Do-it-yourself maintenance of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. How to clean the air conditioner with your own hands - step by step instructions. Work on cleaning the indoor unit

Caring for an air conditioner in an apartment or office is an integral part of operation. The accumulation of lint, dust, grease or small debris reduces the life of the climate control equipment. Maintenance of air conditioners or split systems is carried out by specialists, but part of the planned activities is within the power of the users themselves. Before you clean the air conditioner with your own hands, you should familiarize yourself with internal device technology. Most often, manipulations do not imply any difficulties, it is enough to pay attention and follow the sequence of actions.

The first "symptoms" of unstable operation may not be noticeable. Failure to follow the rules for maintaining an air conditioner or split system entails four main signs of severe pollution:

leaks from the indoor module;
pronounced unpleasant odor;
the presence of extraneous noise during operation, unstable fan sound, crackling;
poor-quality cooling, arbitrary temperature drops.

The presence of one of the signs already indicates the need for urgent cleaning of the system. If you neglect the rules of use and do not clean the air conditioner units in a timely manner, various parts will certainly fail, which will require a visit by service employees. Serious, at first glance, problems at work can be solved quickly and with your own hands at home or in the office. All basic cleaning works are available to everyone, and their implementation does not require special equipment.

Information on how often you need to clean the air conditioner, how to care for climate equipment, is written in the instructions. As a rule, there is a scheme for disassembling the indoor / single unit, an algorithm for how to flush the air filtration system on your own.

Maintenance of the indoor unit

Cleaning indoor unit air conditioner includes several stages:

washing the filter mesh;
washing the fan;
cleaning the radiator, evaporator;
cleaning the drainage system of the air conditioner.

If the air conditioning equipment is new and used recently, it only needs routine cleaning every 2 to 3 weeks. The list contains cleaning activities such as removal of dust from the case the internal module and cleaning the most polluted parts of the air conditioner or split system.

The accumulation of dust provokes air pollution, the presence of extraneous noise, overheating of the radiator, compressor or evaporator. Cleaning the air conditioner with your own hands at home is carried out in stages.

Cleaning the air filters and fan

Removable strainer air conditioner installed in the housing inner panel, it can have any shape, this does not affect the purification procedure. To get to it, you need to disconnect the device from the network, remove the front cover by unscrewing a few screws. The mesh can be easily removed from the air conditioner, it is recommended not only to clean or rinse the filter, but to pre-soak it in water with laundry soap or a neutral household cleaner.

Then you need to rinse the rotary fan, which distills the cooled air. In the process of rotation, not only dust, but also grease settles on its blades, and debris accumulates. Exist removable and non-removable fans, removable just remove, soak in soapy water for a while. Fixed parts can be cleaned with a brush - this is not very convenient, it will take time, but high-quality cleaning eliminates the accumulation of dirt and grease.

If an extraneous unpleasant odor is observed, then this is a sign of the development of bacteria, fungi or mold. Air filters and air conditioning fan should be cleaned after cleaning. treat with a disinfectant solution or a special antibacterial agent.

The frequency of cleaning the filter meshes, fans is prescribed in the user manual. Based on practice, this should be done every four weeks or more often.

Cleaning the heat exchanger and radiator

The radiator and heat exchanger are installed either in a single air conditioner module or in the indoor unit of a split system. The service center specialists carry out a complete cleaning of the air conditioning system, removing and disassembling the unit. This procedure is expensive, therefore it is more profitable to periodically carry out surface cleaning of the system at home or in the office.

How to properly clean the air conditioner radiator and evaporator yourself? Here is a step by step algorithm:

remove the front cover;
remove the filter screens;
dry cleaning is carried out with a vacuum cleaner or a brush with long bristles, so as not to damage the evaporator plates, all movements must be strictly from top to bottom;
dirt films are removed with a conventional steam cleaner;
put the device into recirculation mode at the lowest temperature;
in the suction area air masses spray the antiseptic with a spray bottle, avoiding contact with the radiator itself.

In order to avoid collecting a lot of dust on the thin plates of the heat exchanger, and the cleaning process to be as fast as possible, dry cleaning should be carried out every month. It is optimal to combine these activities with the washing of filter screens.

Cleaning and disinfection of the drainage system

The drainage system of the air conditioner is a small structure of two elements: a pan where water collects, and a tube that removes liquid. The accumulation of dust in the presence of moisture provokes the development of fungi, bacteria and mold, as a result - the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

When debris or dust gets into drainage system, the nozzle and tube are gradually clogged, after which water starts to flow from the air conditioner.

Initially, you need to disconnect the tray from the board and the output tube, after which it can be easily removed and washed under the stream clean water. The drain tube can be cleaned with a compressor or a vacuum cleaner in blowing mode. Wash the canal with plain water and soapy water or any neutral detergent.

