Air conditioner prevention, do-it-yourself cleaning, stages of work, video

Practice shows that after buying and installing an air conditioner, people use the device, but forget about the need for its periodic maintenance. The question of prevention or repair is raised in the event of a breakdown or the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

This approach is erroneous, because it leads to a decrease in the service life of the equipment, additional costs for restoration and other problems.

The way out of the situation is periodic preventive maintenance of the air conditioner, taking into account the recommendations of specialists. Below we will consider how to properly perform this work, and in what sequence to proceed.

Why is it worth doing prevention?

Prolonged use of the device leads to the accumulation of dust and grease on its elements. This applies to the heat exchanger, filter unit, fan and the inside of the housing. As a result, fungi and bacteria appear, which, together with the air flow, enter the room, and then into the lungs of a person, negatively affecting his health.

Pollution of the nodes has a bad effect on its operation. If you do not do prevention, after a while the process of updating the air in the room worsens, the load on the device and the electrical network increases.

In addition, not only the internal, but also the external block of the device suffers. A layer of fluff appears on it, due to which the operation of the heat exchanger is disrupted and the process of cooling the refrigerant worsens. As a result, the air conditioner operates with less efficiency.

To prolong the life of the equipment and avoid health problems, it is important to clean the air conditioner in a timely manner and disinfect the elements.

Prevention period

The frequency of cleaning the device depends on its purpose. For example, the filter elements of air conditioners for home use are recommended to be cleaned every six months. If we are talking about office equipment, the frequency of work is once every three months.

If the split system is installed in a cafeteria, retail space or other public facilities, cleaning is carried out once a month.

The need for prevention is easy to determine by the smell that appears after turning on the equipment. An unpleasant “aroma” indicates the appearance of bacteria inside and the need to remove them.

Masters note that in the process of maintenance, mucus and various fungi are often found inside. That is why it is so important not to delay the repair and call the master to carry out the work.

Signs of heavy pollution

The air conditioner, as a rule, itself “tells” the owner about the need for preventive maintenance. The main signs of pollution include:

• The appearance of a leak from the internal module;
• Unpleasant smell that occurs after switching on (this was mentioned above);
• Increased noise, crackling or unstable sound;
• Poor cooling quality, spontaneous temperature change.

Any of the listed symptoms is enough to proceed with the revision of the apparatus and the cleaning of its elements. If the need for preventive maintenance is neglected, the risk of failure of certain parts and the inability to use equipment increases. In such a situation, you can not do without calling specialists and additional costs.

Practice shows that many issues related to the maintenance of the air conditioner can be solved at home. In this case, a special tool is not needed.

In addition, useful information on the maintenance of a particular model is given in the instructions. It shows the scheme for removing the indoor unit, as well as the basic principles of cleaning.

What is assessed during the examination?

Air conditioner service technicians recommend that you inspect the unit regularly. The more often this happens, the better.

The main points to which attention is drawn are:

• The tightness of the freon circuit;
• The appearance of the oil inside the compressor unit.

With regard to the first recommendation, there are two nuances to consider here:

• The presence of a freon leak;
• No breaks in the circuit due to which moisture can enter the system.

Pay attention to the integrity of the wires through which power is supplied, and the quality of the broach of the contacts. Just in case, tighten all the mounting screws. Remember that all work is carried out with the air conditioner turned off.

Steps for cleaning the indoor unit

If the climate system has just been purchased, installed and is constantly running, preventive maintenance is carried out every 30 days. The main activities include flushing the fan and filter mesh, as well as cleaning the evaporator, radiator and drainage system.

As noted above, the absence of such work leads to the accumulation of dust, excessive heating and increased noise of the device. Let’s look at how to prevent this below.

Cleaning fans and filter screens

A mesh filter is mounted inside, which is easy to remove and inspect. For dismantling, it is required to disconnect the equipment from the household network and dismantle the front cover by unscrewing the fixing screws.

Now it remains to remove the mesh from the air conditioner, soak it in soapy water or a special agent, and then leave it for a while.

The next step is to flush the fan that provides the movement of cold air. During operation, a thick layer of dust, debris and grease accumulates on the blades of the product.

