How do I clean a split system at home?

Sooner or later, the owners of climate technology notice that the device does not work as well as before, and sometimes even an unpleasant smell appears. These signs are a signal to start searching for information on how to clean the split-system at home and whether it is possible to do it yourself. This article is devoted precisely to these issues.

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Causes of dirt in the climatic device

Often the air conditioner works indoors constantly. Due to this, the split system is largely clogged with mud from the air. The main reasons for this effect are as follows:

• The device sucks in the raw air, and after recycling separates fresh and clean air into the room. All dirt settles in the outer and inner blocks. To remove it, and you should know how to clean the split system.
• Air with high humidity, which enters the air conditioner, releases condensed moisture. It is it that causes the development of harmful microorganisms, the appearance of fungus, mold and an unpleasant smell in the room. Clogged in this way, the air conditioner can not only come into malfunction, but also cause a violation of the health of the occupants of the room.
• The low height of the device location is also one of the reasons for the clogging of the split system. This arrangement increases the load on the air conditioning compressor. Dust from the street and exhaust fumes in large quantities fall into the external unit of the device, especially if it is located on the lower floors of multi-storey buildings.

Important! The optimal solution to this problem is to install an external air conditioner unit at the highest possible altitude.

• In summer, the factor that causes rapid contamination of the device is poplar fluff. If you do not remove the fluff particles from the device in a timely manner, it can provoke blockage of the entire system.
• Various gnats, mites and other parasites very quickly appear and develop on the dirt accumulated in the conditioner.
• The lack of cleaning procedures in the block responsible for the accumulation of dirty water leads to overflow and blockage. This liquid will enter the room through the radiator grill, and thus the air conditioner will not clean and refresh the air, but clog it.

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When should I think about cleaning the split system?

Any split system needs periodic cleaning. In order not to miss the moment when this procedure should be carried out, it is necessary to pay attention to such signs:

• Appearance of an unpleasant smell.
• Deteriorating performance.
• The specified temperature modes are not supported by the device, that is, the air conditioner does not work correctly.
• Liquid is released from the indoor unit.
• Third-party noise is observed when power is connected.

Important! These signs indicate an urgent need to clean the split system. Do not bring the device to the extreme. Clean regularly and periodically throughout the entire operation of the device.

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How to disassemble the split system?

The air conditioner is a rather delicate household appliance, which requires special care. Periodically it is necessary to clean the device so that it continues to function well. Before you start cleaning the split system, you should disassemble the device. This action can be done by yourself or by inviting a wizard who will quickly perform the cleaning without your help.

Important! Before any actions it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the device's instructions and its design features.

So, if you decide to clean the split system yourself, then follow the step-by-step instructions.

Procedure:

1. Switch off the appliance from the mains.
2. According to the instructions for the instrument, remove the protective filter in the indoor unit. To do this, unscrew the bolts under the plugs from both sides and pull down the body of the unit.
3. Pull out the blades that guide and distribute air from the grooves.
4. Remove the lower part of the block from the latches.
5. Unplug the power cord.
6. Remove the drain pipe.
7. Disconnect the electrical wires from the appliance.
8. Remove the housing of the indoor electronics unit. To do this, remove the grounding wires and slide the fixing clips.
9. Remove the drain hose and drainage device.

Important! After cleaning the system, collect it in the reverse order.

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How can I clean the split system at home?- Cleaning the indoor unit

When cleaning the air conditioner evaporator, do not use a stiff brush or other metal objects that could damage the heat exchanger and the freon line.

Cleaning the indoor unit includes the following.

Cleaning the air filters

The filter must be cleaned at least once a week, following these recommendations:

• In order to perform this procedure, it is necessary to open the instrument cover and remove the filters.
• To clean the filter elements, it is worthwhile to treat them with detergent, then leave in water for 30 minutes.
• Finally the filters are washed with clean water and thoroughly dried.

Important! One filter element should not be washed more than eight times, because the effect of water negatively affects its throughput, which affects the efficiency of climatic equipment.

Fan Care

This item also requires cleaning:

• Apply soap solution or detergent to the fan parts.
• To remove dirt from the holes in the unit, turn on the device in the network, setting the cooling mode to minimum power.

Important! As a rule, pollution falls to the floor, so you should prepare and make an oilcloth.

• After 10-15 minutes turn off the appliance and remove the dirt from the fan with a brush or sponge.

Important! On sale there are special kits designed to clean the split systems, which include a hanging device and a large plastic bag with water drains.

Maintenance of ventilation holes

In the indoor unit at the top of the cover there are openings through which purified air enters. If they are clogged with dirt, the device may become unusable. You can clean them with a rag and detergent solution.

Heat exchanger care:

• In order to clean the heat exchanger, it is necessary to remove the grate and to remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
• In case of severe contamination, it is necessary to rinse the device with a soap solution.

Important! If corrosion marks are found on the surface of the metal heat exchanger, you should immediately contact the service center to avoid freon leakage.

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How can I clean the split system at home?- Cleaning the outdoor unit

You can clean the split system yourself from the outside with a vacuum cleaner.

Important! Particularly effective in this case is the use of a vacuum cleaner with a detergent effect.

If the external unit is located on the wall low( at the level of the first floors), then it can be disassembled), removing the front cover and vacuuming, sponge with detergent.

Important! Before carrying out this procedure, it is necessary to disconnect the air conditioner from the mains.

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How often should I clean the split system?

• Carry out regular cleaning procedures for external and internal units, which will extend the life of the device and ensure its normal operation, should be repeated every six months.

Important! The optimal time of the year for this will be the middle of spring and autumn.

• Hygienic cleaning with detergents should be done once a week.
• The device should also be treated with special sprays with antibacterial action that prevent the appearance and development of harmful microorganisms. This treatment should be done 2 times a month.

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Monitoring of refrigerant level

It is necessary to constantly monitor not only the cleanliness of the split system, but also control the level of the coolant in the device, because the reduction of this substance also significantly worsens the operation of the climate device. Basically, refrigerant in the air conditioner is freon, which is prone to natural evaporation.

Important! About 9-10% of the substance evaporates in a year.

In order to avoid serious breakdowns, the control of the freon level must be continuous, and the filling of the device - on time.

How do I know if there is not enough freon?

There are several factors that indicate the lack of refrigerant in the device:

• The device slows down and deteriorates.
• Increase in the amount of energy consumed.
• Freezing of the main elements of the system.
• Set a different set room temperature.

At the first appearance of such signs it is necessary to disconnect the air conditioner from the mains and fill the device with freon.

Important! In the instructions to the device it is necessary to specify which refueling is supported by your split-system. If the air conditioner can not be partially refilled, then the remaining refrigerant should be pumped out and the device refilled with freon.

As you can see, it is not difficult to clean the split-system at home. But if you have doubts about your abilities or do not get to immediately disassemble the air conditioner, it is better to contact a specialist who will do everything quickly and without damaging your equipment. Caring for climate devices in the rooms where you spend time. Only in this way you will receive the promised fresh air of the necessary temperature, and your equipment will serve you for many years.