Cleaning a home air conditioner prevents excessive electricity consumption, avoids costly repairs, and protects household members from respiratory illnesses during the summer, news outlet Infobae reported.
Routine home care takes no more than 30 minutes and can significantly extend the lifespan of the appliance, according to energy company Endesa. However, failing to maintain units properly risks releasing trapped dust and bacteria directly into living spaces.
Endesa explained that routine care should be divided between basic home maintenance and technical repairs handled by certified professionals. Homeowners can carry out preventative tasks such as filter cleaning and visual inspections, while complex diagnostic work requires specialist intervention.
How to Clean Air Conditioner Filters at Home
Before switching on an air conditioner that has sat idle for several months, homeowners must ensure the unit is thoroughly cleaned. Turning on an uncleaned appliance risks blowing accumulated bacteria and dirt into the air, posing dangers to respiratory health.
Endesa recommended a step-by-step process to sanitize split-system filters effectively:
- Open the cover of the split system and remove the filter holders.
- Clear away surface dust using a vacuum cleaner.
- Submerge filters with stubborn grime in cold water mixed with antibacterial soap. Hot water must be avoided to prevent deforming the filter fibers.
- Rinse the filters with plenty of clean water and allow them to dry completely in a shaded spot before placing them back into the unit.
Allowing filters to dry fully in the shade ensures that air circulates freely without dispersing airborne contaminants throughout the home.
Sanitizing Internal Grilles and Split Systems
Filter maintenance alone is insufficient to keep an air conditioner operating efficiently. Endesa advised cleaning the internal area of the split unit and the rear tubes while the filters are out.
Wiping these internal components with a cloth dampened in soapy water effectively removes dust residue and bacteria. Special attention must be given to the unit grilles, where moisture from condensation causes dust particles to stick easily.
Drying all internal surfaces thoroughly after cleaning is essential to prevent mold growth and eliminate foul odors. Endesa noted that a clean indoor unit improves overall air quality, lowers the risk of respiratory infections, and allows the equipment to run at maximum cooling capacity.
These maintenance procedures should be repeated at least twice a year. Homeowners should also clean the system whenever they notice warning signs, such as reduced airflow or unusual smells.
Inspecting Outdoor Units and Drainage Pipes
Air conditioner care extends to the components located outside the building. A thorough visual inspection of the outdoor unit is necessary to confirm that air intakes remain clear of leaves, dirt, and debris.
Where accessible, the heat exchanger coil should be cleaned using a soft brush or compressed air. Clearing dust from the exchanger coil promotes efficient heat dissipation during operation.
Homeowners must also check the drainage system to verify that the drain tube remains unblocked. Obstructions inside the drain pipe cause water to back up into the internal tray, resulting in indoor leaks and unpleasant odors from stagnant water.
When to Call a Certified Specialist
Distinguishing between routine household hygiene and professional repair is crucial for safety. Endesa specified that while homeowners can safely handle filter washing, indoor surface cleaning, and visual checks by following manufacturer instructions, complex issues require trained help.
If an air conditioning unit fails to cool properly after cleaning or continues to exhibit technical faults, an authorized technician must be hired. Certified specialists are required to inspect electrical circuits, recharge refrigerant gas, and repair internal mechanical parts.
Separately, Ukrainian news agency UNIAN previously reported that householders were advised to place a bay leaf inside their freezers for household maintenance.
