How to Clean a Split Air Conditioner

If you're concerned about the effect of your HVAC system on the environment, you're not alone. Learn more about how regular maintenance helps here.

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Green Comfort: How HVAC Contractors Help With Energy Efficiency

Good day. My name is Darryl and I work as a government researcher for the energy sector. I prepare reports which suggest ways that energy can be conserved and made cheaper. One area that is particularly under the spotlight is the effect of heating, ventilation and cooling systems on the environment. Whilst preparing my latest research report, I have been amazed by the energy efficiency that can be gained by installing the right HVAC systems. I even contacted professional HVAC contractors to upgrade, maintain and repair the systems in my own home because I learnt that older systems can use more energy without regular checks. I'm sure that there are others like me who aren't aware of the importance of choosing the right HVAC system. I hope to share a little of what I have learnt in my blog and help spread awareness. Thank you for your time.

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How to Clean a Split Air Conditioner

22 January 2016
 Categories: , Blog

The split air conditioner is so small and efficient that many homes on the market these days are preinstalled with them. Air conditioning is becoming a necessity and therefore, you need to be able to save money where you can because they are expensive and so is maintaining them. The following are steps outlining how you can clean these systems yourself and save a lot of money annually on maintenance.

Materials Required

Visit your local hardware store and purchase a good coil cleaner and an air conditioner wash bag. You can also buy the wash bag online where you can get one that's customized for the waste water that will be a result from cleaning. Avoid the coil cleaners that produce foam because it can be messy. Additionally, they may be unable to clean as well as their liquid solution counterparts. Be wary of the harsh coil cleaners because they may end up causing more harm than good. This especially affects newer split air conditioners. They destroy the blue layer on the cooling coils that keeps condensation flowing in order to improve efficiency.

Install the Wash Bag

Remove the lid on your unit and clean it separately; this will help keep the dirt from accumulating fast after cleaning. While the lid is still off, mount the air conditioner wash bag around your unit, otherwise referred to as a fan coil unit. This is to enable you to clean the unit without having to take it apart like a professional.

Spray the Coils and Rotary Blades

Use your liquid coil cleaner to spray over the coils. Ensure that the spray hits the cooling fins on the surface as well. Ensure that the cleaner reaches into the coils as far as it possibly can. Spray while the nozzle is as close to the fins as is possible. Spray the rotary blades the same way and be sure to coat all of them entirely. Use a nozzle that is far reaching in order to make sure that you get maximum results. Once you have sprayed both the coils and the blades to your satisfaction, let the liquid solution sit for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Spray with Water

After about 15 minutes, spray both the coils and the rotary blades with enough water to clean them out. The water containing all the dirt will flow into the air conditioner wash bag and some will flow down the drain pipe. Turn on the unit and allow the remaining water into the wash bag. The remove the wash bag and get rid of the waste before returning the lid back on.