If fungus or mold has already begun to spread through the air conditioning system, it should be removed and treat the surface with anti-mold, antiseptic or similar antifungal agents. Bad smell most often it comes from the pallet, it will not be superfluous to periodically disinfect it.

Maintenance of the outdoor unit

Cleaning outdoor unit air conditioner or split system is carried out much less frequently, approximately once or twice a year. Street dirt, dust, leaves, tree branches, poplar fluff accumulate in this area. If the air conditioner is not cleaned, debris will accumulate, causing the compressor and radiator to become very hot, which leads to breakage of these parts.

It should be noted right away that access to the module is most often difficult. Despite the fact that the block itself is installed next to the window or on the outside of the balcony, it is not always possible to rinse it well without insurance and additional equipment.

If it is not possible to completely secure your life, it is better not to take risks, but to entrust the matter to specialists.

When access to the outdoor unit of the split system is free, it is easy to do the cleaning yourself:

disconnect the device from the network;
remove all branches, leaves and sweep debris from the body;
take off protective cover and clean the block from large debris inside;
rinse the fan blades with a damp sponge;
rinse the radiator under pressure with water or a steam cleaner, excluding moisture from entering the electrical module.

There are many household cleaners that can be used to clean the air conditioner at home or in the office. As an alternative, they often use usual laundry soap - it perfectly cleans any surface, even from stubborn fatty contaminants.

Why you need to contact specialists

There are many organizations for the maintenance and repair of climate equipment. Qualified specialists carry out cleaning of air conditioners and planned technical inspection systems, including diagnostics and repair work. A common practice among the public is to order a cleaning service as a good example. In spite of general rules, devices may be structurally different from each other.

It is possible to clean a split system or a monoblock on your own, but the maintenance of climate equipment does not end there. In the process of work, there is an annual reduction in refrigerant volume, about 7%. For the stable operation of the air conditioner, its volume must be replenished annually, for this you should contact the specialists.

In other cases, service employees are called if the air conditioning system is unstable, and without visible reasons. If the malfunction of the air conditioning system is in a mechanical failure, cleaning will no longer help, repair or replacement of parts will be required here.

Preparing the system for summer or winter

Caring for an air conditioner or split system in an apartment includes activities to prepare for the change of season. Regardless of whether the model is adapted for use in winter or not, there are some temperature limits. Switching on the climatic equipment at a temperature below the permissible level threatens to leak liquid, followed by icing of the outdoor unit.

Before the onset of cold weather, be sure to clean home air conditioner and dry the entire system. AT modern models there is special function"FAN" (the name may be different).

In preparation for the warm season, the internal module of the split system or air conditioner must be cleaned again. During downtime, fine house dust will certainly collect inside the case, so you need to clean air filters and fan and, if necessary, an evaporator.

Caring for climate equipment in an apartment or office increases its efficiency, increases the service life of the air conditioner. Technical device air conditioning systems is simple, which is why many users prefer to carry out cleaning activities on their own.

Equipment such as air conditioning has long become an indispensable and highly demanded element of every home. And it's not just fashion trend, and the real salvation from the exhausting summer heat, so compact and simple at first glance, the device will allow you to create the most comfortable microclimate in a matter of minutes. But do not forget that, like any other type of equipment, climate control equipment requires some attention, otherwise it will not last very long. It is regular, and most importantly, proper cleaning and maintenance process that will allow the device to properly and efficiently perform its original purpose. Do-it-yourself air conditioning maintenance is quite realistic, but for starters, it’s still worth mastering some basic knowledge so that such amateur activity does not cause serious damage and malfunctions.

It goes without saying that for each model of air conditioners there are specific design features and the terms of service. That is why it is better to look through the instructions for the air conditioner, which is provided along with the climate device, in advance. It is in it that everyone will find specific and practical recommendations that will help to carry out independent cleaning as competently as possible.

We clean the heat exchanger of climatic equipment in three simple steps

Performing independent maintenance of air conditioners, one should also not forget about such an important detail as a heat exchanger. Even this seemingly ordinary radiator needs periodic cleaning and leaving.

Filter cleaning is an important step in the maintenance of any air conditioner.

Each owner of such equipment should be able to properly clean the filters of climatic devices, it is from this stage that the service of air conditioners begins. This part is designed to capture even the smallest particles of dirt and dust that are constantly present in the air. That is why the filter gets dirty the most, and it is he who needs constant and maximum thorough cleaning. If this procedure is not carried out in a timely manner or is not done correctly enough, then the air conditioner will simply cease to cope with its duties and will fail very quickly.

Ideally, the filter should go through cleaning several times a week, as well as general room cleaning. However, the frequency of such an event may vary depending on the frequency of operation of the climate device itself.

