We disassemble and clean the split system from dirt

Over time, happy owners of air conditioners begin to notice malfunctions in their work. An unpleasant odor appears, the efficiency of the unit decreases. This is an eloquent testimony that the time has come to clean the split system.

Contamination reasons

We list only the main ones:

1. If your air conditioner is constantly on, then it is clogged with dirt from the air. These contaminants are deposited on both the external and internal unit of the device.
2. Due to moisture, mold and mildew develop inside the unit.
3. If the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is installed not high from the ground, then pollution from street dust and exhaust gases inevitably occurs.
4. Poplar fluff in the season becomes a real disaster for air conditioners, and often becomes the cause of their breakdown.
5. During operation, dirt, moisture, dust invariably accumulate inside the unit. In addition, a warm and humid environment often attracts insects. Such "content" negatively affects the work and often leads to breakdown of the split system.

If you do not clean the device on time, then it will not only stop cooling the air, but will also start to clog it.

How to know when it's time to clean your air conditioner

Any air conditioner begins to need cleaning over time. However, often inexperienced owners of miracle systems notice this fact too late.

Here are just some of the "symptoms" that will point you to the need to clean the unit:

• The appearance of an unpleasant odor.
• Decrease in the efficiency of the device. Moreover, this does not mean that the air conditioner is completely turned off, but it ceases to maintain a given temperature regime.
• Liquid escapes from the indoor unit.
• At the moment of connection to the power supply, noises uncharacteristic of the air conditioner are heard.

Important: do not wait for all the "symptoms" to appear. If you observe at least one of the above signs, immediately start cleaning the device.

How to disassemble

Before starting cleaning, it is recommended that you read the instructions and understand exactly how your air conditioner is disassembled.

• Disconnect the device from the power supply;
• Remove the protective filter of the indoor unit following the instructions exactly. Usually for this you need to unscrew the bolts under the plugs, and gently pull the body down;
• Remove the air guide vanes;
• Dismantle the bottom of the block;
• Disconnect the electrical cord;
• Remove the drain tube and other electrical wires;
• Dismantle the housing of the indoor electronic unit;
• Remove the drain device and outlet hose.

Remember the procedure for dismantling, because after cleaning you will need to repeat all this, but in the opposite order.

Cleaning procedure

Each block of the split system needs special attention and an appropriate approach to cleaning. Do not use hard brushes and various metal objects, as you risk hopelessly ruining the unit.

First you need to clean the air filters. It is not difficult to do it yourself at home. It is recommended to clean the filters at least once a week. The dirt can be easily washed off if the filters are soaked for 30 minutes in warm water with the addition of detergent. After soaking, these elements must be thoroughly rinsed and dried. Only then can they be installed in the air conditioner.

Another important unit that needs regular cleaning is the fan. Outwardly, it resembles a roller, with the help of which cold air is supplied into the room. It can be removed from the air conditioner or cleaned without dismantling. If you prefer the second option, then the blades are treated with soapy water, washed off, and then run at low power to dry. Debris can fall to the floor during cleaning, so cover the floor with newspapers and remove carpet if possible.

Heat exchanger care is the key to long-term and trouble-free operation of your air conditioner. It is recommended to clean it at least once a year. To get to the mechanism, you need to remove the grate, and remove the dirt with a vacuum cleaner or a soft damp cloth. This work will require increased care and attention, since both the mechanism and the hands can be easily damaged. While cleaning the heat exchanger, inspect it carefully.

And in order to get rid of the unpleasant odor, you will have to carry out antiseptic cleaning. To do this, 0.5 liters of alcoholic antiseptic (it can be purchased at the pharmacy) is poured into a spray bottle and sprayed before the air conditioner is turned on. The droplets are drawn in and after a short time the unpleasant odor will be gone.

Don't forget the drainage system. Dust or mold can be the cause of a blockage in the drain tube. There are several ways to clean:

1. Pass the soap solution through the evaporator, it will help get rid of dust and grease;
2. Blow out the disconnected drain tube with a vacuum cleaner. But this method is only possible if the system is not very clogged.
3. The drain tube is completely disconnected, washed, treated with a strong disinfectant (this is practically the only way to cope with heavy contamination).

Chlorhexidine can be used as a disinfectant - a cheap but “working” drug sold in any pharmacy. Well, in order to make sure that the cleaning gave the desired result, pour 1.5 liters of plain water into the drainage system. If everything is in order, the water will simply flow out.

The outdoor unit is as dirty as the indoor unit. Not only dirt gets into it, but also plant pollen, fluff and even small branches. Clean it with a regular or washing vacuum cleaner.If there is free access to the outdoor unit, then it is better to remove the top cover and then there will be free access not only for the vacuum cleaner, but also for a rag with detergent. However, when rinsing the blades, be careful not to get water into the electrical part of the appliance. By the way, the radiator, fan blades and condensate tray can be treated with a steam generator. This will give not only a cleaning, but also a disinfecting effect, which is also important.

According to experts, the split system should be cleaned once or twice a year: in spring and autumn. If the unit is used in a very dirty environment, then more often. Following simple recommendations, you can clean the air conditioner yourself without the help of professional craftsmen.

VIDEO: How to clean an air conditioner better than a master.