Do-it-yourself cleaning of split systems: routine inspection and maintenance of equipment

Instructions for cleaning the outdoor unit

The most difficult thing is to clean the external unit of the equipment yourself.Usually, the outdoor unit is mounted in a window opening or on the wall of the building from the outside, so it is almost impossible to get to it without special equipment, although this unit must be serviced at least 2 times a year.

The structure of the outdoor unit

It is recommended to clean the outdoor unit annually, as it becomes clogged with pollen, plant fluff, leaves and insects, but working with it is difficult due to installation features - most often the outdoor unit is located on the outer wall and cannot be reached without special equipment.

Before starting work on cleaning the external circuit, you should understand its structure. It consists of the following elements:

• the fan is designed to maintain the optimal operating temperature of the heat exchanger;
• the condenser, installed near the fan, is made in the form of several copper tubes filled with freon;
• the compressor stimulates the pumping of freon from the condenser into the air conditioner. It is produced in the form of a piston or spiral type;
• the control board is rarely installed outside - usually it is located on the external unit;
• a four-way valve can only be installed on reversible equipment, when the air conditioner not only cools the air in the room, but is also able to warm it up;
• fitting connections are necessary to fix the tubes through which freon moves within the entire system;
• the filter protects the compressor from dust and fine solid particles;
• a protective cover separates the internal elements from external influences.

Cleaning order

You can clean the outdoor unit on your own only when it is possible to safely get to its elements, for example, in a private house from a ladder or if the equipment is installed on a loggia or balcony. It is not allowed to work at height without special permission and equipment.

Step by step process:

1. as in the case of the indoor unit, the equipment is first disconnected from the network;
2. the front panel is removed;
3. large particles of dirt and debris can be removed simply by hand (you should first wear gloves);
4. then, with the help of a vacuum cleaner, they penetrate into the far corners and remove deposits of dust;
5. the fan is also processed with a vacuum cleaner, but if it is very dirty, you can use a damp cloth, while you need to make sure that water drops do not get on the unprotected contacts of the equipment. If a foam cleaner is used, it is recommended to close the contact group with a film before starting work;
6. dust and dirt from the condenser is removed with a damp cloth;
7. after completing all the procedures, you need to clean the front panel;
8. before installing the panel, you need to make sure that all processed components and assemblies are dry;
9. cleaning of electrical components should be entrusted to professionals.

Connect the equipment to the network only after the complete drying of all parts.

Maintenance of the indoor unit

Cleaning the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes several stages:

• washing the filter mesh;
• washing the fan;
• cleaning the radiator, evaporator;
• cleaning the drainage system of the air conditioner.

If the air conditioning equipment is new and used recently, it only needs routine cleaning every 2 to 3 weeks.The list contains such cleaning activities as removing dust from the body of the indoor module and cleaning the most polluted parts of the air conditioner or split system.

The accumulation of dust provokes air pollution, the presence of extraneous noise, overheating of the radiator, compressor or evaporator. Cleaning the air conditioner with your own hands at home is carried out in stages.

Cleaning the air filters and fan

The removable mesh filter of the air conditioner is installed in the body of the inner panel, it can have any shape, this does not affect the cleaning procedure. To get to it, you need to disconnect the device from the network, remove the front cover by unscrewing a few screws. The mesh can be easily removed from the air conditioner, it is recommended not only to clean or rinse the filter, but to pre-soak it in water with laundry soap or a neutral household cleaner.

Then you need to rinse the rotary fan, which distills the cooled air. In the process of rotation, not only dust, but also grease settles on its blades, and debris accumulates. There are removable and non-removable fans, the removable one is simply removed, soaked in soapy water for a while. Fixed parts can be cleaned with a brush - this is not very convenient, it will take time, but high-quality cleaning eliminates the accumulation of dirt and grease.

If there is an extraneous unpleasant odor, then this is a sign of the development of bacteria, fungi or mold. After cleaning, the air filters and the air conditioner fan should be treated with a disinfectant solution or a special antibacterial agent.