You can clean the air conditioner yourself with the same vacuum cleaner. But you should know that you can use such a cleaning device only occasionally, since strong air flow alone will not be enough for complete cleaning.
However, it is better to clean the filter manually from time to time. However, it is highly recommended not to do it too roughly, otherwise it may break. Also, do not use in the cleaning process and various detergents or household chemicals. First of all, they can damage not only the filter itself, but also the indoor unit of the split system, and secondly, the air that is supplied by the device can be contaminated with not entirely safe for human health chemical elements. The surest option is to thoroughly wash the filter using soapy warm water. exist today and special means created for the maintenance and cleaning of air conditioners. Thanks to their special composition, this procedure will be incredibly fast and easy.
After washing the filter, do not immediately install it back into the air conditioner. It must first stand and dry well. After carrying out this procedure, it is necessary to make sure that all the parts have been put in their place correctly, and only after that it will be possible to turn on the air conditioner.

The outdoor unit of the split system also needs proper care!

Doing the maintenance of the air conditioner with your own hands, one should not forget about such an important detail as the external unit, which during operation is no less contaminated than all the internal parts of the climate control device. The only difference is that doing this kind of work even under very frequent use split systems will only need a few times a year.

The main nuances of cleaning the external unit:

Perform cleaning given element the air conditioner can still be used with the same vacuum cleaner, but it should be understood that it must be with sufficient power so that dust from all parts is pulled together as efficiently as possible. If the cleaning equipment used does not have such characteristics, then it is better not to be lazy and perform manual cleaning and washing.
If the outdoor unit is located high enough, then you should very carefully unscrew the protection grill and gently wipe the inside of the air conditioner. In this case, one vacuum cleaner will not be enough.
You can also clean the external unit of the split system using soapy water and a soft sponge. In this case, you will need to follow the safety rules: before cleaning the device in without fail should be de-energized, and it will be possible to turn it on only 30 minutes after the end of the entire procedure.

Freon is an integral part of the efficient operation of the air conditioner.

Proper and timely maintenance of climate control equipment can significantly extend its service life. And a particularly important and rather complicated procedure is refilling with freon, without which any, even the most innovative and high-tech air conditioner, could not cope with its tasks.

One of the most common problems that almost every owner of a split system has to face is the leakage of freon, which is the working fluid of the device. In the process of long and intensive operation, the refrigerant evaporates in small quantities, however, with a significant drop in the level of freon, which may occur due to various reasons(starting from improper installation of the air conditioner and ending with non-compliance with the rules for using equipment), the device will simply stop working. In this situation, you will need to check the refrigerant pressure in the air conditioner and determine the causes of its leakage. If there is no confidence in your own technical skills, then it is better to seek help from people who are constantly involved in the maintenance and repair of such equipment.

The main signs of freon leakage, which can be detected independently, without the use of specialized equipment and tools, include the following:

Occurrence on choke connections, which are located on the outdoor unit of the split system, icing;
A general decrease in the efficiency of the device - the air in the room, even at long work the air conditioner is not cooling;
In the process of an ordinary visual inspection of the equipment, significant losses of freon will immediately become noticeable.

To prevent such troubles with climate technology from happening, for the purpose of prevention, it is necessary to measure the pressure of the freon level, as well as refuel it. If the evaporation of this refrigerant occurs naturally, then you will need to refuel the air conditioner yourself only once every 1.5-2 years. The procedure is quite laborious, but it is quite possible to perform it yourself.

A long time ago different types air conditioners have become almost the main equipment in our homes, because thanks to them we establish the ideal microclimate in our premises and, thus, escape from heat or cold. But there is no such equipment that would not need regular maintenance, so for the efficient and proper operation of the air conditioner, think about cleaning its parts. In what cases can the device be cleaned independently at home, and in what cases will the help of a master be required?

In what cases it is necessary to clean the indoor and outdoor unit of the air conditioner

You need to clean the equipment immediately in the following cases:

The air conditioner began to consume more electricity.
The climate system began to work worse or its power decreased.
When the air conditioner is turned on, a characteristic crackling or loud noise is heard to the electricity. In this case, you should check the block turbines or filters for clogging.
During the operation of the equipment, condensate leaked from its outdoor unit.
An unpleasant and pungent odor that appears immediately after turning on the air conditioner. This is a warning that there is a problem with the drainage system or the evaporator grate.
The appearance of gurgling or popping sounds that indicate that the drainage has become worse or the cooling system is losing refrigerant.
The external unit emits a characteristic tapping, which means it's time to clean its body from clogging. The fan blades no longer scroll or cling to another object.

With careful attitude to the air conditioner, it will work all its service life without repair, which is about 11 years of perfect work.

With careful attitude to the air conditioner, it will work its entire service life without repair, which is about 11 years of perfect operation.

