Summer is upon us and air conditioners may soon need to be turned on on hot days. It is therefore important not to be caught unprepared and take care of maintenance and cleaning in time to obtain maximum results, safely and reducing energy waste. Let's find out how to intervene and how often to breathe fresh, but above all clean air at home.
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Index
Cleaning and maintenance of filters
An element that should never be underestimated is the cleaning of the filter, where a large amount of dirt and bacteria lurks. It is therefore a fundamental step that guarantees a clean air flow and helps us avoid waste. As for the common mesh filters, these must always be cleaned before turning on the air conditioners.
If you use air conditioners heavily, it would be worth cleaning the filters several times during the summer, about once a month. To do this, you must first use a vacuum cleaner or a rag to remove the dust and then wash them with warm water and disinfect them, also using natural products such as vinegar or baking soda. If the air filter is particularly dirty, you can use a soft brush and a neutral detergent.
On the other hand, if you have activated carbon filters, cleaning is not necessary because they should be changed directly approximately every 6 months, in correspondence with the change of season. In any case, it is always advisable to follow the instructions given in the instruction booklet of your air conditioner. But cleaning the filters is not enough.
Read also: How to change and clean the air conditioner filter
Cleaning the split
Do-it-yourself can also be used to clean the split, that is the internal filters that regulate the distribution of air conditioning in the room. These are simple plastic racks, so simply wash them in warm water with a little mild soap (dish soap can also work). Remember to dry them properly before placing them back in place, perhaps first with a towel and then letting them air dry on a clean shelf.
Cleaning the external motor
Often the mistake is made of neglecting the cleaning of the external motor of air conditioners. This can be brushed first with a dust broom (the one you normally use for floors is fine) and then washed well with a damp cloth and soap. A universal degreaser can also work well, even better if ecological. If the grates from which the air is drawn are particularly dirty and clogged, due to dust and dry leaves, you can use a vacuum cleaner. Cleaning the engine is very important to make the air conditioner work well and if you want to keep the system efficient over time.
Are sanitizing sprays really necessary?
In particular, recently, with the outbreak of the pandemic, various sanitizing products have been found on the market, including those for conditioners which often contain only alcohol, solvents and perfumes. In reality, these are generally detergents intended for companies and which are not necessary for domestic air conditioners if regular maintenance and cleaning are carried out.
In fact, a sanitizing spray can do nothing against allergens, such as pollen and mites, which can settle on the device. And even in this case, the removal can be done with the normal cleaning of the filters with soap and water. The Ministry of Health also recommends that you regularly clean the air vents and air vents on the air conditioners with a cloth moistened with soap and water or with 75% ethyl alcohol.
Read also: Ecological cleaning: download the guide to self-produce household and laundry detergents
Source: Daikin / Ministry of Health / Altroconsumo
Read all our articles on air conditioners:
- How to safely clean and use air conditioners in the time of the coronavirus
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