Cleaning the heat exchanger and radiator

The radiator and heat exchanger are installed either in a single air conditioner module or in the indoor unit of a split system.The service center specialists carry out a complete cleaning of the air conditioning system, removing and disassembling the unit. This procedure is expensive, therefore it is more profitable to periodically carry out surface cleaning of the system at home or in the office.

How to properly clean the air conditioner radiator and evaporator yourself? Here is a step by step algorithm:

• remove the front cover;
• remove the filter screens;
• dry cleaning is carried out with a vacuum cleaner or a brush with long bristles, so as not to damage the evaporator plates, all movements must be strictly from top to bottom;
• dirt films are removed with a conventional steam cleaner;
• put the device into recirculation mode at the lowest temperature;
• in the area of ​​air mass suction, spray an antiseptic with a spray gun, excluding contact with the radiator itself.

In order to avoid collecting a lot of dust on the thin plates of the heat exchanger, and the cleaning process to be as fast as possible, dry cleaning should be carried out every month. It is optimal to combine these activities with the washing of filter screens.

Cleaning and disinfection of the drainage system

The drainage system of the air conditioner is a small structure of two elements: a pan where water collects, and a tube that removes liquid. The accumulation of dust in the presence of moisture provokes the development of fungi, bacteria and mold, as a result - the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Initially, you need to disconnect the tray from the board and the output tube, after which it can be easily removed and washed under running clean water. The drain tube can be cleaned with a compressor or a vacuum cleaner in blowing mode.Wash the canal with plain water and soapy water or any neutral detergent.

If fungus or mold has already begun to spread through the air conditioning system, it should be removed and the surface treated with an anti-mold, antiseptic or similar anti-fungal agent. An unpleasant smell most often comes from the pallet, it will not be superfluous to periodically disinfect it.

Cleaning the indoor unit of the air conditioner

Dealing with the principle of operation, special attention is paid to the module located indoors. Elimination of dust, dirt from the split system will improve the air in the room, remove unpleasant odors and hum

Start by studying the design features of the equipment.

Indoor unit device

The module includes the main and auxiliary units, details:

• front panel in the form of a plastic case with a grid on the latches;
• coarse and fine filter - polymer fine mesh;
• a part containing activated carbon to eliminate unpleasant odors (it is not cleaned, but changed every 4 months);
• zeolite mineral layer for collecting chemical compounds;
• filters: electrostatic, plasma, ultraviolet, photocatalytic, antibacterial, antioxidant - washed as they become dirty;
• fan with 3-4 rotation speeds;
• evaporator;
• blinds vertical, horizontal for the direction of air flows;
• indicator panel for setting operation parameters;
• tray for collecting moisture;
• drain hose - drains liquid;
• electronic control board - located to the right of the indoor unit and equipped with a terminal group;
• fitting connections - located at the bottom on the back.

Tools and materials for cleaning

Understanding how to clean the air conditioner at home with your own hands, you need to prepare:

• a vacuum cleaner;
• water container;
• warm water;
• dish soap without fragrances, softeners;
• rags,
• an old toothbrush and a brush with soft bristles;
• cross screwdriver;
• wire up to 50 cm long.

The master will not interfere with a film to protect the wall and floor, a solid base and a table for laying out elements.

Disassembly of the indoor unit

Before washing the air conditioner in the apartment, it must be disconnected from the mains, then:

Press on the plastic tabs

They are located on the side walls.
Take off the plastic cover.
Take out the filter nets.
Unscrew the screws securing the case, remove the element by pulling it slightly up.
Carefully tie the housing to the inside of the module with a wire or rope. So it is more convenient to work without breaking the wires, cables that are connected to the scoreboard.

Disassembly is complete, you can start washing.