How to clean your air conditioner at home yourself: step by step instructions for different components

Before you start cleaning the air conditioner, determine the types of work that needs to be done. Self made following processes: fan, heat exchanger, filters cleaning, drainage.

The outdoor unit also needs to be cleaned, but for this job it is better to invite a professional. Working at height is not safe and requires special equipment and experience.

For self cleaning technicians you will need tools:

vacuum cleaner;
soft cloths;
a small brush (not very wide and with a medium pile);
Toothbrush;
detergent;
soap;
container with warm water.

Filter cleaning

Cleaning filters is easy, so everyone can handle this process, the main thing is to follow this sequence:

On the top panel, you need to open the cover.
Air conditioner filters are mesh parts that are carefully pulled out.
Put soap in a bowl of warm water and wait until it is completely dissolved.
It is necessary to put filters in the resulting solution for half an hour.
After the time has elapsed, check to see if any dirt remains on the filters. If yes, then use a toothbrush to wipe the elements, but do not press hard on them. Running water help you wash off the filters soap solution.
To eliminate excess moisture, parts are wiped with a dry cloth or, in sunny weather, left on the windowsill.
Set the filters in place.

How to clean the heat exchanger

The heat exchanger affects the quality cooling and heating of the room, so the procedure for cleaning it should not be ignored.

To begin with, the indoor unit opens in the device.
A dirty air conditioner heat exchanger is also important to clean.
Gets a grate.
The vacuum cleaner collects all the dust from the grate. The vacuum cleaner should operate at medium power.
Wipe the grate with a slightly damp cloth so that subsequently there are no traces of dirt and dust accumulation.
We insert the element into its original place and cover it with a lid.
Before turning on the air conditioner, you need to wait a little.

How is the external cleaning of the device

Also, the external unit of the device needs constant cleaning, although it gets dirty much less than the internal one, so you need to rid it of dust every 6 months.

Cleaning the outdoor unit

For the procedure, a powerful vacuum cleaner is used, which is able to extract all the dust from the external filters and the heat exchange radiator, as well as a soft brush:

When the outdoor unit is located within reach for its maintenance, use a compressor. A hose with a fitting is pushed into the body and the valve opens. Thus, you will remove dirt outside the air conditioner grille.

How to clean the fan

The fan is located inside the block, so to see its blades, you need to open the cover. The accumulation of dust on the fan does not allow it to work properly. You can remove plaque in this way:

Turn on the equipment and operate it a little in any mode.
Turn off the air conditioner and open its cover. Take it off and put it away for a while.
Wet a toothbrush in the initially prepared solution of soap and warm water and thoroughly wipe all the blades.

The fan cleaning procedure must be carried out carefully and carefully so as not to damage the blades.

Drainage cleaning

The drainage of the device is cleaned with an antibacterial treatment. This process includes maintenance of all units of equipment. With a steam generator, such a procedure can be done much faster.

First you need to find the entrance to the drainage system of the air conditioner.
The entrance to the drainage system of the air conditioner is located on the side under the cover
Antibacterial cleaning will be completed immediately after steam is blown into the unit body.
There is a second way - the entire air conditioning system is washed out, after which it is treated with a special antibacterial substance, which is based on an alcohol content. This cleaning option involves spraying a substance from a spray bottle.

The housing, drain, and filters of the device must be cleaned regularly. This must be done depending on functional purpose equipment and its climatic location:

clean outside split system, which is located up to the 4th floor, is necessary every 3 months;
the air conditioner, located from the 7th to the 8th floor, needs to be cleaned every few years, since it has almost no contact with organic debris or dust;
at a height of 12 floors, equipment needs external cleaning, but not more than once every few years. Therefore, outdoor blocks of industrial air conditioners are installed on the roof of the building;
internal filters are cleaned several times a month;
cleaning of split systems is carried out before the air conditioner is put into operation;
outdoor unit in winter time is constantly cleared of icicles and ice so that they do not damage a parked car or fall on a person passing by.

Equipment drains are cleaned as needed. You can check the contamination of the system channels visually by wet spots.

The service life of the equipment depends not only on the selected model and good installation air conditioner, but also from its correct use. By adhering to simple rules, you will extend the operating time of the equipment.

There should be no drafts in the room where the air conditioner is located. Close doors and windows to maintain the required temperature, otherwise the equipment will work in an enhanced mode, so the load on the compressor and fan will increase.
Unnecessarily, do not turn on the air conditioner at maximum airflow, as well as minimum temperature regime, since at a constant high power work equipment will wear out the internal parts faster.
The air conditioner must operate at the permitted outdoor temperature: inverter models- from -5 to -10 degrees, equipment with a "winter kit" up to -20 degrees, basic models - from 0 to -5°С.
Service must be carried out continuously. Twice a year for intensive use, once a year for moderate use. Specialized firms will charge relatively inexpensively for such a service, but at the same time, the likelihood of preventing serious repairs in the future increases.
The indoor unit of the system should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
After long downtime the air conditioner turns on in ventilation mode to run the entire system. So you remove the accumulated condensate and eliminate the unpleasant odor.
The air flow coming from the air conditioner must not have obstacles in its path.
The outdoor unit must be protected from the effects of atmospheric precipitation. For example, make a visor that will prevent snow and rain from getting on the block. You can also install an anti-vandal grille.
Once a quarter, clean the air conditioner filters, dry them and put them back in place.

