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At Cool Tools, we put together split air conditioner cleaning kits from the best and trusted brands to help Air Conditioning Technicians around Australia save money. Cool Tools also offers DIY air conditioning AC cleaning kits which come with all the basic things you need such as cleaning bag, coil cleaner and sprayer to safely clean your home split type A/C unit without entirely dismantling it.
Step 1: Turn off your Air Conditioning Unit
Because safety is paramount, always turn off the power and unplug the cord before working on an air conditioner. Do not start cleaning and taking apart your electric appliance while the power is still on. Dealing with an electric unit means you can get electrocuted, so you should take the necessary precautions. Safety should be your number one priority.
Step 2: Open and Clean the Front Panel
Air conditioners come with an instruction manual that details how to remove the front cover and open the unit to access the air filters. If not available, you can download a copy of your unit’s operation manual from the manufacturer’s website.
For split system air conditioners, attach an air conditioner cleaning bag to the unit and adjust the strap to hold the catchment bag in place. The cleaning bag will capture all the falling dirt and drippings. Make sure to connect the drain hose to a container for waste water.
Step 3: Remove and Clean the Air Filters
With the front cover removed or lifted up, you will find the air filters which are typically in the front of the unit. How to clean your air conditioner filters is easy. The air filters should lift and remove easily from the unit. If you are unsure how to remove it, it is best to check your unit's manual.
Clean both sides of the air filters by removing the dust buildup using a brush or vacuum cleaner. Rinse the air filters clean with lukewarm water and mild detergent to make sure no residue is left. Allow the filters to dry completely before placing them back into the air conditioning unit.
Step 4: Locate and Clean the Coils and Fins
You may need to remove the front panel with a screwdriver to access the coils. Use a soft brush to get rid of the dust from the coils. Clean away the remaining dust, dirt, sticky and oily grime by applying a generous amount of coil cleaning solution with a spray bottle starting at the bottom and working your way up. Most A/C units will have two sets of coils – the evaporator coils (inside) and condenser coils (outside). Make sure to use the appropriate air conditioner coil cleaner for your inside and outside coils.
Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes until it foams up. Rinse off with fresh water using a portable pressure washer. This will flush out all the dirt, dust and loosened grime from the coils. Be careful not to apply too much water pressure as it can damage the fins.
Straighten the evaporator and condenser fins using a fin comb or fin straightening tool. Carefully comb the fins back into place. This step will help improve the airflow and maintain the efficiency of your air conditioning unit.
Step 5: Clean the Drain Pan
The next step is to clean out the drain pan with soap and hot water. It is also ideal to sanitise this part of the unit by carefully pouring a 50/50 bleach and water mixture solution down the drain.
Step 6: Close the Access Panel
Ensure that all parts of the air conditioner are dry before reattaching the front panel. Finish off by wiping the front panel and the remaining exterior of the unit before closing the front cover. Turn the A/C unit back on. Keep it on for a good half hour to check for unfamiliar sounds or smells and observe the level of cooling. If you notice anything unusual, turn the unit off and contact your local HVAC Technician for further inspection.
Whether you use your split system air conditioning unit for cooling or heating, your A/C unit must be cleaned or serviced regularly to maintain energy efficiency, better air quality and lower running costs. While air con filters ensure dust is removed from the air, cleaning only the filters is never enough. Dirt and dust, even fungus, mould, mildew, bacteria and human DNA, (skin cells) could also build up in hard-to-reach areas like the evaporator coils, fans, or drain pipes. Spending a little time cleaning your air conditioner every two weeks and booking a comprehensive professional air conditioner maintenance service annually will not only help you save money. Your unit will last for years longer, and you will feel safe knowing the air circulating inside your home is clean and healthy.
Looking for a complete solution to your air conditioning maintenance services or just a home do-it-yourself aircon cleaning kit? Depending on your need and budget, we got the best split system air conditioner cleaning kit and supplies from top brands such as Hydrocell, AIRCONcare, SpeedClean and many more, just for you. Check our range below.