Cleaning air conditioner filters

Sequence of work:

• open the cover on the front of the split system;
• remove mesh structures - there can be a lot of them;
• dilute warm water with a soapy composition in a basin;
• fold the modules into a container, give time to soak dust, dirt;
• after half an hour, they inspect the parts, if debris remains, wash them with a toothbrush;
• rinse the elements with running water, then wipe with a dry cloth.

After that, the parts are left for 1-1.5 hours for additional drying and, upon completion of work, are installed in place. Knowing how to clean air conditioner filters at home, it will not be difficult for the master to cope with the task.

Cleaning the internal fan

The device looks like a cylindrical shaft equipped with blades to move air flows. A thick coating of dust and dirt slows down the progress of the rotary module, and can completely block the operation of the unit.

To eliminate the layers, a little soapy liquid is dissolved in water, then the liquid is carefully sprayed onto the blades. As soon as the deposits are loosened, turn on at the lowest power

After 2 minutes, turn off and clean the remaining dirt with your hands with a brush, brush and soap composition

The process is carried out carefully so as not to violate the integrity of the blades - one crack is enough for a complete replacement

Cleaning the air conditioner radiator

The procedure is performed with special care - there is a high risk of breakage of the plates.

How to properly clean the radiator of an air conditioner at home, work steps:

Remove the nozzle from the vacuum cleaner and process the module. The pipe must not touch the plates.
Clean the elements with a soft, long-haired paint brush.
To eliminate microbes, the masters recommend cleaning all planes with chlorhexidine. The pharmaceutical product is not diluted, the brush is dipped and the dirt is removed from the plates.
Fat layers and plugs are washed with hydrogen peroxide, a concentrated soap composition

Too thick scale is removed with a thin knife, the layers are removed carefully so as not to damage the modules. After removing carbon deposits, the part is rinsed with clean water, wiped dry.

Possible consequences of air conditioner contamination

If you notice at least one of the signs indicated in this list, immediately stop using the device until all necessary measures have been taken to eliminate contamination, or until the diagnosis of malfunctions has been clarified.Otherwise, your equipment may completely fail, or get serious damage, to eliminate which one cleaning of the split system can no longer get off.

In addition to the risk of equipment failure, a long-term uncleaned air conditioner can cause a fungus, and also serve as an ideal habitat for various parasites, such as ticks, and other microscopic “animals” in the form of bacteria that are no less pleasant and hostile to the human race. , microbes and mold.

Therefore, we read below how to wash the air conditioner, and whether it is possible to wash it at all.

Cleaning the indoor unit

To clean the indoor unit of the air conditioner yourself, you should know that it consists of air filters, a drainage system, a fan and an evaporator. FROM features of their cleaning Let's look further in more detail.

Filters

The first line of defense in a home split system is air conditioner air filters, which trap most of the dust and dirt contained in the ambient air. It is for this reason that air filters have to be cleaned more often than other units.

The procedure for cleaning filters is as follows:

1. Disconnect the device from the mains.
2. Lift and secure the panel on top of the air conditioner.
3. Dismantle the air filters (for your model, we recommend that you first read the instructions).
4. Use a brush or vacuum cleaner with a bristle attachment to remove most of the dirt.
5. Put for several hours in a soapy solution, then rinse thoroughly under running water.
6. Wait until the filter is completely dry.
7. Set to original position.

Fans

In many models of home air conditioners, the vane module can be completely dismantled, which makes it possible to wash it in water and soapy water. The procedure for cleaning the split system fan is as follows:

1. Power off the device.
2. Remove the front panel of the air conditioner.
3. Remove the drain block and disconnect its power supply cable.
4. Remove the screw connecting the fan to the motor rotor.
5. Clean the blades with soapy water and water, then wipe dry.
6. Install everything in reverse order.

Evaporator

To flush the split system evaporator with your own hands, disconnect the device from the mains, remove the front panel, remove the filters and brush the evaporator with a brush with long bristles. After treatment with an antibacterial agent, dry the module and install all the elements back.

