Originating in Japan, split-type air conditioners are the most popular type of cooling appliances in countries like Australia and New Zealand. Using two components that are connected via tubes, split-type models typically consist of an indoor unit (containing the fan and compressor) and an outdoor unit (containing the heat exchanger).
Ducted air conditioning Central Coast owner Kelly Palmer explains that a split-type air conditioner is an expensive appliance, and it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Cleaning a split-type air conditioner not only ensures its efficiency but also prolongs its lifespan. On average, cleaning a split type air conditioner takes about 15 minutes every three months.
Clean your split-type air conditioner well with the following pointers.
Safety firstÂ
The inner parts of the unit are sharp and electrically charged, so you must switch off the power supply before you begin cleaning. You should also clean the unit in a well-ventilated area and wear old clothing because you will get stained.
Wipe it downÂ
The first thing you need to do is wipe down the outer casing of the split type air conditioner with a damp, lint-free cloth dipped in soapy water. If there are any visible stains or dirt on the exterior, use an abrasive cleaner on them after wiping off any excess dirt with a wet cloth.
Rinse and drain the internalsÂ
As part of general maintenance, flush out all of the filters in your air conditioner by running cold water through them while they are still installed in the system. Make sure that the water has drained before attempting to clean the panels.
Remove your filtersÂ
Use a screwdriver to remove your outer casing and gently pull out any visible filters. If you are confused about where to find these parts, consult your user manual or check with your air conditioning service provider. When cleaning or replacing these pieces, make sure they are completely dry before returning them to their original position.
Vacuum dust awayÂ
Once all visible pieces of debris have been removed, vacuum out the inner components of your split type air conditioner using an upholstery attachment on low power. Be careful not to damage any internal components while doing this step.
Tackle the coilsÂ
The inner fan coils can get clogged with dust, hair and dirt that may lead to overheating. Clean the visible coils on your split type air conditioner by vacuuming them gently with an upholstery attachment. If you encounter too much resistance while using this tool, switch it out for a brush or crevice tool instead.
Check the drainÂ
An improperly positioned drain could lead to water overflowing onto your flooring during operation. Make sure there is no blockage in the pipe attached to it before cleaning your appliance again. Remove any debris that has blocked the path of liquid inside this section then replace all other components accordingly.
Look insideÂ
Take off each component one-by-one and wipe them down with a damp cloth soaked in baking soda or mild detergent. Remove all visible grills and other units to get into the hard-to-reach areas of your split type air conditioner.
Clean the filtersÂ
This does not need to be done if you have already wiped the exterior of your split type air conditioner, but it is a good idea to frequently clean its filters so that they can operate at full efficiency. You can easily take out the filter by opening the casing on one panel and gently pushing out each tab holding it in place before wiping it clean with a wet cloth.
Put it back togetherÂ
Put all components back into the system in reverse order from how you took them out. Check over your split type air conditioner to make sure that nothing is out of place or missing before attempting to switch it on again.
Clean the drip trayÂ
Regularly empty the drip trays of your cooling unit so they do not get clogged with water and prevent proper drainage. Once you have emptied each tray, wipe them down with a damp cloth dipped in mild detergent or baking soda solution before putting them back into place.