You can not only extend the operation of the air conditioner, but also make sure that the equipment is less polluted. To do this, follow these rules:

periodically ventilate the room while using the equipment;
do not place foreign objects on the air conditioner and its indoor unit;
containers with water and flowers also do not need to be placed on equipment;
do not touch the equipment with wet hands;
do not let animals sit on it.

In what cases it is impossible to do without a service center

When buying an air conditioner, get ready for the fact that without after-sales service in some cases you can't do it. There are several reasons that will make you turn to specialists:

You cannot eliminate any of these reasons on your own, which means that you cannot do without after-sales service.

Video: how to clean the external unit of the air conditioner with your own hands

Now you already know how to maintain the air conditioner, however, the process of cleaning various parts must be carried out carefully, as you can damage the equipment or injure yourself. What can we say that a badly damaged element will have to be changed. Also make sure that after cleaning, the parts of the air conditioner are well dried. Comprehensive service will help long time use your air conditioner.

Air conditioning was originally invented to reduce humidity in a print shop. Over time, it was modernized, and was already used as a cold generator for rooms and food storage chambers. Nowadays, modern split systems are able not only to cool, remove moisture from residential premises, but also to heat them in the cold season.

Consider the main modules and the principle of operation of an air-type air conditioner working for cooling (Figure 1).

Units located in the outdoor unit:

1. Compressor. Piston, rotary or screw pump, which creates the necessary pressure for the heat exchange process to proceed.
2. Capacitor. A heat exchanger in which gas condenses and heat is released.
3. Fan. A vane motor that accelerates the removal of heat from the condenser.
4. TRV (thermal expansion valve). Capillary tube or an adjustable gas cock to reduce the pressure in the system, which facilitates the transfer of refrigerant from liquid state into gas.

Nodes located in the indoor unit:

5. Evaporator. A heat exchanger in which the final conversion of freon into a gas with heat absorption takes place.
6. Fan. Motor with turbocharged blades for the circulation of cooled air.

All listed components connected in closed loop, copper, aluminum tubes of different diameters.

Split systems are based on the property of liquid to give off heat, and gas - to absorb thermal energy.

Step-by-step principle of operation of the device:

Stage No. 1. During the operation of the compressor, pressure is created (for R 22 - 7 - 8 bar; for R 410 A - 12 - 13 bar.), Which moves the freon in a closed circuit.
Stage No. 2. From the compressor supply line, the liquefied refrigerant saturated with heat moves through the condenser, intensively blown by the fan, cools down and enters the expansion valve.
Stage number 3. After the expansion valve, the freon pressure drops to (3.5 - 4.5 bar for R 22 and 7.5 - 8.5 bar for R 410 A) and a cooled mixture is supplied to the evaporator, consisting of 20% gaseous and 80 % liquid refrigerant.
Stage number 4. The cooled mixture, moving through the evaporator, takes heat from the environment, heats up and passes into gas state. hot room air on the heat exchanger and the distribution of cold flow throughout the room is provided by a motor with turbocharged blades.
Stage 5. After the evaporator, the heated gas is sucked into the compressor. The cycle closes and repeats until the pump stops.

The presented process takes place in any split system equipped with a compressor. The operation of the air conditioner for heating in winter is carried out by a four-way valve that switches the direction of movement of the refrigerant. The valve rotates the heat exchangers, that is, in the outer part, the heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, and in the inner part - as a condenser.

In cases of insufficient amount of refrigerant in the system (presence of detachable connections, low-quality parts, etc.), its partial transformation into gaseous state at stage 5 (presence of a contaminated heat exchanger, increased gas content, etc.), a compressor breakdown may occur. In order to prevent this, the split system, preferably once a year, carry out maintenance (TO). The specified period depends on the intensity and operating conditions, the tightness of the detachable parts (photo 1).

Air conditioning maintenance equipment

Due to the affordable cost of services for the maintenance of cooling machines and the rather high cost of the equipment necessary to perform these works, it is not advisable to purchase special tools and materials for the revision of 1 - 3 air conditioners.

