Portable Air Conditioners are easy to clean as it is important for their effective functioning and maintenance. This article will inform you about how to clean a portable air conditioner.
A Basic Guideline to Clean Portable Air Conditioners
Cleaning the Exterior: The exterior needs to be cleaned when it gets dirty or dusty.
Cleaning Air Filter: It should be cleaned once a week for efficient function.
Draining storage tank: Water should be drained when the required level of water is filled. It should not rise above the required water level.
Steps on How to Clean a Portable Air Conditioner
Step 1: Unplug the unit
Before cleaning your portable AC, turn off the power switch and unplug the unit to avoid any electrical accidents.
You need to bring your ac outside to a place where you can dump the water. Many portable air conditioners have tires so you can easily move them.
Step 2: Remove the Filter
Remove the filter which is at the back of the AC by sliding it out. Wash your AC filter with warm water by using a soft cloth. Do not use any spray cleaner or liquid. Dry the filter to reinstall.
Step 3: Clean Air Filter
Remove the filter with the help of a latch. Slide the air filter aside. Wash the air filter with water to clean the dust and dirt.
Use a soft brush to clean the filter if it is particularly dirty. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust and debris.
Do not use any chemicals to clean the filter. Dry the filter by shaking off the extra water. Any dryer or equipment should not be used to dry it.
Step 4: Clean the Exterior
Damp the exterior with a soft piece of cloth to remove the dust particles. Water should not enter the interior of the air conditioner.
After cleaning the exterior, rinse it in water for some time to remove any detergent residue.
Wipe or dry the exterior with a dry cloth Or vacuum cleaner.
After this procedure, clean the exhaust hose which can be blocked due to dust and dirt particles.
Step 5: Clean Water Tank
Cleaning a water tank helps in preventing air conditioners from bacteria and microorganisms. It also helps in maintaining the air fresh and cold.
Remove the water from the water tank. Add detergent and warm water in a bucket and mix them. Use a cloth or soft brush to clean the water tank. Pay attention to the parts which have mild residue.
After cleaning, dry the tank with a dry towel and leave the tank open for some time to get dry. No moisture should be left inside. Reinstall it into the air conditioner after drying up.
Step 6: Cleaning Evaporator Coil
The model of the portable air conditioners varies due to which some of the air conditioners have a panel and a cover that need to be removed to clean the evaporator coil.
The coil gets cleaned by using a soft brush. Coil fins are sensitive so they should not be damaged.
Mix the detergent and warm water in a spray bottle and sprinkle the water on the coil. Use clean water spray to remove dust and dirt from the coil.
Step 7: Restart the air conditioner
After cleaning and drying all the parts of the air conditioner, insert all the components back into their places and start the air conditioner for a few minutes to check its function and efficiency.
Why is Cleaning and maintenance of portable air conditioners important?
Portable air conditioners are essential in cooling down the room or any part of the house but it needs to be cleaned and maintained. The effectiveness of the function of the air conditioner is affected by the cleaning of its coils, filters, exterior, and water tank.
When a system is blocked with dirt and dust, it decreases the quality of air and efficiency of an air conditioner. Energy consumption can also be lowered by 5% to 15%. There are some reasons why air conditioners should be cleaned.
- Energy Efficient: A clean and dirt-free air conditioner works more properly and efficiently than dirty and unclean air conditioners. Dust can block the filters and reduce the capacity to pass the air from the filters.
- Air Quality: Air quality is influenced by the clean and effective functioning of the air conditioner. Dusty air conditioner circulates air filled with dust particles.
It also causes a foul smell in the closed room which makes the atmosphere uncomfortable. Improved air quality provides freshness and a cooling effect for a longer period.
Conclusion
Air conditioners play a principal role in cooling down a room. For long-term and efficient use of portable air conditioners, cleaning, and maintenance are necessary.
It involves a few steps, including cleaning the air filter, water tank, and exterior.
Cleaning once a week helps air conditioners in preventing dirt and debris, increase cooling efficiency, and avoid unpleasant odors.
Moreover, cleaning a portable air conditioner is easy and does not require any professional technique.
