Air Conditioner Cleaning

Air Conditioners have become an important part of our day-to-day life. We rely on these units to help us maintain the temperature in our homes at our desired levels. Having a clean air conditioner plays an important part in maintaining good air quality and ensuring the efficiency of your air conditioner. The filters in these units can remove dust, pollen, and even bacteria from the air. Over time, these filters can get dirty and require cleaning. Regularly cleaning the filters will not only enhance air quality but also contribute to better energy efficiency and lower running costs.

In this article, we will talk about the steps to clean your air conditioner, specifically split system air conditioning units that are the most commonly used in Melbourne homes.

Check the Instructions Manual

Every air conditioner comes with an instruction manual issued by the manufacturer. This manual includes details on how to access and clean filters and other parts that can be easily maintained by users. If the manual is lost, many manufacturers provide downloadable copies on their websites.

Cleaning the Indoor Unit Dust Filters

• Frequency: The frequency at which the air filter should be cleaned varies depending on usage patterns. However, manufacturers generally advise doing it every few weeks, varying according to the use in different seasons.
• Process:
• Pop open the plastic cover and take out the filters.
• Take the filters outside and brush, shake, or vacuum them to brush off the dust
• If the filters are extremely dirty, wash them with warm water and a small amount of detergent. Make sure they are completely dry before you reinstall them.
• If the filters are damaged, they should be replaced with new ones immediately.
• Additional Filters:
• Some models of air conditioners may have air purification filters, like ionizing filters, that require cleaning or replacement every year or two.

Cleaning the Air Conditioner’s Air Blades

Process: If the air blades on the indoor unit are removable, take them off and use a dry towel or Hoover to clean them and the space behind them. Make sure the unit is turned off while doing this.

Addressing Dust and Humidity Issues

In Dusty or Humid Areas: It is important to clean filters and the air blades regularly in humid or dusty situations. To keep your indoors dry, you can run the unit in fan-only mode or the ‘dry out’ mode, if available in your unit. If you would like a thorough cleaning, you can reach out to DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling by dialing 03 7038 6918 to book a service for your air conditioner.

Cleaning the Outdoor Unit

• Maintenance: To ensure the unobstructed performance of your air conditioning unit, make sure that there is no dust, leaves, cobwebs, or any sort of obstructions around the outdoor compressor unit. Dust inside the unit can be removed by running a vacuum over the air inlet.
• Professional Service: Almost all the manufacturers recommend getting your unit professionally serviced at least once a year. Keeping your unit regularly checked by a professional from DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling also ensures that no major issues arise and small ones can be corrected in the early stages.

Professional Cleaning Services

Considerations: If you live in an extremely dusty or humid environment where mold growth and dust accumulation are major concerns, consider using professional cleaning services from DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling as our licensed technicians carefully clean the internal parts such as drains, coils, and fins to keep your unit running smoothly.

Air Conditioner Cleaning Cheat Sheet

Every Month:

• To prevent the growth of mold and bad odors, you should occasionally consider running the air conditioner in fan-only mode to evaporate moisture.

Bi-Annually:

• If your air conditioner is constantly running, you live in an area with a lot of dust, or you see a substantial decrease in efficiency, you should frequently clean the dust filter screens as directed by your system’s instructions.
• Clean any additional filters that exist in your system, such as air purifying filters.
• Thoroughly clean the interior unit, as well as any ducts or vents, using a soft, moist cloth from the outside (as far as it is safe to do so) to the inside.

Annually:

• Clean the outdoor unit with a soft brush or broom, removing vegetation and obstructions.
• Use a soft brush or broom to clean the outdoor unit, getting rid of any plants, dirt, debris, or any other obstructions.

By taking these easy and efficient steps, you can make your home healthier for you and your loved ones while also extending the life and efficiency of your air conditioner. If you are ready for fresh, effective air, give DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling a call at 03 7038 6918 for a customized solution according to your requirements.