Fans are of two types – with the possibility of dismantling and non-removable. In the latter case, cleaning is done with a brush. This is not very convenient, but it allows you to remove excess pollution.

To prevent a removable fan, you need to lower it into soapy water, hold it in it for a while, then remove it and return it to its place.

If there is an unpleasant odor, it is recommended to do additional work – to disinfect the surface of the grid and the fan using a special agent. The optimal frequency of the works discussed above is once every four weeks.

Prevention of the radiator and heat exchanger

In most models, the heat exchanger and radiator are mounted in the indoor unit. For high-quality cleaning, it is recommended to dismantle and disassemble the unit, and then proceed to cleaning work.

This is an expensive process, so you can save money on it and do the work yourself.

Here’s a step-by-step instruction:

To avoid contamination of the heat exchanger plates, it is recommended to act promptly and clean every 30 days. It is best to do the work in combination with washing the filter.

Drain cleaning and disinfection

The air conditioner has a drainage system consisting of 2 units:

• Tray – designed to collect excess moisture;
• Tube – with its help water is drained.

The accumulation of dust and its interaction with moisture leads to the appearance of mold, fungi and bacteria, and the main result is the appearance of an unpleasant odor when turned on.

After dust and debris enter the drainage system, these elements are contaminated. After a while, the air conditioner starts to drip.

For prevention, it is required to discard the pallet from the board and the outlet tube, and then remove and rinse in water.

Cleaning of the drainage system pipe is carried out using a conventional vacuum cleaner or a compressor in the purge mode. To flush the channel, running water, a soapy composition or a special cleaning agent are used.

In difficult cases, mold and fungus have already spread through the system, so a mold and fungus agent is required to remove dirt. Special attention should be paid to the processing of the pallet, because often it is he who is the main source of stench.

Method of application of special means

To prevent the heat exchanger, a special foam is used. To process the assembly, shake off the can several times, then process the finned part of the heat exchanger.

After some time, the foam turns into a liquid, and the pollution goes into the drainage system. Next, you need to turn on the air conditioner to dry the treated parts. Detailed instructions on how to use the foam cleaner are given on the can with the product.

If you use the product in the form of a spray, you need to spray it on a number of elements – the intake deflector and the heat exchanger.

In the process of preventive maintenance, it is worth turning on the device and switching it to ventilation mode. Information about the features of the use of the product can be found on the packaging.

How does it work?

The principle of operation of the cleaner will directly be from the active components that are in its composition.

As a rule, products contain:

• Surfactants (surfactants). Their task is to clean the surface.
• Fragrances and elements that ensure the “sticking” of the detergent to the units of the air conditioner.
• Special additives (alkaline, acid, chlorine-alcohol).
• Biologically active elements designed to control pests inside the apparatus.

Outdoor unit cleaning steps

Unlike the indoor unit, the outdoor unit can be cleaned with less frequency – twice a year is enough. It accumulates foliage from trees, branches, dirt, fluff and much more. If the outdoor unit is not cleaned, the risk of overheating of the radiator and compressor increases, as well as a decrease in their service life.

The difficulty is that access to the module is not always possible. Despite the installation of the outdoor unit near a window or balcony, it is not always possible to get to it without a safety belt and special equipment.

If you do not want to risk your life, you should call specialists.

If there are no difficulties with prevention, do the following:

• Turn off the power of the device (remove the plug from the mains).
• Remove various contaminants from the surface.
• Remove the protective housing and clean the inside of debris.
• Clean the fan blades with a damp cloth.
• Clean the radiator with a steam cleaner or a jet of water. Be careful not to get moisture on the electrical part of the device.

How to check the tightness of the freon housing?

One of the malfunctions of the air conditioner is the loss of tightness of the circuit with freon. If preventive measures are taken in time and the problem is detected, it is possible to avoid additional costs in the future and “save” the climate system.

The complexity of the situation depends on a number of factors – the volume of the released refrigerant, the location of the damage, the time from the moment the leak appeared to its detection, as well as the mode of operation of the device.

In the general case, a refrigerant leak leads to a number of unpleasant consequences, first of all, to overheating of the compressor.

