If the efficiency of the climate system has decreased, the likely cause is equipment clogging. It is not difficult to disinfect and clean the air conditioner with your own hands.
When and how to clean the split system
The humid environment in the air conditioner is favorable for the multiplication of microbes, therefore, sometimes the inside is treated with drugs that eliminate the unpleasant odor and destroy the bacteria. The liquid for cleaning air conditioners is different - depending on whether you need to completely disassemble the system and rinse all the components, or just disinfect and eliminate the smell. These are chemicals, preparations for machining radiators and evaporators, aerosols for filters and fan impellers. There are professional cleaning methods that use an ultrasonic device - these are also suitable for an automobile air conditioner.
Signs of equipment contamination:
- unpleasant odor that appears when turned on;
- crackling or buzzing;
- condensation drops from the indoor unit;
- the presence of mold on the internal parts of the split system;
- thickening of condensate - mucus, which is formed by microorganisms as a result of vital activity.
It is necessary to clean the parts of the indoor unit once a year if the room in which the appliance is operating is dry and there are no signs of mold on the walls. In wet rooms, the air conditioner is cleaned twice a year.
To clean the air conditioner systems with your own hands, you need to open the case:
- Carefully lift up the cover covering the front panel of the indoor unit. There are mesh filters underneath. Soak them in warm water and dish detergent. It is better to dry the filters in the sun, as ultraviolet light kills pathogenic microbes. Repeat the procedure every 3 weeks.
- Wash the internal fan blades. Apply soapy water to them, turn on the device after 5 minutes. To prevent dirt flying from the inside during cleaning and disinfection of the air conditioner, cover the floor or walls.
- There are plugs on the bottom of the unit, which must be removed and the screws unscrewed. Find the latches holding the cover, unfasten and remove. All manipulations should be done very carefully so as not to break the plastic.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the dust from the inside of the air conditioner.
- Carefully remove the latches from the condensate container and slide. A drainage tube is fitted to the back of the container and cannot be torn off or removed.
- 0 clean the condensate container from dust and dirt.
- Even deeper is the impeller, which pumps air from the room onto the evaporator. Vacuum it too.
Do-it-yourself air conditioner disinfection
Specialists from service centers use special agents and chemicals for cleaning and disinfecting air conditioners. The advantage of specialized products is that they are safe for metal and plastic components, do not cause corrosion, and do not leave deposits.
To enhance the effect, put the filters back in place, close the lid, start. As soon as air begins to be sucked in, spray disinfectant liquid from a spray bottle near the air intake slot on the bottom of the case.
Special products for washing and disinfecting the air conditioner:
- a brush with a soft plastic nozzle cleans the radiator and condenser;
- disinfectant for air conditioner - antiseptic in the form of a spray;
- liquid for cleaning and disinfecting air conditioners removes dirt and grease;
- soft non-woven fabric that wicks moisture well.
Biological treatment split systems
A plant-based air conditioner cleaning spray is suitable for people who do not want to use chemicals at home. Perhaps a family member suffers from allergies or respiratory diseases.
To use such an aerosol, you need:
- Remove the front panel on the air conditioner.
- Rinse the mesh filter, all accessible parts by hand to remove dust and dirt.
- Shake the can with the substance and direct the stream to the running fan for about 30 seconds. Fan speed should be at maximum.
- Next, treat the evaporator and filter.
If necessary, the procedure is repeated 2 - 3 more times on the following days. The aerosol is suitable for a car air conditioner. To do this, it is turned on at maximum speed and a stream of aerosol is directed into the air intake.
Organic cleaning is incompatible with chemicals.
Chemicals for cleaning air conditioners
Manufacturers produce the following types of household cleaners for indoor units of split systems:
- chlorine-containing;
- dirt and organic matter solvents;
- antibiotics.
The drug Condiklin is a medical antiseptic containing chlorhexidine. It kills most bacteria and fungi, but has a negative effect on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and organs of vision.
The Belgian drug Airco-wedge consists of two components that are used in turn. The first is applied to internal surfaces and dissolves fat deposits, dirt. After rinsing with clean water, the second component is applied - an antiseptic. It leaves a protective film on the heat exchanger against microbes and corrosion.
Disadvantage - you cannot process filters and the rest of the insides of the air conditioner.
Foam cleaners
The funds include:
- Solubilizers are vegetable substances that are part of perfumery. They increase the washing characteristics of the solution, leave a pleasant smell. Not harmful to health.
- Surface active substances. Reduces the harmful effects of detergents. They are of plant origin, therefore they are more expensive than harsh chemicals.
- Antibacterial ingredients.
- Anti-corrosive substances.
- Various fragrances for aromatizing the room and odor absorbers - sorbents.
After spraying the contents of the cylinder onto the evaporator of the air conditioner, you need to wait 30 minutes, then turn it on in ventilation mode for 5 minutes.
Foam air conditioner cleaners are used for industrial models, automotive climate systems and residential split systems.
