How to Open and Clean Split AC Indoor Unit – Easy Tricks

In hot weather, air conditioners are required to keep your home and office cool. Because of their ductless construction, split air conditioners are a popular form of cooling equipment. The inner unit resembles a long rectangle placed into your home's wall, but the outdoor unit, known as a condenser or compressor, resembles a massive metal box. 

Any air conditioner is only as good as its interior workings, thus inspecting and cleaning your split air conditioner on a regular basis is essential. In this article, we’ve discussed how to open split AC indoor unit and clean it up first before moving on to the condenser.

Tricks to Clean the Indoor Unit of Air Conditioner

The following tips will show you how to do simple tricks.

1. Wrap the entire AC system in a cleaning bag.

   To prevent dust or filth from reaching the floor, wrap your entire appliance in a new cleaning bag. They are available for buying on the internet.
   • Purchase a bag with a cinch so that you can loosen and lighten the circumference.
   • Instead of using a cleaning bag, you can use an empty garbage bag.

2. Remove the front panel and turn off the power source.

   Before opening the front panel, turn off the power to your split AC at the proper circuit breaker or power source in your home. To gain access to the inside of the AC, undo the latches on the front half of the unit.
   • The majority of devices include both indoor and outdoor components. As a result, double-check that the complete cooling system is turned off.

3. Take out the air filters from your split air conditioner.

   The air filters are the long, rectangular parts that run the length of the front of the appliance, and they must be removed and washed to stay in good working order. To loosen and remove each air filter, press a tab on the side of the filter. Before you begin the cleaning procedure, make sure to shake the filters outdoors to remove any visible dust and grime.

   • If there are no evident tabs that open the front of your split air conditioner, consult the owner's manual for assistance.

4. Rinse the air filters that have been removed under running water.

   Pour cool tap water over the air filters in a sink or a big container. If your filters aren't very filthy, rinsing them may be sufficient to remove the dirt. If running water doesn't seem to work, gently rub in a light cleaning detergent using a sponge or cleaning pad. After that, give them a good rinse and let them air dry.
   • Filters should be cleaned at least once a month.

5. Clean the cooling fins by blowing the dust away.

   To clean the dust off the back of your split A/C, attach a tiny canister attachment to your air blower. The cooling fins resemble a series of metallic lines that run along the back of the air conditioner. Make sure you cover the whole surface area of the cooling fins with your blower.
   • Evaporating cleaners are available for purchase online.

6. Using no-rinse evaporator spray, clean the coils and allow them to dry.

   Apply a no-rinse evaporator cleaning from a specialty can to the coils. After that, set aside for at least 20 minutes. The coils, which resemble connected, circular metal pieces, may be found running across the middle of the interior unit.
   • Evaporating cleaners are available for purchase online.

7. To avoid mold, spray antifungal cleaning into the coils.

   Sanitize the back of your air conditioner using an antifungal cleaning spray, as this is where pollutants are most prone to form. This cleanser helps keep your appliance free of harmful particles and spores. Before replacing the air filters, wait at least 5 minutes for the spray to dry.

   • If you can't find this spray in a hardware shop, look for it online.

8. Replace the air filters if necessary.

   Once you've established that the air filters are clean and dry, replace them in their original location. They should slide right into place, but if you're having trouble, double-check your owner's manual. Only clean, cold air will pass through your air conditioner, thanks to these freshly cleaned air filters.

9. Flush out the drain lines to clear any obstructions in the AC.

   Disconnect the hose or pipe that connects the interior and outdoor units to avoid a drain line obstruction. To force water or cleaner down the drainpipe, use a pressurized flush kit. Allow at least 1 hour for the drain line to air dry to ensure that all of the water or cleaning fluid has evaporated. Before turning on the air conditioner, reconnect the hose.
   • If necessary, flush water or a cleaning chemical both ways through the drain line.
   • Flush kits with a pressured nozzle can be purchased online.

10. Restart your split air conditioner to ensure that everything is working properly.

    Switch the electricity back on at the circuit breaker for your AC's power source. Check to determine if your split air conditioner is producing chilly air after the power is turned on. Take a deep intake of fresh, clean air.
    • You can also remove blockages by inserting a wire or long piece of metal into the pipe.
    • If your split air conditioner continues to malfunction, consider hiring a professional technician to assist you.
    • After you turn on the air conditioner, keep the cleaning bag in place because the machine may spit out some dirt water. Before removing the bag, be sure that all of the waste has exited the AC.