How to clean the air conditioner from the inside at home (indoor and outdoor unit)

Timely cleaning will avoid expensive repairs to the air conditioner and help increase its efficiency. While it is better to entrust the basic cleaning to professionals, washing some parts of the air conditioner can be done independently.

What happens if you do not clean the air conditioner in a timely manner?

the filters turn black, the air conditioner starts to work with noise and crackle.
due to a malfunction of the drainage pipe, the device will release water.
bacteria will start to multiply inside the device due to humidity, the air conditioner will emit an unpleasant odor.

Cleaning the indoor unit of the central air conditioner

1. Change the air filter

The air filter must be replaced. A new one can be purchased at a hardware store.

2. Turn off the blower

Turn off the power of the blower. This can be done on the unit itself or on the main panel. You can purchase a new replacement part at any nearby hardware store. First, it is worth clarifying the dimensions of the filter in the instruction manual of the device. In addition, you can take an old part with you as a sample, which will allow you to choose the right replacement for it.

Change the filter.

3. We clean the ventilation compartment

Open and vacuum the ventilation compartment. If the engine ports need lubrication, apply special (or universal WD-40) motor oil.

It is better to clarify the need for port lubrication in the user manual.

4. Remove the drain pipe

Remove the condensate pipe and check for algae. If the tube is clogged, you can replace it or fill it with a bleach solution (1 part to 16 parts of water).

5. We clean

Clean the drain pipe with a vacuum cleaner or a small brush.

6. Restart the air conditioner

Reconnect the drain tube and restart the device.

Cleaning the outdoor unit of the central air conditioner

1. Turn off the power

Turn off the power to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

2. We clean the fan

Clean the ribbed surface of the fan using a soft brush vacuum cleaner. It is likely that for better access you will have to unscrew the protective metal housing from the wall.

Check for weeds, leaves, and other debris inside that block airflow. Remove excess foliage around the outdoor unit at a distance of approximately 60 cm.

Be careful when cleaning so as not to damage the fins. These parts bend perfectly - if necessary, straighten them with a kitchen knife or a special comb.

3. Remove the grill

Unscrew the grill at the top of the air conditioner. Carefully, so as not to damage the wires, remove the fan grill.

Wipe the fan with a damp cloth.

4. Lubricate the ports

Check if port lubrication is necessary. If so, drip 5 drops of oil for electric motors into each (you can use a universal one, for example, WD-40).

5. Flush the block

Dip the water hose into an empty unit. Using moderate water pressure, flush the fan wheel from the inside.

6. We collect

Assemble the device. Put the fan back in the unit and screw the grill.

7. Turn off the air conditioner

Turn off the room thermostat.

8. Turn on the power

Turn on the power and leave the air conditioner in standby mode for 24 hours.

9. Reboot the air conditioner

Switch the thermostat back and set the temperature. Wait 10 minutes.

10. Checking the correct operation

Make sure the air conditioner is working properly. To do this, check the insulation on the pipes that exit the air compressor. One of the pipes should be cold, and the other sufficiently heated. If this is not the case, then you should contact a professional who will adjust the coolant level.