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As the winter transitions to spring, most households tend to neglect their air conditioners. So, what should you do before turning on those long-unused AC units as summer approaches?
1. What to Note When Restarting Your Idle Air Conditioner
During the shift from winter to spring, many families tend to overlook their air conditioning units. So, as we approach summer, what steps should be taken before reviving these dormant devices?
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According to experts in the appliance industry, air conditioners should be cleaned every 2-3 months. However, many people go a whole year without opening up the unit to check the filter. They assume that since the device is still cooling effectively, there's no issue.
However, after a long period of disuse, especially during the winter in tropical countries, dust can accumulate heavily within the air conditioner. If left unmaintained for two to three years, this air cooling device can become even dirtier than a bathroom.
In Vietnam, where winters are chilly and springs are cool, most households don't use air conditioners. Consequently, dust tends to build up, especially for those living near main roads. When the air conditioner stops working, residual water inside can lead to mold growth, resulting in a musty smell and affecting internal components.
As summer arrives with its scorching sun, air conditioners are brought back into use. However, due to prolonged mold and bacteria accumulation, when the air conditioner is turned on, circulating air can carry these contaminants. Inhaling them can lead to respiratory issues or other serious health conditions.
So, how can one avoid health risks associated with using an air conditioner after a prolonged period of disuse?
Anh Nguyen Van Trung, an air conditioner maintenance and repair technician in Ha Dong (Hanoi), advises that before turning the air conditioner back on, it's necessary to thoroughly check all parts of the unit and clean it. Users can either call a maintenance technician or do it themselves.
If doing it yourself, before conducting a general inspection, it's important to disconnect the power to ensure safety and avoid electrical accidents. Then, proceed to check the external condition of the air conditioner, carefully examine the condenser and evaporator coils for any abnormalities.
Additionally, it's crucial to inspect the electrical connections to ensure they meet safety requirements. If they seem unsafe, tighten them immediately after inspecting all other components.
The most important aspect is cleaning the evaporator coil, as it's located indoors. If not cleaned properly, it may blow out unpleasant odors. Therefore, cleaning should be done by using a pressure pump to spray water directly onto the coil, spraying slowly from the bottom up until all dirt is removed. Special cleaning agents can be used to remove dirt and eliminate odors. Then, dry the evaporator coil and reinstall it correctly.
For the air filter - an internal component of the evaporator coil, it's necessary to remove it from the coil and wash it clean before reinstalling it. Also, it's important to note that the air filter easily collects dust, so it should be cleaned regularly, about every 15 days during use.
Similarly, with the condenser coil, you can use a high-pressure nozzle to clean it. However, before spraying water, you can use a long screwdriver to secure the condenser fan blades for easier cleaning. Additionally, you can spray water on the front face of the condenser coil but avoid spraying water on the motor part of the outdoor fan.
After cleaning, it's important to test run the air conditioner and observe for any motor noises, knocking sounds, or unpleasant odors. If the unit runs smoothly, cools quickly, and shows no signs of water leakage, you've successfully cleaned the air conditioner without having to spend money on a technician. This also helps the air conditioner operate efficiently and save on electricity costs.
When cleaning the air conditioner at home, it's important to note: avoid using strong water pressure near the circuit board location (located above the compressor) as it may affect the circuit board; never allow the Outdoor unit to be exposed to excessive sunlight or rain to avoid damaging the circuit board. For units with valves, absolute airtightness cannot be achieved, so allow for a slight leak and when inspecting, pay attention to the condition of the pipes and valves for leaks to prevent overheating and wire damage.
Source: vietnamnet.vn
