Self-maintenance of air-conditioning systems are still considered an unacceptable task for unskilled people. The truth is not necessarily so.

With anyone, they can complete the maintenance work using the 7 steps below:

Make sure that during maintenance, the power supply is always turned off.

Step 1: Turn off the power

You need to make sure that the power source does not run through the device when you perform the  cleaning of air conditioning unit.

Step 2: Remove the outer shell of the outdoor unit

Outdoor units are usually located outdoors. This unit works to release heat to the outside after the refrigerant has absorbed the heat through the indoor unit. All components of the outdoor unit are covered with a metal shell or material with high physical and chemical properties. To clean them, you need a screwdriver to open and remove the protective cap.

Step 3: Clean the dust and dirt on copper/aluminum platforms

The outdoor unit is composed of copper or aluminum sheets and is pressed tightly together in a wavy shape. In the long-term dust will reduce heat dissipation, increase the working pressure of the air conditioning system, consuming more power and reducing the life expectancy.

For long-term stains, you can use a small knife to clean the copper foil.

To remove dirt on the outdoor unit, you can take a brush or  you can use a spray of water on the dirt stain. You can take a small knife to dislodge the dirt. The cleaning process requires you to be careful  to avoid damaging copper / aluminum foil.

In case of copper / aluminum foil is skewed, be calm and do not worry. By using a knife to clean the dirt, it will reshape the copper / aluminum foil.

Step 4: Clean the outdoor unit fan

Cleaning the cooling fan is easier and faster than cleaning the outdoor unit. With just a damp towel, you can clean the fan blades without any additional equipment. After the cleaning process, you can add oil to the propeller shaft to help the fan operate more smoothly.

Condensate pipes have one end attached to the outdoor unit and the other end to the sewerage system, which contains many bacteria.

Step 5: Clean the condenser water pipe

The active air conditioner will produce moisture. The moisture condenses into water and is released externally through a pipe (made of plastic). If the sewage pipe contains dirt or dead insects, the drainage will be blocked. The water flow will thus back up damaging the device. In addition, if it is not sanitized, the condensate tube becomes very easy to become a bacterial reservoir spreading to the environment where it cools / warms.

It is worth noting that most air conditioning maintenance services often skip this stage. This is because indoor units are often installed in locations that are difficult to access. However, if the landlord is careful, he or she can ask the service provider to thoroughly treat the dirt that accumulates in the condenser water pipe.

In the case of an outdoor unit, anyone can clean them like washing a drinking glass.

Cleaning condensation pipe is very simple. You only need to remove the hose connecting to the outdoor unit. Then, use a powerful hose to push dirt out. Be extra careful, put the cleaning fluid inside and use a powerful spray. Alkaline cleaners work to repel stains and kill bacteria.

Step 6: Clean the indoor unit

Indoor units is are found or placed inside a building, factory, etc. This device provides cool/warm air to a specific space. Most indoor units are covered with plastic covers. The details are linked by plastic stoppers and screws. Before proceeding with cleaning, you need to remove the indoor unit cover to get access to the air filter.

After removing the filter, you can bring it to a sink, use soap and a brush to clean stains.

Cleaning air filters is a must for anyone doing air conditioning maintenance. To clean these parts, you need to disassemble them from the indoor unit, then scrub away stains / dirt. Before returning them to their original position, you should make sure the parts are dry by taking a hair dryer and blowing air.

Step 7: Testing and trial operation

The last job is to install the cover of the indoor unit and outdoor unit then turn on the power switch for the air conditioner. By feeling the difference of air flow you will know exactly what was causing the problems.

However, to make sure the device works well, especially with the air conditioner system used for a long time, before installing the protective cover, you should observe and listen for anything signs. If you see any of the following signs, it is advisable to call professional maintenance:

- Emitting strange noises: A good air conditioner system when operating: should not emit strange noises or sounds. If there is a noise in either of the indoor or outdoor unit, your device may have a problem. Usually this error will come from the mechanical unit in the air conditioner block, or the fan of the outdoor unit.

- Out of solvent: Solvent also known as gas. To know whether the amount of gas is sufficient for the air conditioning system to operate, you just need to observe 2 copper pipes connected to the compressor. If during the test run, the pipes are not wet, not hot, the wind blowing from the copper/aluminum frame is not hot, indicating that the amount of gas is not enough for the operation of the device.

- Compressors do not work: In theory, air conditioners have the same structure and function as compressors of refrigerators. When started, the compressor will click and then emit a sound with a regular, smooth frequency. If the sound is intermittent, unusually loud or silent, this indicates that the compressor is having problems.

Galaxy M&E’s advice

With the desire to create new values, not only for customers of Galaxy M&E but also for social generosity, Galaxy M&E recommends that you take the time to take care of the air conditioning system. Your work contributes to invaluable benefits for yourself, your family and society. In the case there are signs such as section 7 mentioned, you can call for help from professional air conditioning maintenance providers.

There are some things that are considered "red zones" for people with no refrigeration engineering expertise.

The worst case scenario is that the air conditioner stops working, instead of repairing, you should replace it with a new air conditioner. Before shopping, find out and calculate the right air conditioner capacity instead of listening to the advice of a salesperson. Choosing the right capacity is to optimize the investment cost and operating cost of the air conditioning system.

Galaxy M&E