Cleaning air conditionersfalls under the category of so-called routine maintenance, which is extremely important for safeguarding not only the appliance itself, but also our health.
In fact, a dirty air conditioner negatively affects the quality of the air that we introduce into our homes - but also into non-residential environments - promoting the spread of dust and other agents pathogens.
Usually, shortly before the start of the summer season, it is appropriate and recommended to properly clean indoor air conditioners, allowing them to be used more intensively during hot periods without major problems.
Furthermore, if there is a technical problem, it is better to identify it during the cleaning phase rather than when we need to cool the house.
Obviously, if the air conditioner is also used in the winter to heat the rooms, it should also be cleaned in the fall.
Having made this necessary clarification, Let's see why and how to perform truly effective air conditioning cleaning.
Why clean air conditioners?
As mentioned in the introduction, i Air conditioners are a vehicle for the spread of dust, mites, and various pathogens, making the air unhealthy, which is why it is very important to ventilate rooms by opening windows.
However, we know very well that when air conditioners are running, it is essential to keep doors and windows closed to avoid energy waste and a failure to achieve the desired thermal comfort.
Consequently, if the device is dirty, with large accumulations of harmful elements, and we stay in rooms with doors and windows closed, we end up with breathing unhealthy air.
Therefore, elements such as the filter, the batteries, the heat exchanger fins, and end up contributing to the pollution of the air we breathe at home.
In addition to the health aspect, which is of primary importance, it must also be considered that a dirty air conditioner tends to malfunction and break down more quickly. easily.
In short, cleaning air conditioners is essential.
When should you clean air conditioners?
How often should you clean your air conditioner? And when is it best to do so?
Well, as for the first question, it all depends on how the device is used. In fact, if you use it at home only in the summer, and only for a few hours a day, it's one thing; Another, however, is an air conditioner that is operated several hours a day for several months each year.
Limiting itself to domestic use, it is recommended to thoroughly clean air conditioners 2-3 times a year.
When should you do it? There are essentially 3 recommended time windows:
- in autumn, before starting to use the air conditioner for heating your home;
- in spring, so before the summer heat arrives;
- towards the end of summer, when temperatures begin to gradually drop and it's no longer necessary to use the air conditioner.
Obviously, if you notice that your air conditioner isn't working properly, a thorough cleaning may be necessary, even several times a year.
How to Clean Air Conditioners Effectively
Let's see together how to clean air conditioners effectively.
We recommend wearing protective gloves and a mask (which we are now all too familiar with) to avoid breathing in dust and other pathogens).
1. Cleaning the air conditioner filter
The first step is to clean the air conditioner filter. It is generally located under the plastic casing of the internal split unit and is relatively easy to remove.
Some models have more than one filter, so be sure to remove both.
At this point you can clean the filter or filters with simple running water, washing away all impurities. Afterwards you can use a disinfectant and degreasing product for a more thorough cleaning.
2. Cleaning the Coil
When removing the filters from the split unit, you canreach the back part, the coil, which is also exposed to dirt accumulation, along with mold residue caused by humidity.
The spread of mold in the air is truly dangerous for our health. The coil should not be cleaned with a cloth, because Its surface is sharp. Special brushes are available on the market, which should be used with caution to avoid damaging the structure, as well as specific disinfectant products in spray form. After cleaning the filters and battery, you can put everything back in its place and proceed to clean the air conditioner, more precisely the split unit and its external surface. Remove dust and clean everything with a disinfectant product and a damp cloth. The procedure illustrated is suitable for a DIY air conditioner cleaning, to be performed periodically. But if you want a truly thorough cleaning, we recommend contacting a company specialized in professional air conditioning sanitization. The technicians are equipped with the necessary tools and skills to clean, sanitize, and disinfect your air conditioner, removing pathogens more thoroughly. This type of activity is especially recommended in commercial businesses, public places, schools, hospitals and more generally in high-traffic environments.3. Cleaning the External Surface of the Air Conditioner
Professional cleaning of the Air conditioners