It is worth noting! Along with cleaning the evaporator with the same brush, it is also recommended to clean the radiator and air conditioner heat exchanger.

drainage system

To clean the air conditioner evaporator unit, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the power plug from the device.
2. Remove the front panel, dismantle the filters and the drainage system.
3. Rinse the tubes under running water and treat with an antifungal agent.
4. The capacity of the drainage block itself is treated with a strong soapy solution and rinsed under cool running water, after which a layer of an antibacterial agent is applied.
5. After drying, all parts return to their places.

How to clean the air conditioner, split system: tips

Air Conditioner Cleaning Tips

• Although even after a few months, the air conditioner may work fine, it still needs maintenance to extend its life and not spend money on repairs.
• First of all, remember that if you live on the lower floors, up to about the fourth, then cleaning should be done every three months, because the pollution will be stronger than upstairs.
• Regardless of the floor of residence, the block inside must be cleaned several times a month, because dust still accumulates on the walls. Agree, it is better to spend a few minutes and remove the dirt than to give money for repairs later.
• Make sure that there are no ice and icicles on the outdoor unit, because this can cause a breakdown, and for those who are below, it is dangerous.
• If you additionally use forced ventilation with filters, then the air conditioner is usually less polluted. But still, do not forget about care, although it will be possible to do this less often. This will allow you to always get clean indoor air.

How often should the air conditioner be cleaned?

Manufacturers of climate control equipment indicate in the technical documentation how often it needs to be cleaned. It should be noted that different elements are serviced at different intervals. Most often it is necessary to clean the air (dust) nets, as they accumulate dust, animal hair - any mechanical particles that are in the air of the apartment. The frequency of cleaning here depends on the general pollution in the room, but it should be done at least once a month.

Other components of the split system also need regular maintenance. It is recommended to perform it approximately once every 6-12 months, depending on the intensity of the system.At home (not in industrial conditions), it is quite enough to perform cleaning procedures once a year.

There are symptoms that indicate that the air conditioner is dirty:

• crackling or louder operation of the split system;
• gurgling or squelching sounds;
• an unpleasant smell that appears after turning on the air conditioner;
• water is dripping from the indoor unit.

Their appearance indicates that cleaning is not performed or is not carried out in full. With such manifestations, it is necessary to perform complex processing. It can be done at home, on your own or with the help of specialists.

Inspection of equipment before cleaning

We will consider the procedure for cleaning climate devices, step-by-step instructions for their implementation and useful tips using the most popular type of home and office wall-mounted split systems as an example.

Before you start cleaning the split system yourself, you need to carefully conduct its external inspection, focusing on the following points:

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

Such inspections of climate equipment do not take much time, and it is recommended that they be carried 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 revising the air conditioner with the naked eye, you can see the deposits where these invisible enemies of health reside, which are then concentrated into the air

In addition to periodic cleaning and maintenance of the split system, with certain symptoms, according to the results of the inspection, it may be necessary for unscheduled maintenance of the unit.

Signs of excessive pollution of the split system include:

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

During scheduled maintenance of the system or for the treatment of these symptoms, it is necessary to perform all cleaning procedures in a certain step-by-step sequence, the result of which will be a clean and stable device.

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

Cleaning the indoor unit

After you get access to all the components of the indoor unit of the split system, you can start cleaning them. For this, it is not recommended to use hard brushes or metal objects that can damage the heat exchanger or the freon line.

Cleaning the air filters

It is not difficult to clean the filter in the air conditioner with your own hands, 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 with detergent foam for 30 minutes. And then rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry well before installing in the air conditioner.

Cleaning the air filters from dust

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

Fan cleaning

The fan of the indoor unit of the air conditioner also needs to be cleaned regularly. It is a roller that drives cool 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 selected, to remove dirt, the blades should be treated with soapy water, and then turn on the split system at minimum power.

Be prepared for the fact that the debris accumulated on the blades will 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 for air to enter the split system. You can clean them with a cloth dampened with soapy water.

Cleaning the heat exchanger

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 the master, 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 grate. After this, dirt can be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner or a cloth dampened with soapy water.