List of special equipment used in the maintenance process:

Mini washer high pressure. A device designed for deep cleaning of machine parts (body, crankcase, etc.), external and, in some cases, internal heat exchangers. For flushing, a low-power station with a jet nozzle is suitable. From powerful mini sinks, the heat exchanger plates are deformed.
Steam generator. A device that generates steam with a temperature of about 120 degrees. Celsius is used to clean the heat exchanger, turbine from dirt and mold.
A set of screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable, hex keys. The listed tool is used to disassemble the air conditioner housing, check the amount of freon, etc.
Electrical extension cord. 15 - 25 m long wire with plug and socket, used in cases of cleaning the air conditioner on the street or placing a power point at a remote distance.
Manometric manifold. With the help of it, the amount of freon in the system and the quality of the vacuuming are checked.
Leak detector. Device for the study of gas leaks. Instead, you can use a hand sprayer filled with soapy water.
Electronic pincers. Compressor current load tester.
Cylinder with compressed air. The device is used to clean the drainage tube. With a small, up to 6 m, drainage area, with one turn, you can use a cable, wire.
Means for cleaning the air conditioner from dirt and mold. Liquid to combat allergens that occur during the stagnation of condensate. Also, some chemicals are able to remove the pollution of heat exchangers.
Insurance system. When working at height, for safety reasons, you must have a minimum set of climbing equipment: eight, carabiners, anchors, safety belt.
Stairs. Used to service the outdoor unit located on the 1st, 2nd floor (depending on the length of the stairs and base).
Vacuum pump. In cases of dismantling the evaporator for pressure cleaning, it is necessary to disconnect and then connect the units with the vacuum of the internal line.
Perforator. Fastening anchors for a safety system.

The listed equipment for servicing the air conditioner should be owned by a specialist who professionally deals with split systems. At convenient location outdoor unit, high-quality components of the system and tightness of the freon pipeline, for maintenance it is enough to have the tools indicated from 1 to 8 positions.

Maintenance example

Holding Maintenance consider the Mitsushito SMC26SG air conditioner as an example. In a split system, the casing of the outdoor unit is easily dismantled, while the housing of the indoor unit is difficult to remove. Therefore, first of all, we will consider in detail the revision of the indoor unit, and then proceed to the outdoor unit.

Revision of the indoor unit

There are three main methods for high-quality cleaning of the indoor unit from pollution:

Method number 1. The turbine is cleaned of dirt, mold with a mini-wash, the evaporator - with the help of a special liquid, the housing, crankcase, filter - with wet fabric materials or mini-wash.
Method number 2. The fan, the heat exchanger are processed by the steam generator, and the remaining elements are processed with a wet sponge and cloth.
Method number 3. In cases of severe contamination of the evaporator, when even exposure to steam does not bring positive result, the indoor unit is dismantled and the heat exchanger, turbine, housing are washed under high pressure.

In all listed methods It is advisable to apply an air conditioner cleaner to the evaporator. Application chemical reagent on the long time prevents the development of bacteria that cause allergies.

Since, upon inspection, the elements of the indoor unit presented by the air conditioner turned out to be not very dirty, let's consider how the air conditioner is cleaned with a steam generator:

Lift the front cover and remove the air filters (photo 2).

Unscrew the fasteners securing the front panel (photo 3), disconnect the latches (photo 4) and separate it from the back of the case.

Disconnect the plug of the information output board from the front panel (photo 5).

Remove the stepper drive from the crankcase horizontal blinds(photo 6).

Release the crankcase (condensate collection tub) from the latches (photo 7), and, lifting the top, pull it out towards you.

Remove the drain hose from the crankcase, and set aside the freed pan to the removed parts (photo 8).

Cover the automation compartment plastic bag to avoid moisture ingress (photo 9).

Pour purified water into the steam generator, preferably distilled, and connect it to the power supply.

Treat the turbine blades and evaporator with steam, condensed dirty water catch with a rag (photo 10, 11).

Wipe clean the turbine, heat exchanger and the rear of the housing.

Disconnect from the front of the case electronic board(photo 12).

Rinse with water pressure front panel, air filters, wipe them with a dry sponge and leave to dry (photo 13, 14).

Since there are fabric trims on the crankcase, gently wipe it with a wet sponge (photo 15).

Use a flexible cable or compressed air to check the cleanliness of the drain channel. Clean if necessary (photo 16).

Connect a hose to the condensate collection tank and reinstall the crankcase.

Apply an air conditioner cleaner to the heat exchanger, for example, Favor Cool Sb - 930 a (photo 17).

After 5 minutes, using a sprayer, rinse the treated heat exchanger so that the dirty liquid flows down the crankcase to the street (photo 18).

Replace the bezel, but do not secure it to the back of the chassis.

