Wall-mounted air conditioners are units secured on the wall using brackets and a metal support system. A wall-mounted air conditioner is typically interchangeable with a mini split system air conditioner, but wall air conditioners may also refer to units passed through the wall with a platform and support frame holding the air conditioning unit up.
Whether you have a wall-mounted air conditioner or through the wall air conditioning, it is important to clean your air conditioner regularly to keep it in shape, and to ensure your air conditioning units are operating at its peak performance. In this article, we'll present the step-by-step cleaning process to maintain your wall-mounted air conditioning units!
How to Clean a Wall AC Unit: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Clean a Wall-Mounted AC Unit
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
First, gather the materials you will need to clean your air conditioner. Like a window air conditioner, mini split units typically have washable air filters, and coils that can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. Gather these materials before your start to make the cleaning process smooth-flowing:
- Air conditioner cleaning solution OR
- 3% Hydrogen peroxide
- Mild dish detergent
- Warm water
- Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
- Spray bottle
- Fin comb or Soft-bristle brush
- Damp cloth
- Ladder
- Can of air (compressed)
- Screwdriver (optional)
Step 2: Open the Front Panel, and Take Out the Air Filter
First, unplug your air conditioner. Make sure your AC unit is not connected to any power source before you start the cleaning procedure to avoid accidental electrocution. Remove the front panel of your air conditioner, and take out the filter. Some AC units may require you to unscrew the housing, which you can do with a standard screwdriver kit.
Step 3: Wash the Air Filter
Take out the filter, and wash it with some warm water and dish soap. Create a soapy water solution, and use this to wash your air filter. Brush along the mesh using a soft-bristled brush, and give the filter a rinse before setting it aside to air dry. Air filters should be washed at least once every two weeks for optimal cleanliness.
Step 4: Vacuum the Coils
Use your shop vacuum with a brush attachment, and vacuum up any loose debris from the unit's coils. Take your fin comb or brush, and loosen any stuck debris from between the coils. Use a can of compressed air for deep-seated grime, and vacuum up any dust that comes out of the wall-mounted unit.
The fins of the coils may bend or break as a result of general wear and tear. If you have bent fins, use a blunt knife to adjust the fins back to their original position. However, be careful when straightening the coils of your indoor unit as they are easily breakable.
Step 5: Spray Cleaning Solution
Place 3% hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle, and use this to disinfect your unit. Spray the solution over the cooling fins, the evaporator coils, and even the filter. Alternatively, you can use a commercial coil cleaner that can disinfect your air conditioner without damaging the internal components.
Step 6: Clear the Drain Pan
Next, clear any accumulated dust and condensate from the drain pan. Check the drain line for any obstructions, and clear away blockages. Wash the drip tray with warm, soapy water, and give it a spritz of hydrogen peroxide to sanitize it. Leave it to the side to completely dry.
Step 7: Rinse the Outdoor Unit
Make your way outside, and locate the outdoor unit. Take your garden hose, and give the unit a good rinse to clear dust and debris from the condenser coils, fan blades, and fan motor. You may opt to remove these components from their housing for a thorough clean, or simply run water through the vents.
Step 8: Let Everything Dry
Let every component dry before you piece it back together. Direct a fan to the open wall-mounted air conditioner for quicker drying, and place the drip pan, filter, and front panel back together once they have dried. Spray some disinfecting solution on a damp cloth, and wipe the exterior of your unit to finish the cleaning session.
How to Clean a Through-Wall Air Conditioners
How about wall air conditioners? Through the wall ACs look similar to window air conditioners, and can be cleaned the same way. Open the front panel of your unplugged AC unit, and take out the filter. Vacuum the AC unit's coils, and wash the filter with soapy water. Give your unit a spritz of disinfecting solution, and let everything dry before you piece it back together.
Like a window air conditioner, through the wall units have an outdoor section that can be hosed down to remove any dust or debris that might have settled in the unit. Make sure to let everything air dry before plugging in your air conditioner.
Tips to Maintain Your Wall Air Conditioner
- Don't use just any household cleaner when sanitizing your HVAC systems. Many commercial cleaners have harsh chemicals that can eat away at the cooling fins, condenser coils, or other components of your AC unit. Stick to using hydrogen peroxide, or a commercial coil cleaner instead.
- If you can't unplug your unit, shut off the circuit breaker during the cleaning procedure to prevent
- Keep your air conditioner dry at all times to prevent mold and bacteria from festering inside. Always drain the drip pan whenever needed, and give your AC unit a general cleaning once a month.
- Use a ladder to reach your air conditioner if the unit is mounted high up on the wall. Alternatively, you can contact our professional cleaning service for an efficient and convenient aircon cleaning.
- Make sure there is proper air flow around your indoor and outdoor units. This will prevent your unit from overheating,
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