Air Conditioner Maintenance and Cleaning

Air conditioners are an integral part of the spaces we live in, and therefore need to be regularly maintained and cleaned just like we maintain other parts of our living environment. A regularly and properly maintained air conditioner allows us to enjoy a comfortable stay in a room, while poorly maintained units can make the indoor environment unpleasant.

In the following sections, we introduce you to the basics of maintaining and cleaning air conditioners used for cooling and heating. Some activities you can perform on your own, while others should be left to qualified service technicians.

Today it is very common that regular servicing of the air conditioner is required within the warranty period if you want the warranty to remain valid for the following period. Service is performed by authorized technicians. Regardless of the above, you can superficially clean the air conditioner yourself as part of basic space hygiene.

Why Maintain Your Air Conditioner

An air conditioner is primarily maintained to ensure the technical functionality of the unit and to ensure air hygiene.

Maintaining the technical functionality of the air conditioner involves checking the proper operation of the unit's components so that it can provide efficient performance. Inefficient operation (poor cooling, poor heating, noise, strange sounds, etc.) is primarily a consequence of the unit's malfunction and the presence of objects that do not belong in the unit (leaves, dust, etc.).

Cleaning the air conditioner is primarily done for the hygiene of the unit and the air passing through it. An irregularly cleaned unit can have health consequences. In most cases, you can clean the accessible parts of the air conditioner that are intended for user cleaning (e.g., filters) on your own.

Special attention should be paid to regular cleaning of the filters, as dust particles, insects, bacteria, and other microorganisms accumulate on them. The air from an air conditioner that is not regularly cleaned is of poor quality and often has an unpleasant odor.

When to Maintain Your Air Conditioner

In order for the air conditioner to optimally cool and heat, efficiently consume energy while also saving it, and serve to purify stale air in enclosed spaces, it needs to be regularly maintained and serviced. Only through regular care of air conditioners do we ensure their longevity and optimal functioning.

Before the Season

Air conditioners most commonly operate during the summer period, which means the unit is idle for most of the year. During the idle period, dust accumulates in the unit, and very often the unit remains uncleaned from the previous season. Therefore, it is very important, even mandatory, to thoroughly clean the air conditioner and check its technical functionality before it starts operating in the new season.

Before the usage period of the air conditioner begins, the following activities need to be performed:

• Filter inspection and cleaning
• Remote control inspection
• Heat exchanger inspection and cleaning
• Evaporator disinfection
• Visual inspection of system tightness
• Evaporation control
• Functionality testing

You can perform some of these activities yourself. For example, you can wash the filters and clean the exterior of the outdoor unit. Other activities should be performed by a qualified technician from an authorized air conditioner service center.

After the maintenance has been completed, always request a report from the technician about the work performed so that you know exactly what was done and what may additionally need to be done.

During the Season

During the cooling and heating season, the air conditioner should not be neglected. Dust should be regularly removed and the indoor unit filters should be cleaned. Periodically, the indoor unit should be disinfected to ensure maximum air quality, and the drain pan should be disinfected as well.

The outdoor unit should be inspected and any branches, leaves, and similar objects that may affect the unit's operation should be removed. Visually check whether the outdoor unit valves are "frozen," which is a sign of refrigerant shortage or improper unit operation. If you notice any irregularities in the unit's operation (poor cooling, unnatural noises, etc.), be sure to call an authorized service technician.

After the Season

After the season, the air conditioner should be prepared for the idle period. First of all, the air conditioner should be disinfected and the filters should be cleaned, as dust particles, insects, and microorganisms have accumulated in them. If possible, physically protect the outdoor unit from weather elements, and the indoor unit from dust accumulation. Disconnect the unit from the power supply.

How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner

Air conditioners should be serviced at least once a year, before the high-temperature season. This way, your air conditioner will be prepared for operation in a timely manner.

When installing the air conditioner, pay attention to the location you have chosen for installation. In addition to the technical requirements for installation, air conditioners should be in an accessible position so that you can maintain them regularly.

Filter Cleaning

Filter cleaning is an activity you can perform yourself. All you need is a little good will and a little time. The filter should be checked every two months during the cooling/heating season, and more frequently is recommended in polluted environments, in the presence of pets, or with intensive use of the air conditioner.

Carefully read the unit maintenance instructions, and if in doubt, call an authorized service technician. You should know that certain filters can be cleaned, while certain ones need to be replaced.

Before cleaning, turn off the air conditioner and disconnect it from the power supply. Open the cover of the indoor unit and, following the instructions, remove the filters that can be cleaned. Remove any larger objects from the filter, then wash the filter with warm water. Optionally, you can treat the filter with a disinfectant. Let the filter dry and then return it to the air conditioner. The filter must be dry before being returned to the air conditioner.

Indoor Unit Cleaning

Taking care of the cleanliness and hygiene of the indoor unit is a fundamental step toward the longevity of your unit. Regularly removing dust and impurities from the air conditioner units improves the quality of air that the air conditioner produces.

Regularly check whether anything is blocking the air inlet or outlet of the unit. Check whether water is leaking from the unit in places where it is not intended. Leave any irregularities in operation to a qualified service technician.

Outdoor Unit Cleaning

The outdoor unit is exposed to various weather conditions (sun, rain, wind, etc.). Regularly check the appearance of the unit and whether there are any unwanted objects inside it (leaves, branches, etc.). If you can, remove the unwanted objects yourself, and for everything else, call an authorized service technician.

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