Revision of the outdoor unit

Prepare the minisink for operation: connect a hose to the suction line, a gun with a nozzle to the injection line, lower the hose into a container with water and, turning on the minisink, bleed the air from it.
As outdoor unit placed on the facade of a one-story private house (photo 19), install a ladder 1.5 m high near the outdoor unit. You can not use the safety system during work, because at the presented height, for safety reasons, you can work without insurance.
Unscrew the fasteners of the upper and front covers of the unit and dismantle the front cover.
Cover the electronic components and the compressor of the split system with a plastic bag.
With a miniwash, carefully, with vertical movements, rinse the space between the condenser plates. Do not allow the plates to be bent, as their deformation reduces heat transfer.
Wash off the dirt from the bottom, inside of the case.
Replace the front panel and flush the case.
Turn on the air conditioner and check the operation of the outdoor and indoor unit fan for vibration. In cases of strong runout of the impeller, it should be balanced.
Turn off the split system. Fix the front panel of the indoor unit with self-tapping screws, install the air filters in the special panel slots and close the cover.

The operation of the air conditioner for heating in winter in some models is carried out by installing a heater in the drainage channel and on the compressor housing. Therefore, during work, the heater must be removed from the drainage.

Cleaning the air conditioner with a steam generator is completed, now the operation of the air conditioner is being checked.

Checking the operation of the air conditioner after cleaning

One of the main technical indicators is the amount of refrigerant in the system. With an excess of freon, the load on the compressor increases, and with an insufficient amount, the pump overheats. If the gas content in the air conditioner is not balanced in time, the main and expensive part, the compressor, will break down.

The amount of gas in the system can be determined by a pressure gauge, a thermometer (the difference between the temperature of the gas and liquid lines), the behavior of the gas in the collector, the actual volume.

Very often, specialists use a pressure gauge with a manifold to determine the amount of refrigerant. This method indirectly determines the fullness of the system. Most accurate results can be achieved at an ambient temperature of 20 - 30 °C.

Consider how the amount of gas in the system is checked:

A manometric manifold is connected to the filling port, while the manifold valves must be in the closed position (photo 20).
The air conditioner starts in cooling mode and the pressure is measured. Freon does not need to be added if the pressure gauge readings are in the range of 3.8 - 4.2 bar for R 22 or 6.8 - 7.2 bar for R 410 A.

With significant deviations from the above indications, it is necessary to examine the split system for leaks. Testing is most often carried out with an electronic leak detector or soapy water. In the first case, with a certain skill and sensitive equipment, it is possible to quickly and accurately determine the place with a defect; in the second case, it is difficult to identify areas with a small leak.

The procedure for testing the tightness of the circuit with a soap solution or device:

The tightness of detachable connections is determined.
The integrity of solder joints is determined.
In cases of suspected leakage, in the absence of it in the above nodes, whole sections of the connecting pipeline, heat exchanger tubes, expansion valves, etc. are checked.

Since the cost of a sensitive leak detector is quite high, you can use a special soap solution. It is prepared from 50 g of dishwashing detergent, 25 g of glycerin and 150 ml of water. All ingredients must be mixed and poured into a container with a spray nozzle to quickly supply the foam solution to the area to be checked. Due to the elasticity of the solution, a large bubble appears at the leak site, which contributes to the rapid identification of the defect.

With the help of electronic clamps, the deviation from the rated current is determined. The parameter in question is indicated on the information plate placed on the outdoor unit. The current load is removed by clamps from the network cable at the time of compressor operation. If the meter readings correspond to the operating current, deviations of ± 10% are allowed, then it can be assumed that the system is working stably.

Knowing how to clean the air conditioner yourself, you can significantly save on the maintenance of climate equipment. Can all elements - evaporator, radiator and fan - be washed at home? The answer to this question depends on the design of the split system and the degree of pollution. In order to prevent a large accumulation of dirt and the formation of a greasy film, you need to clean the equipment at home as often as indicated in the instructions, then you do not have to remove the air conditioner and do a deep cleaning at the service center.

How often should the air conditioner be cleaned?

Manufacturers of climate control equipment indicate in the technical documentation how often it needs to be cleaned. It should be noted that different elements serviced at different intervals. Most often it is necessary to clean the air (dust) nets, as they accumulate dust, animal hair - any mechanical particles that are in the air of the apartment. The frequency of cleaning here depends on the general pollution in the room, but it should be done at least once a month.

Other components of the split system also need regular maintenance. It is recommended to perform it approximately once every 6-12 months, depending on the intensity of the system. at home (not industrial environment) it is enough to perform cleaning procedures once a year.

There are symptoms that indicate that the air conditioner is dirty:

crackling or louder operation of the split system;
gurgling or squelching sounds;
an unpleasant smell that appears after turning on the air conditioner;
water is dripping from the indoor unit.

Their appearance indicates that cleaning is not being done or is not being done in in full. With such manifestations, it is necessary to perform complex processing. It can be done at home, on your own or with the help of specialists.

What needs to be cleaned in the indoor and outdoor units?