This problem is diagnosed by the following symptoms:

• Darkening of the thermal insulation of the compressor;
• Overheating protection trips from time to time;
• 5 minutes after switching on, cold or warm air does not come out (taking into account the set mode);
• Damage to the insulation on the pipeline;
• Deterioration of the oil;
• Appearance of frost on the tube of the outdoor unit (during continuous operation).

If damage to the circuit is detected in a timely manner and preventive measures are taken, serious leaks and breakdowns can be avoided. As a rule, the reason for the appearance of a leak is a decrease in the density of the roller joints. This problem is easy to identify if you monitor the condition of the air conditioner.

How to detect the appearance of moisture in the freon circuit?

To determine the fact of the appearance of moisture in the freon circulation circuit, it is worth paying attention to a number of characteristic features:

• The appearance of a green tint in the oil and increased acidity (confirmed by the test). The downside is that such a symptom appears already when the problem is running.
• When the climate system switches to heating mode when the temperature is low outside, thermal protection is activated. This is due to the presence of water in the system, its freezing and clogging of the tube. As a result, the suction pressure drops and the compressor overheats dramatically. In such a situation, you need to turn off the air conditioner and contact the repairmen.

Express oil analysis

Few people know, but in the process of prevention, you yourself can do an express analysis of the oil that circulates in the freon circuit along with the refrigerant.

If we consider the process as a whole, first a little oil is taken from the compressor, then it is checked and compared with known pure oil.

Next, a test is performed for the presence of acid in the composition. To get a sample, do the following:

• Turn off the air conditioner and wait 10 or more minutes for the oil to drain from the walls of the pipes.
• Connect a one-fourth ball valve to the service outlet.
• Put a rubber tube on the faucet, the second end of which is lowered into the container.
• Drain a small amount of oil and let it stand until the foam goes away.
• Pour the collected composition into a clean container.

The resulting oil must be compared with a known pure liquid. The criteria for comparison are smell and shade.

If the oil is dark and stinks, this indicates that the compressor is frequently overheating. Such a fluid no longer performs its functions and needs to be replaced. If you do not do the work on time, the device will fail.

The presence of a greenish color indicates the appearance of “copper” salts, which is explained by the appearance of moisture in the circuit. An acid test is recommended for accurate diagnosis.

If the “diagnosis” is confirmed, the device requires prophylaxis. This cannot be done at home – you need to take the device to the workshop.

If the test results are positive, the liquid is returned back:

• Pour the oil into a clean, high-sided glass.
• Mark the level.
• Dip the free end of the tube into it (it was connected earlier).
• Open the valve and wait a while.
• Add as much oil as is in the glass.
• Start the air conditioner and enter the cooling mode, then close the liquid port. After some time, the pressure in the tube will decrease.
• Open the valve of the port to suck oil into the air conditioner. As soon as the level reaches the mark made, turn off the tap and turn off the climate system. At the same time open the liquid port.

Cleaning products – overview, instructions for use

There is a wide range of products for the prevention of air conditioners on the market, which are worthy of attention and perfectly cope with the task. Let’s highlight some of them.

DOMO

Disinfectant for the prevention of air conditioners and ventilation systems with antibacterial action.

Functions:

• Cleaning and disinfection.
• Formation of a film on the surface of the air ducts (evaporator).
• Removal of bacteria and fungi, which eliminates the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Regular use of the product can reduce the risk of developing allergic diseases and other respiratory problems due to bacteria that appear inside.

The product is sold in cans with a capacity of 0,32 liters. The composition includes water, organic solvent, surfactants (cationic and non-ionic), odor absorber, antimicrobial elements, corrosion inhibitors, fragrance and hydrocarbon gas propellant.

To use DOMO, you need to do the following:

• Turn off the air conditioning system, open the cover and remove the strainers.
• Shake off the can and apply the product for 10-15 minutes on the evaporator, and after 3-5 minutes turn on the air conditioner.

For prevention, it is recommended to use every day.

Favor Cool

Favorkul is a product intended for disinfection and cleaning of ventilation systems and air conditioners. The product is suitable for removing mold, fungus, germs and dust. Regular use helps to remove unpleasant odors and clean internal elements from contamination.

