How to Clean a Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner
If you've got wall air conditioners dotted around your humble abode, you'll certainly appreciate the convenience they bring all year-round. Offering heaps of brilliant features, including efficient cooling and heating, these units deliver cooled air to your room, maintaining an environment that's as cool (or warm) as a cucumber.
However, as good as this sounds, it’s vital to keep your air conditioning units in top-notch condition – or face a potential loss in performance.
Are Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners Good?
Compared to other air conditioning systems, wall-mounted units offer a range of benefits. They’re easy to install, can produce both cool and heated air, and are ideal for smaller spaces or specific rooms.
Plus, many contemporary models have a compact, modern design that adds a dash of style to your interiors.
From a top-notch wall-mounted air conditioner unit to a nifty box system, there’s something to fit the needs of every Aussie home.
Disadvantages of Wall-Mounted Units
Despite the convenience and control they offer, wall-mounted air conditioning has a few potential downsides. For one, you might find that some units are a bit noisier compared to others.
A good chunk of models also need regular cleaning to maintain their performance. They can attract dust and dirt, which may obstruct the flow of air if not cleaned regularly.
Do Wall AC Units Use a Lot of Electricity?
Power consumption for wall AC units can vary depending on their capacity, the conditions of the room they’re cooling or heating, and their energy efficiency rating. Generally, newer models are designed to be more efficient, meaning they can achieve the same cooling power with less energy.
Plus, many offer smart features like timers and economy modes that can help manage power usage.
Signs Your AC Needs a Good Clean
How do you tell if your wall-mounted air conditioner needs a good clean? Below are a few telltale signs:
- Lowered cooling capacity: Clogged filters and coils can hinder the flow of cool air.
- Increased energy consumption: An AC unit struggling through clogged dust and dirt will use more energy to maintain the same level of cooling.
- Unusual noises: Strange noises can be caused by loose parts, but also by airflow issues due to accumulated dirt.
- Bad odours: Mould and bacteria can build up and produce unpleasant odours.
- Allergic reactions or respiratory issues: If you’re sneezing more often or have itchy eyes when the air conditioner is running, it might be due to dust and allergens circulating from your unclean AC.
- Visible dust and dirt: If you can actually see dust and dirt collected on your wall air conditioner, especially around the filters and vents, take it as a sign that it needs cleaning.
If you notice any of these signs, grab your cleaning gear or call a professional to get your unit back in shipshape. Keeping your air conditioner clean will improve its efficiency, keep your room’s air fresh and help you dodge bigger issues down the line.
How to Clean Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners
To maintain your wall air conditioner and ensure it continues to provide cool and fresh air, regular cleaning is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing just that:
- Turn off the air conditioner: Always ensure that your unit is turned off before starting the cleaning process.
- Remove the front panel: Carefully unclip or slide off the front panel of your wall air conditioner.
- Clean the filter: Remove the filter and clean it using warm water and a mild detergent. Make sure to let it dry entirely before putting it back in your unit.
- Clean the coils: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt from the cooling coils located behind the filter area.
- Wipe down the front panel: Clean the front panel with a damp cloth before clipping or sliding it back onto the wall-mounted unit.
- Enjoy the cool breeze: With a clean filter and coils, your air conditioner should now blow grime- and dust-free air, keeping your room chilled to perfection!
Following these steps regularly (think every few months) can help your wall-mounted air conditioning unit to operate efficiently.
When to Consult a Professional
While cleaning your wall-mounted air conditioner is something most people can do on their own, there are situations where professional help may be required. For example, when dealing with internal components like coils and fins, it can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the system.
The process might also be more intricate for some air conditioning units, especially those with advanced features and settings. In these cases, it’s best to get advice from the pros.
Many manufacturers recommend a professional tune-up at regular intervals, usually once a year, to ensure your air conditioning system runs smoothly and any lurking issues are solved before they escalate.
Additionally, if you notice that your wall-mounted air conditioner isn’t performing as well as it usually does even after cleaning, it’s probably time to reach out to a qualified repairer. Unusual noises, ice formation on the unit, and decreased cooling capacity are potential signs of a bigger problem.
Professional air conditioner installation and maintenance services are readily available across Australia, ensuring your unit operates at its optimal capacity so you can truly enjoy the comfort of your abode all year round.
Keep Your Wall-Mounted Unit in Top Shape
While wall air conditioners require a bit of upkeep to ensure they perform at their optimum, it’s a small task to avoid discomfort, especially when Australia’s unpredictable weather hits!
Choose the best model, clean it regularly, take care of it, and you’ll always have a quick solution to beat the heat or win against the winter. Keep it cool, everyone!
Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See Cyber Air Conditioning’s Terms & Conditions here.
