The importance of cleaning wall-mounted air conditioners
April 10th, 2021
It’s that time of year again for all things spring-clean! An important item to add to your spring cleaning checklist is your wall-mounted AC unit. Even if you had it fully cleaned and serviced in the fall, you’ll want to give it some attention before starting it up after being dormant for the winter.
In this post, the clean-air specialists at Solution D’Air in Gatineau share information about why it’s important to clean your wall-mounted air conditioner, and some quick DIY cleaning steps for you to do each spring
Cleaner air
Besides the obvious benefits of cool and comfort during the hot summer months, wall-mounted air conditioners also help to filter and clean the air in your home. The filters remove pollutants,thus increasing your indoor air quality.
What type of pollutants are we talking about? In the spring, especially, we think of pollens and other allergens. And all year round, the tiny bits of regular house dust floating around can contain any combination of:
- dead skin, hair and pet fur
- pollen and dander
- cloth fibres
- bacteria
- dust mites and dead bugs
- dirt tracked in from outside
By maintaining your wall-mounted AC unit and regularly cleaning the filters, you’re helping to capture these particles from your indoor air and reducing the health risks associated with breathing this stuff in.
Longer life of your AC
Just like any other major appliance or system in your home, it is important to clean and maintain your wall-mounted cooling unit so that it will last as long as possible. Dust and dirt build up will cause your AC to work harder to produce cool air. This extra effort will shave years off your AC unit and you’ll end up having to pay for major repairs or a full replacement much sooner than if you had maintained it all along.
Some other benefits of cleaning your wall-mounted AC unit include:
- improved energy efficiency
- lower utility bills
- increased air flow and cooling
- reduced noise level
Good maintenance of your unit should also include having it professionally serviced periodically. The frequency of a professional cleaning and servicing can vary by individual preference, from annually to only when a fault is detected.
A professional will give both the indoor and outdoor units a good cleaning, but will also check the components and system to ensure everything is in good working order. They may be able to detect things like coolant leaks, wear to mechanical parts that may cause issues, and any other items that could reduce the life or effectiveness of your unit.
Cleaning the Indoor Unit and Filters
Step 1 – always turn off the unit and disconnect the power.
Step 2 – open the unit and clean any dust inside with a dry cloth and your vacuum. The part of the inside unit you need to pay most attention to is, of course, the filter. Depending on the kind of filter your unit has, you may be able to wash it or, if your unit uses carbon filters, they may need replacement (consult the owner’s manual for your unit for directions).
Step 3 – make sure the unit and filter are completely dry before closing the unit again
Cleaning the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit of your wall-mounted air conditioner also needs regular cleaning.
Step 1 – always turn off the unit and disconnect the power.
Step 2 – visually inspect for things that don’t belong:
- Plants that have grown in and around the unit
- Spider webs
- Leaves, twigs and other debris
Step 3 – turn the unit on and look and listen for any damaged or worn parts.
When you turn on the unit for the first time, pay attention to the sounds it makes (both the indoor unit and the outdoor unit). Any sustained unusual noises may be a sign that something is wrong with the unit and may need to be checked further.
We’re here to help!
If you have any questions about cleaning your wall-mounted air conditioning unit or any other issues you’re having with your home cooling system, please reach out. The team at Solution D’Air proudly serve the Gatineau region and are always here to help.
