Every appliances that people use in their homes and office such as aircon would require a regular cleaning and maintenance in order to enhance its functionality and preserve its longevity. Based on statistical data in Singapore, any sort of home or office equipment and appliance tends to extend their lives for more than 50 percent of the expected lifespan if they are given much and appropriate attention. On the other hand, it is also a known fact that cleaning and providing regular maintenance to these machines is a tedious and daunting task as it requires not just time but also effort. Aside from that, knowledge is also demanded in such job in order to be successful without compromising the quality of the appliance.
Good thing, there are do-it-yourself tips on how to successfully implement a regular maintenance of air conditioners that would enable you to maintain healthy air as well as ventilation system within your homes and offices as well as keeping you away from unexpected repair costs.
1. Disconnecting Power to the Equipment
First things first; before doing all the steps below, you must make sure that you shut off the power connected to your air conditioner to keep you safe while doing the task. More often than not, there is a shut off box that is found just beside the equipment. If there is not any, you may also resort to shutting off the circuit breaker panel, which controls the air conditioner and its power.
2. Opening the Blower Compartment and Removing the Panels
Prior to starting this step, you might want to secure a vacuum for you to remove any visible dust or debris accumulated in this area as your first move for actual cleaning of the equipment. You should also detach the outer case or the access panels from the air conditioner to let you see and explore its inside. You could use screwdriver for this part.
3. Cleaning the Drain and Condensation Tube
Sometimes, condensation tube could get clogged by algae accumulation. You may remove this by pouring solution of bleach and water and put it into that tube using a funnel. For the drain tube, you could simply use a pipe cleaner or a brush with small bristles.
4. Cleaning the Outside Panel
After cleaning the inside system of the aircon, your next step would be for the outside panels. You may start this task by vacuuming the condenser fins or with the use of soft-bristled brush. By unscrewing the protective metal case, you can allow your access to the fins. Remove all unnecessary accumulated debris and dust particles in this part before proceeding to the next.
5. Unscrewing the Grille on Top of the Equipment
You have to make sure that when you execute this step, you will not damage any electrical connections. For this, you have to support the fan carefully as you lift the grille. Wiping this with a damp cloth would simply clean the area.
6. Lubricating Key Points
To keep your aircon quite even during prolonged use, you must make sure that you keep them lubricated. You could do this by applying 5 drops of oil that are specifically made for the purpose of electric motors. You must keep in mind that only such kind of oil is applicable in this part. Avoid using all-purpose oil as this could compromise its functionality.
7. Cleaning the Empty Body Unit
Of course, this is assuming that you are able to detach the main machine from its body. If you have done it successfully based on the instructions given above, you may now clean the empty unit by applying moderate water pressure spray on the fins as well as the inside panels.
After doing all these steps, you may now reassemble the parts and put them together. Make sure that you are placing the right knots and bolts in its prescribed location for the parts to fit perfectly as before. After which, you may now try and restore the power to the aircon and assess whether something has been altered in its functionality. If you are able to follow all the steps noted above clearly, then there should be no reason for you to worry as you have made the job done successfully.