With our country’s killer hot-humid summer combo, you’re probably using your aircon to cool down at home. But is it still hot even after you’ve set it to the coldest mode? Or does your room smell a little funny? Your aircon might need a little cleaning. Many homeowners mistakenly think their air conditioners can keep running in optimal state without proper cleaning and maintenance. Unfortunately, they only realize what they need to do when their family gets sick because of poor indoor air quality. Over time, air conditioning units accumulate large volumes of dirt, dust, and grime. Moreover, studies show that without regular cleaning, these systems can become breeding grounds for illness-causing pathogens and bacteria.[1]. Manufacturers generally recommend having air conditioners professionally maintained once every six months The best thing you can do for this cool appliance is to keep it clean, so we've compiled this guide with all the essentials on how to properly clean an aircon system! Find tips on cleaning a split-type aircon or a window-type aircon with our step-by-step guides below!
Aircon filter cleaning should be done on a monthly basis, and when not in use for long periods of time, it should be covered by a sheet to protect it from gathering dust and mold!
Remember
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Check your aircon frequently for signs of mildew.
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Turn your aircon off completely before cleaning.
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Do not use bleach or alcohol to clean your aircon. Instead, use non-flammable antifungal sprays or hydrogen peroxide.
What to Prepare to Have a Clean Air Conditioning System
As the heat index in the Philippines continues to rise, the air conditioning market is expected to grow at a 4.55% CAGR by 2025.[2] While there are various design types included in the data, window and split air conditioners are the major driving forces of the growth. So, today, we’ll share the materials and steps you’ll generally need to clean these AC types:
1. Air conditioning cleaning solution
You can use a mild detergent like Breeze Gentle & Free mixed with warm water to clean most air conditioning parts safely. However, you can go to your local hardware store and find cleaning solutions specifically designed to clean air conditioning units.
Now, if you prefer DIY natural cleaning products, you can create a solution using vinegar, water, and baking soda. All you need to do is prepare a gallon of water in a basin. Then, mix in half a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar. You can use this solution to clean the air filters.
2. Soft-bristled brush
You’ll need a hand-held brush with soft bristles to remove dirt from the air filters.
3. Vacuum cleaner
If you don’t own a vacuum cleaner, you don’t have to purchase one for this DIY project. After all, it is not a common item included in a Filipino’s set of cleaning tools. However, using it can make the process a lot easier and safer.
4. Cleaning cloth
Ideally, you should get a microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt easily. However, most cotton cleaning cloths should do.
When to clean an aircon?
There will be signs that your aircon is in need of a good clean, especially if you’ve never cleaned the unit since you bought it.
Signs of mildew (like an odd, moldy smell) will tell you that microbes have built up in your aircon and that the air coming out of the unit is no longer clean. Because of condensation, it’s perfectly normal for mildew to develop, which means that you should aim to do aircon filter cleaning once a month if you use your unit on a daily basis.
Dust is also bound to gather in the cooling fins and coils of your aircon, and the last thing you want is for dust to spread around your room while you sleep. Cleaning the cooling fins and coils of your aircon is just as important as aircon filter cleaning and should be done seasonally.
How to clean window-type aircon
If you own a window-type aircon, then follow these simple steps:
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Turn your aircon off completely.
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Using a mild cleaning solution, spray it over the external area on the front of the unit.
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Remove the filter and spray the cleaning solution inside.
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Thoroughly vacuum your aircon filters for the best clean, before rinsing under lukewarm water. Always check the guidelines for your model to make sure you're removing the panel properly.
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Leave the filter to dry completely before placing it back on the unit. The sprayed exterior of the aircon should also be left to dry completely overnight.
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For cleaning the interior of the aircon seasonally, start by removing the casing, keeping any screws in a safe place. With a soft bristle brush, comb the aluminum fins and air blow them. Vacuum to remove any excess debris. Spray the coils with an oxygenated cleaner or aircon coil cleaner. After 10 minutes, wipe everything with a damp cloth and leave to dry properly before reassembling.
How to clean split-type aircon
A split-type aircon has 2 components: the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. Here, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to clean the indoor unit:
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Turn your aircon off completely.
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Lift the exterior lid up and pull the air filters off the grille. Always check the instructions for your model to make sure you’re doing things properly.
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Vacuum all the dust off the filters. Use a soft bristle to brush off any stubborn grime.
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Alternatively, you can wash the filters using lukewarm water and detergent.
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Leave the aircon filter to dry in the shade.
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Remove the frame that gives access to the fan coil, keeping any screws in a safe place. Spray it with hydrogen peroxide solution and rinse it off with a damp cloth.
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Only reassemble everything once all the parts are dry.
Clean Your Air Conditioning System Regularly
These days, most air conditioners are designed with advanced technology that allows long-lasting durability and reliable performance. However, you must regularly clean your AC unit to ensure that it stays in its optimal condition. Moreover, don’t skip out on professional maintenance service once every six months. This way, the air quality in your home keeps your family healthy and comfortable.
FAQs on Having a Clean Air Conditioning Unit
Q: How do I clean my air conditioner?
The cleaning steps will depend on the air conditioning unit you own. If you own a window or split-type AC, you can follow the instructions we shared in this article. Otherwise, we recommend reviewing your air conditioning manual for specific steps.
Q: What is the need for aircon cleaning?
If left uncleaned, aircon units can accumulate dust, dirt, pathogens, and bacteria. With constant poor indoor air quality, your family will be at risk for respiratory diseases and allergies.
Q: How often should you clean AC?
Air conditioning filters should be cleaned at least once a month. Meanwhile, you should get preventive maintenance service for your unit twice a year.
References:
1. IndustryARC. (n.d.). Philippines air conditioning market - forecast(2023 - 2028). In IndustryARC. https://www.industryarc.com/Report/19051/philippines-air-conditioning-market
2. Watanabe, K., Yanagi, U., Shiraishi, Y., Harada, K., Ogino, F., & Asano, K. (2022). Bacterial communities in various parts of Air-Conditioning units in 17 Japanese houses. Microorganisms, 10(11), 2246. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10112246