But you need to do this carefully, as you can easily damage the heat exchanger or injure yourself.

Cleaning the heat exchanger

During cleaning, special attention should be paid to the appearance of the heat exchanger. If signs of corrosion are found, it is necessary to contact the service center, since such damage is dangerous due to freon leakage.

Removing bad odor

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

Cleaning the drainage system

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

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

• a soapy solution is passed through the evaporator, which washes away dirt and dissolves grease;
• purge the disconnected tube (drainage) with a vacuum cleaner, however, this option is applicable only if the drainage system is not very clogged;
• the completely disconnected drain pipe is washed and blown along the entire length, treated with a disinfectant (this is the only way to clean the system from heavy contamination).

To disinfect the tube, various agents are used, such as chlorhexidine.

To check the quality of cleaning, you can pour 1.5 liters of water into the drainage system. With a positive result, the liquid will flow out unhindered.

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

Step-by-step instruction

Before you start self-maintenance of the air conditioner at home, experts recommend paying attention to the list of works that you can do yourself:

• fan cleaning;
• cleaning the heat exchanger;
• cleaning the filtration system;
• drain cleaning.

Filters are plastic meshes that are most susceptible to contamination. The main steps for cleaning filters:

opening the cover of the air conditioner;
dismantling the mesh filter;
making a soap solution by dissolving soap in warm water;
soaking filters for at least 45 minutes;
carrying out the most careful cleaning of the plastic structure with a toothbrush and running water;
removing moisture with a dry cloth and drying the element in the open air;
installation of cleaned filters in their original place.

The heat exchanger is an important element that is responsible for the quality of cooling and heating of the room. Its cleaning consists of the following activities:

• opening the indoor unit of the device;
• grate dismantling;
• dust collection with a mobile vacuum cleaner operating in medium mode;
• cleaning the structure from dust and dirt with a damp cloth;
• installation of the element in its original place.

The fan is an internal element, to clean the blades of which it is necessary to dismantle the cover of the device and perform the following manipulations:

• turning on the device for a short period;
• removing the cover from the switched off air conditioner;
• preparation of soap solution;
• thorough cleaning of the structure with a toothbrush;
• cover installation.

The fan must be cleaned as carefully as possible, trying not to damage its elements.

Before you start cleaning the drainage of the device, you need to find the entrance to it. You can clear it in two ways:

• blowing into the body of the steam block;
• spraying an alcohol-based antibacterial agent with a spray bottle on all cleaned elements.

We should not forget about cleaning the outdoor unit, which is not always possible to wash it yourself. Experts recommend that you independently perform these works only in cases where the structure is within reach. It is better to entrust the cleaning of blocks that are located at a height to professionals who have special equipment and cleaning devices. Steps for self-cleaning the outdoor unit:

• removing debris with a vacuum cleaner and a special brush;
• filter cleaning;
• assembly of the structure;
• closing the housing cover.

If even after all the manipulations an unpleasant odor persists, experts recommend removing the filters, turning on the device in air recirculation mode and spraying a special antiseptic solution in the air intake area. After a few minutes, the air conditioner must be turned off. After some time, the device can be operated in standard mode.

Carrying out regular and timely cleaning of the air conditioner is not only a necessary measure, but also a vital one. Devices that operate for a long period of time without cleaning not only emit an unpleasant odor, but also fill the air streams with dangerous bacteria and microorganisms that can provoke the development of bronchial asthma, allergies and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.You can carry out this event both on your own and with the help of specialists from service centers. Considering the high level of pollution of air conditioners, manufacturers have developed unique devices equipped with an automatic cleaning system.

For information on how to clean the air conditioner at home, see the following video.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

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

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

A mechanical way to remove a plug in the drain pipe of an air conditioner, the cause of which was a hornet's nest:

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

These tips for self-maintenance of the air conditioner will provide practical assistance in keeping it constantly clean, and this is a guarantee of protection from undesirable health effects in the comfort zone.

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