hands is not difficult, the main thing to remember is that this procedure should be carried out regularly, at least once a week. To remove accumulated dirt, it is recommended to soak the filter elements in water and foam detergent for 30 minutes. And then rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry well before installing in the air conditioner.

It should be noted that it is difficult to clean the air filters of duct, cassette or ceiling type air conditioners, because the internal unit of such devices is located in the ceiling.

Cleaning the fan

The fan of the indoor unit of the air conditioner also needs regular cleaning. It is a roller that drives cooled air into the room. To complete the task, you can dismantle the fan or wash it without removing it from the case. If the second option is chosen, to remove dirt, you should treat the blades with a soap solution, and then turn on the split system at minimum power.

Be prepared for the debris accumulated on the blades to fly to the floor, so first cover the part of the apartment under the air conditioner with old newspapers. After 15 minutes, turn off the device and remove any remaining dirt with a soft sponge or brush.

Removing dirt from vents

The top panel of the indoor unit is equipped with holes designed to allow air to enter the split system. You can clean them with a cloth dampened with soapy water.

If the owner of the air conditioner has decided to monitor the cleanliness of the device on his own and perform its maintenance without calling a technician, do not forget about regular maintenance of the heat exchanger. It is necessary to remove accumulated dirt from this part of the device at least once a year.

To get to the heat exchanger, you will have to remove the grille. After this, dirt can be easily removed using a vacuum cleaner or a cloth moistened with soapy water. But this must be done carefully, as you can easily damage the heat exchanger or injure yourself.

During the cleaning process, special attention should be paid to the appearance of the heat exchanger. If traces of corrosion are found, you must contact a service center, since such damage is dangerous due to freon leakage.

Removing unpleasant odor

To eliminate the unpleasant odor that may appear from the air conditioner over time, it is necessary to carry out antiseptic cleaning. To do this, pour 0.5 liters of liquid alcohol-based antiseptic (can be bought at a pharmacy) into a spray bottle and spray it near the radiator with the air conditioner on. Small drops are drawn in and after ten minutes the unpleasant odor disappears.

Cleaning the drainage system

The air conditioner drainage system also needs to be cleaned. Otherwise, the device will leak and the escaping air will have a putrid odor.

The cause of a clogged drain tube can be either dust or mold. To clean it, use one of the following methods:

a soap solution is passed through the evaporator, which washes away dirt and dissolves grease;
blow out the disconnected tube (drainage) with a vacuum cleaner, but this option is applicable only when the drainage system is not very clogged;
the completely disconnected drain tube is washed and blown along its entire length, and treated with a disinfectant (this is the only way to clean the system from severe contamination).

Various agents, such as chlorhexidine, are used to disinfect the tube.

To check the quality of cleaning, you can pour 1.5 liters of water into the drainage system. If the result is positive, the liquid will flow out freely.

The video below will help owners of air conditioners clean the indoor unit from dirt:

Cleaning the outdoor unit

The outdoor unit is no less susceptible to contamination than the indoor unit. In this case, the cause of blockages is not only dust, but also plant pollen, fluff and small branches. The accumulation of debris can cause damage to the entire split system.

You can clean the external unit using a regular or washing vacuum cleaner. Using the latter will be especially effective.

When the owner has access to the outdoor unit (the air conditioner is located on the first floors of the house), it is recommended to remove the top cover of the device before cleaning. Then you can use not only a vacuum cleaner, but also a rag with detergent. When washing the blades, you should be extremely careful so that water does not get into the electrical part of the device. The radiator, fan blades and condensate tray can be cleaned using a steam generator. It not only effectively cleans surfaces, but also eliminates most bacteria.

The video will tell you about the features of cleaning the external unit using the example of a Daewoo air conditioner:

Air conditioner cleaning frequency

Experts say that it is necessary to remove contaminants in a split system at least twice a year. The air conditioner should be cleaned in the spring, before you start using it, and in the fall, after the end of the hot season.

If there is a lot of dust in the air, high humidity and other factors that increase the likelihood of contamination of the device, general cleaning will have to be carried out more often.

Video

We offer you to watch another video that will help you wash the split system of any manufacturer, for example, “Magnit”, “Ballu” and others:

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