The Best Way To Clean A Sharp Air Conditioner

To guarantee the effective performance and durability of your Sharp air conditioner, proper maintenance and regular cleaning are vital. We’ll provide you professional advice on how to effectively clean your air conditioner in this article. We’ll go over how to clean your air conditioner’s indoor and outdoor units and offer advice on how to get rid of mold. So let’s get started and discover how to properly clean your Sharp air conditioner.

An essential component of your Sharp air conditioner’s general maintenance is cleaning. When your air conditioner is clean, it will operate at peak efficiency and give you a smooth, constant flow of cool air in your room. You can avoid problems like ice development on the coils, increased energy use, higher expenditures, and potential respiratory difficulties by cleaning up debris and dust.

To ensure proper cleaning, follow these steps and tips:

Cleaning A Split-Type Sharp AC

1. If the AC has been in use, run it in Fan Mode for at least 30 minutes before starting the cleaning process. This will help remove moisture from the AC.
2. Turn off the air conditioner and unplug it from the power outlet to ensure safety.
3. Attach a garbage or cleaning bag around the unit to collect dirt and dust during the cleaning process, making it easier to clean up afterward.
4. Open the front panel and detach it from the unit to provide better access for cleaning.
5. Wipe off any dirt from the front panel and set it aside.
6. Push the filters upwards to unlock them and then slide them down to remove them.
7. Use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the filters.
8. Soak the filters in warm soapy water, using mild detergent soap. Gently scrub them if necessary.
9. Rinse the filters thoroughly and wipe them with a clean cloth.
10. Allow the filters to air-dry in a shaded area of your house.
11. While the filters are drying, use a vacuum cleaner to clean the interior of the air conditioning unit.
12. Spray an evaporator cleaner on the coils and let it stand for approximately 20 minutes. Then, wipe off the cleaner from the surface.
13. To sanitize the interior of your AC, use an anti-fungal spray and let it sit for 10 minutes.
14. Once the filters are dry, reinstall them in their proper place.
15. Reattach the front panel to complete the cleaning process.
16. Detach the drain pipe and use a pressurized flush kit to clean its interior, removing any particles that could cause blockage.
17. Reconnect the drain pipe.
18. Finally, turn on your AC for about 20 minutes to flush out any dirty water from the drain.

Congratulations! You have successfully cleaned your AC unit without the need for professional assistance. It is recommended to clean the filters every month, especially during the summer. However, if you have pets or live in an area with heavy dust or pollution, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.

Should You Clean Your Outside Air Conditioning Unit?

In addition to cleaning the indoor unit, it is equally important to clean the outdoor unit of your air conditioner regularly. Since the outdoor unit is exposed to the elements, it is more susceptible to accumulating dirt, which can hinder its performance and efficiency. Follow these steps to clean the outdoor unit:

1. Always start by turning off the power to ensure safety.
2. Gently remove any large leaves or debris that may be trapped in the air outlet or around the unit.
3. Take this opportunity to clear any shrubs or plants that are growing near the unit. Ensure that all sides of the unit are free from obstructions to allow proper airflow.
4. Use a water hose to wash off dirt from the outdoor AC unit. A regular
   water stream is sufficient; avoid using a power washer as it may damage the coils.
5. For stubborn dirt, you can use a foaming coil cleaner. Apply the cleaner and let it sit for 10 minutes to loosen the dirt, then rinse thoroughly with the water hose.
6. Ensure that all sides of the unit are clean by spraying water at different angles to capture hidden dirt and fine particles.
7. Turn the unit back on once the cleaning process is complete.

Unlike the indoor unit, the outdoor unit does not require frequent cleaning. Experts suggest scheduling this task at least once a year. However, it is advisable to periodically check the outdoor unit and remove any dirt or obstructions to maintain its smooth operation.

Can You Use Water to Clean The AC Outdoor Unit?

Yes, you can use water to clean your AC’s exterior unit. Avoid using a pressure washer, though, since it can harm the sensitive coils. You may relax knowing that the outdoor unit’s electrical components are water-resistant and built to withstand heavy rain or cleaning.

The outdoor unit can be kept clean and more effective by giving it a water wash. It encourages evaporation inside the system, enabling it to cool down more quickly and with less energy use. A cleaner, more effective outside unit typically has a longer lifespan. You can help the appliance work effectively without overworking its parts by making sure it is cleaned properly.

Cleaning A Window Air Conditioner Of Mold

It’s critical to handle mold growth in your air conditioner right once since it can cause mold spores to spread and set off allergic reactions and asthma attacks. In addition to causing irritation and breathing problems, mold can harm different surfaces in your house. As a result of moisture absorption and the presence of dark crevices where mold can grow, air conditioning equipment are particularly vulnerable to mold infestation. Mold growth may be facilitated if your air conditioner has been idle for a while and there is still water present.

To inspect and address mold growth in your air conditioner, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the unit and equip yourself with protective gear, such as a face mask, goggles, and gloves.
2. Remove the front panel and filters to gain access to the affected areas.
3. Assess the extent of the mold growth using a flashlight. Look for fuzzy or cottony appearances and green, brown, or black stains on the surfaces.
4. If more than one-third of your unit is affected by mold growth, it is recommended to replace the unit. However, if the infestation is limited, and you feel confident in managing the cleaning process, you can proceed.

To remove mold from your AC, follow these steps:

1. Remove the unit from the window or wall with the assistance of another person, as it can be heavy.
2. Place the AC unit on a flat surface.
3. Open the front panel and remove the filters.
4. In a tub of warm soapy water, add 1/2 cup of bleach.
5. Soak the filters in the bleach solution.
6. Remove the top and back portions of the AC’s casing, referring to the owner’s manual for disassembly instructions if needed.
7. Attach the nozzle to a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the interior of the AC unit.
8. Apply a commercial cleaner to the coils.
9. Rinse the coils and remove the coil cleaner and debris using a garden hose.
10. Prepare a bucket of hot water and bleach, using up to a cup of bleach per gallon of water according to CDC guidelines.
11. Soak a sponge in the bleach solution and use it to wipe the interior surfaces of the AC unit, especially areas with visible mold. Take caution and wear protective gloves while working with bleach.
12. Rinse all components, including the filters,
    with clean water.
13. Allow the unit to air-dry before reinstalling the filters.
14. Reinstall the AC unit in the window or wall.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your AC unit, maintaining ideal humidity levels in the room, and running the AC frequently can help prevent mold growth.

Conclusion

Cleaning your Sharp air conditioner is a relatively simple task as long as you have the necessary tools and follow the proper steps. Regular cleaning ensures that you can enjoy clean and cool air from your cooling system. By adhering to the recommended cleaning frequency and following the instructions provided, you can maintain the efficiency and lifespan of your Sharp air conditioner.