In addition, Favorkul is used for air ducts and disinfection of air conditioners in cars, as well as for air purification in a room.

Used at home and in the industrial field. Capacity – 0,5 l. Judging by the reviews, the product perfectly copes with the task.

TOP House

The TOP House cleaner was developed by German craftsmen and is produced in Germany. Purpose – prevention of external and internal blocks. Also, the product is used to remove contaminants in split systems, air filters, as well as cleaning fans and guides.

A feature of the product is the absence of a negative effect on the surface layer in the heat exchanger tubes. Volume – 0,75 l.

Advantages:

• In the production process, a formula developed by leading manufacturers in Europe is used;
• Protection against dust settling;
• Powerful antiseptic effect;
• Refreshing the surface;
• Antibacterial effect.

Techpoint

One of the most powerful air conditioner cleaners is Teechpoint. The product is produced in Russia, supplied in 200 ml plastic bottles.

The composition is intended for preventive treatment of air conditioners (including automobiles), split systems, ventilation. The main function is to disinfect the surface for up to 8 months.

After processing, bacteria, viruses and mold are removed, which often leads to the appearance of diseases and has an unpleasant odor.

Techpoint contains water, glycols, surfactants, QAS, solvents, isopropanol, complexing agents and dye. Also added are the secret components of the company, flavoring and coloring.

Spray Cleaner Disinfecant (RTU)

The composition of Cleaner Disinfecant is used for prevention (periodic maintenance) of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. The agent is sprayed onto the coil from top to bottom.

According to the manufacturer, the spray keeps the internal components of the climate system clean and removes up to 60% of microbes within 99,9 seconds.

For best results, wait five minutes after application. There is no need to rinse. With regular processing, the efficiency of the system increases and complete hygienic cleanliness is ensured.

The cleaning agent is supplied in a special 1 liter container, which is ready for use. A manual sprayer is provided. The product is based on an alkaline composition.

Indesit C00093751

The Indesit C00093751 cleaner is in great demand and has earned positive feedback from many users. This product is used to disinfect air conditioning systems installed in a house or car.

Its action is aimed at neutralizing unpleasant odors, removing fungi, dust and dirt that accumulate on the internal elements of the device.

With the help of Indesit C00093751, you can clean the air conditioner yourself and without the involvement of specialists. The composition is sold in cans with a capacity of 150 ml.

Magic Power MP-028

If you need a reliable and effective agent for disinfection and prevention of air conditioners, Magic Power MP-028 is the best option. The product cleans, disinfects and deodorizes the treated surface.

Thanks to a thoughtful composition, the spray prevents the growth of dangerous microorganisms, destroys mold, fungi and bacteria. After prevention with the help of Magic Power MP-028, an unpleasant odor is also removed.

How to prepare the system for winter or summer?

Prevention of the air conditioner is the cleaning and disinfection of its elements. It is important to tie your actions to a specific season. Regardless of whether the system is adapted to the winter period, there are a number of limitations that must be taken into account during operation.

For example, each manufacturer indicates the temperature below which it is not recommended to turn on the device due to the risk of leaks and ice on the outdoor unit.

Before the start of winter, it is recommended to clean the air conditioner and dry the system. Newer models have a “FAN” option, which often has a different name.

When preparing climate equipment for the summer, it is necessary to clean the inside, because a lot of dust has accumulated inside during use. In addition, the fan and filters are cleaned, as well as the evaporator.

Pay attention to the outdoor unit, because poplar fluff appears in May, and the situation will only get worse.

Remember that timely care prolongs the life of the device and its life.

Air conditioning prevention is a set of actions, many of which can be done independently and without calling specialists. So, cleaning and processing the indoor unit takes no more than an hour and is quietly performed without the use of a special tool. But there are situations when masters are indispensable.

For example, when it is necessary to clean the outdoor unit using safety belts or to analyze the oil in the compressor.

In addition, every year the amount of refrigerant in the system is reduced by 7%. The reserve must be replenished, and for this you will have to turn to professionals.

To extend the life of the split system and avoid problems, it is important to periodically clean the device yourself, and if serious problems are identified, call specialists.