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An air conditioner is an indispensable assistant in creating a comfortable climate in an apartment, especially in the hot season. However, in order for the device to work effectively and not cause harm to health, it must be regularly maintained. One of the most important aspects of maintenance is timely cleaning. In this article, we will figure out how often you should clean your air conditioner and why it is important. If you want to do minimal maintenance work on your air conditioner yourself or are looking for professional AC maintenance in Fair Oaks, then this article will be especially useful.
Contamination prevents the air conditioner from effectively performing its main function — cooling the air. Dirt and dust on filters and internal components reduce performance and increase wear and tear on equipment. As a result, this often leads to a breakdown of the split system, which ends in expensive repairs or replacement of the device.
The cleanliness of the split system is also important for health. A dirty device becomes a source of allergens and bacteria that spread throughout the house. This is particularly hazardous for individuals with allergies and respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is essential to understand how frequently you should clean the air conditioner in an apartment or office to maintain a healthy climate in the room.
The answer to the question “How often to clean the filter in the air conditioner” depends on the type of filter itself. During the active work season, a reusable mesh filter should be serviced every 2 weeks. If pets live in the apartment or the device is in a dusty room, then it is better to clean it more often — once a week.
If the air conditioner has disposable filters, they cannot be cleaned; only new ones can be replaced. The manufacturer specifies in the operating instructions how often to do this.
The indoor unit cools and circulates air in the apartment. An unpleasant smell during the operation of the device and a dusty body will indicate that it is time to wash the indoor unit. On average, cleaning once a year is enough. With year-round use — once every six months.
This unit is exposed to wind, and rain, which attracts leaves and small debris. This prevents the device from functioning properly, causes overheating, and increases energy consumption.
It is optimal to care for the outdoor unit a couple of times a year: at the beginning and end of the hot season. If the unit faces a dusty street or there is vegetation near it, you will have to clean it more often.
It is necessary to remove condensation that forms when the air is cooled. When it gets clogged, leaks occur and a foreign odor appears. Bacteria and mold multiply well in stagnant water.
The drainage system should be flushed once every six months. In conditions of high humidity or with intensive use, flushing should be done more often: every 3-4 months.
A refrigerant is a substance that transfers heat or cold from one heat exchanger to another. It expands when boiling, taking heat from the room, and after compression by the compressor, gives it to the street.
It happens that the amount of refrigerant in the air conditioning system decreases due to leaks. If there is not enough refrigerant, the air conditioner stops cooling the air, and energy consumption increases. The compressor may also overheat, which is fraught with serious breakdowns.
There are several signs that may indicate that the air conditioner needs to be refilled or the refrigerant replaced:
The refrigerant in a modern air conditioner is a flammable substance. It must be replaced by a qualified specialist who has the right to do such work. The frequency of refilling depends on the quality of installation and the presence of leaks. If the device is in good working order and the installation is carried out strictly according to the instructions, then refilling the refrigerant will not be required throughout the entire service life of the air conditioner. It is enough to check the refrigerant level once a year.
We found out why and how often to maintain an air conditioner. Now, let's figure out how to do it yourself. But we strongly recommend entrusting the cleaning of the indoor and outdoor units to professionals.
Before cleaning, you need to prepare some tools and materials. You will need:
Before starting maintenance, ensure the device is disconnected from the mains. This is necessary primarily for your safety. Then use masking tape and film. Paste them over the floor, walls, and furniture to protect them from dust and splashes during maintenance.
To clean the filter, you need to do the following:
Regular air conditioner cleaning is not just a matter of hygiene but a necessity to maintain its efficiency, extend its service life, and preserve indoor air quality. As a general rule, it is recommended to service the vehicle at least once or twice a year, although this frequency may vary depending on the operating conditions. For those who want to ensure the reliability and safety of their device, we recommend using professional AC maintenance services from Alpha Mechanical in Fair Oaks.