The air conditioner (split system) consists of two blocks - indoor, located in the room, and outdoor - located on outer wall Houses.

The indoor unit contains:

filters;
fan;
radiator and heat exchanger (evaporator);
drainage system (bath and channel).

The condenser and compressor are placed in the external unit, but there is also a heat exchanger and a fan, which also need regular maintenance, as fluff, leaves, wool and dust get there.

Air filters

Filters (dust screens) must be cleaned frequently, as this prevents contaminants from entering other elements of the system. This is easy to do, and once figured out, any user at home can handle it. The filters are located immediately under the top cover and visually look like fine mesh with plastic partitions. There can be from one to three in one block.

The procedure consists of several steps:

turn off the power supply;
lift the cover and fix it in the upper position;
remove filters;
clean the filter with a vacuum cleaner or brush and rinse under cold water;
dry and reinstall.

Filters can be either flat or curved ( drum type). It does not affect the cleaning method.

drainage system

The drainage system consists of two elements - a tray (tray), where liquid is collected from the heat exchanger, and a drainage tube - a channel through which liquid is removed from the house. In order to remove the drip tray, you must first remove the plastic casing of the indoor unit. It is attached with several self-tapping screws (mostly 3-4). Next, you need to remove the connector connecting the bath to the board, and disconnect it from the drain tube.

After that, the bath and the channel are cleaned. The bath is thoroughly washed under running water. The drainage channel is blown with a stream of air under pressure - a compressor or a vacuum cleaner working for blowing is connected to the drainage pipe. Next, you need to pump chlorhexidine (400 ml) into the canal and wait 10-15 minutes. After that, the channel is blown again.

To check whether it was possible to completely clean the drainage system at home, pour 1.5 liters of water to check. If there are no leaks, the cleaning is well done.

Fan

The fan can be cleaned in two ways. The first one is less effective, but it is suitable for those whose model and mount of the air conditioner do not allow removing the impeller (fan drum) and performing a full cleaning.

After removing the filter, you need to blow dry dust with a vacuum cleaner turned on for blowing, or with compressed air from a can.
Apply with a brush long pile soap solution on the drum blades. To process all surfaces, the drum must be turned by hand. As a washing solution, you can use any dishwashing detergent or laundry soap.
5 minutes after applying the composition, you need to turn on the air conditioner, having previously laid a film under the diffuser grille. This will blow all the dirt out.

You can additionally treat the blades with an antibacterial agent. There are plenty of cleaners on the market today designed specifically for climate control systems.

In most models of air conditioners, it is possible to remove the impeller. In this case, it can be immersed completely in a soapy solution, and then rinsed with a strong stream of water and thoroughly treated with a disinfectant.

The removal sequence is as follows.

Unscrew the front panel.
Carefully remove the drain pan so as not to spill the liquid contained there. In this case, it must be disconnected from the board (remove the connector) and from the drain hose.
Rotate the drum until the locking screw is visible. It is located at the junction of the drum with the motor (one blade is missing there).
Remove the screw by carefully bending the evaporator.
After cleaning the drum, the assembly is carried out in the reverse order.

Incorrect removal of the impeller can damage the air conditioner. This procedure is recommended only for people familiar with the technique.

Radiator and heat exchanger

At home, the radiator and evaporator can only be cleaned superficially without removing them. Deep cleaning is carried out in service centers removing the indoor unit and then reinstalling it. The cost of such a procedure is considerable, so it is better to regularly carry out maintenance yourself in order to prevent a strong accumulation of dirt on the elements of the air conditioner.

Step-by-step instruction

Remove the top cover, air filters and unscrew the front panel.
Clean the radiator and evaporator with a long bristled brush. In this case, the movements should only be from top to bottom, otherwise the thin plates of the heat exchanger may be damaged.
Pour 0.5 liters of antiseptic into a spray bottle, and switch the air conditioner to recirculation mode at the lowest possible temperature.
Spray the antiseptic in the air intake area (not on the radiator itself, but near it).

If a dirt film has formed on the heat exchanger, it can be removed with a steam cleaner. Dry dust must first be removed with a brush, and after steam cleaning, perform an antiseptic treatment.

Outdoor unit

The outdoor unit is also prone to contamination, but there are practically no fat deposits. This simplifies the cleaning process.

Turn off power.
Remove protective cover.
Remove large debris with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
Rinse fan blades.
Wash the radiator of the outdoor unit with a hose or with a steam generator. In this case, you need to ensure that water does not get into the electrical part of the unit.

Why contact a service center?

Although the radiator and fan of the indoor and outdoor units can be cleaned by yourself, this does not negate the service. When operating the air conditioner even in the most ideal conditions there is a loss of refrigerant (freon or freon). Normally, its amount decreases by 5-7% per year. If there is a depressurization of the circuit, then much more freon can leak out.

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