Air conditioning maintenance : How to maintain your air conditioning in Phuket ?
Air conditioning maintenance is a necessary step to ensure the efficiency and proper functioning of the equipment. The performance of the system can be affected if regular maintenance is not performed. Eventually, you run the risk of excessive power consumption and premature wear and tear on the air conditioner.
It is generally estimated that 95% of air conditioners, air-to-air heat pumps and reversible air conditioners are heavily fouled, which can cause many health problems: legionella, staphylococcus aureus, allergies, asthma, etc.
There are a number of very simple things you can do to extend the life of your air conditioner and save a lot of energy. This article is designed to introduce you to the basic steps for effective air conditioning maintenance.
How to clean your air conditioner?
The first step in air conditioning maintenance is to clean the unit’s air filter.
A-Clean air filter for air conditioners
They trap dust and pollen, which are potential nests for dust mites. By stirring the air in a room, air conditioning systems can accumulate large amounts of airborne particles.
For your information, an air conditioner can stir up to eight times the amount of air in a room per hour. These actions should be performed every two weeks during use, usually in the summer.
These few key steps in air conditioning maintenance allow you to check the condition of your air filters and possibly replace them.
1- Open the air conditioner case
The indoor unit of your air conditioner should be easy to use for this purpose. For safety reasons, remember to turn off or unplug the air conditioner before servicing the air conditioner.
Lift the front panel of the air conditioner to open the front of the air conditioner. It is not necessary to use any special tools.
Once the valve cover is opened, the air filter is directly accessible.
2- Remove the air filter
The air filter can be easily removed by pulling it off the base. No special tools are required.
Depending on the air conditioner model, the filter may be flat or curved. They are often bent in home air conditioners to match the curve on top of the unit.
3- Air filter dust collector
Gently tap the air filter on the trash can, then manually remove any dust lint that may have accumulated on the grill.
Then use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust residue with a fine nozzle, sticking it firmly to the filter screen.
4- Rinse the air filter
Finally, rinse the filter in a neutral basin. Brushing with a sponge and soap will remove the last dust particles.
If there are still clumps of dust, soak the air filter in soapy water for a few minutes to dissolve them more easily.
Finally, rinse the filters with clean water, let them air dry completely, then put them back in the indoor unit after cleaning the activated carbon filter that is sometimes located under the air filter.
B- Replace the activated carbon filter
Remember to replace the activated carbon filter at least once a year to avoid unpleasant odors. Ideally, the activated carbon filter should be replaced once or twice a year, depending on how much the air conditioner is used. Most air conditioners open from the front for easy access to the filter, simply remove it and replace it with the same model.
An activated carbon filter costs between 5 and 15 euros depending on the air conditioner model.
Activated carbon is able to absorb unpleasant odors due to its porous walls. Therefore, the small surface of charcoal has ten times the absorption capacity. Activated carbon, whether in water, air or gas, absorbs a variety of toxic substances as well as unpleasant odors.
5- Remove the activated carbon filter
Look for the carbon filter that is sometimes located between the air filter and the exhaust port.
Gently loosen it by pressing on the retaining rivets.
6- Rinse the carbon filter
Gently rinse your carbon filter with fresh water without soap. It is also possible to put the carbon filter in the dishwasher.
After cleaning, the activated carbon filter should be dried in an oven at 100°C for 10 minutes before reactivating.
Then put it back into the air conditioner.
C- Clean the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioning unit
Finally, clean the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioning unit with a soft, lint-free cloth.
– Scrub the body of the equipment and the pipes.
– Clean the air outlet with a wet sponge.
– If the filters are dirty, you can wash them in warm soapy water.
– Also remember to empty and clean the condensate pan, which collects runoff from the condensation of water vapor in the air as it passes through the cold exchanger.
WARNING: Above all, never use solvents to clean the filters or the outdoor ventilation grilles.
Of course, also check that there are no obstacles around the outdoor unit that obstruct the airflow, and that leaves and branches do not obstruct the outdoor unit.
The latest models are equipped with LEDs to indicate when it is time to clean the filter. Filters that purify the air or deodorize all have a specific lifespan and maintenance that is usually indicated on the packaging.
Is air conditioning maintenance mandatory?
Every year (every two years for reversible air conditioners) the refrigeration circuit must be checked for leaks.
Sign an air conditioning maintenance contract
In general, we strongly recommend that you call on a professional for air conditioning maintenance: a refrigeration specialist, a heating specialist or a certified plumber. CLEANING PHUKET offers a full service to clean repair and maintain your aircon in Phuket, don’t hesitate to contact us.