How To Clean Dirty Aircon Fan Coil?

How To Clean Dirty Aircon Fan Coil? Aircon (or air conditioning) is a necessity in Singapore, where our temperature can be as high as 37°C. This machine cools the air, making it more comfortable to live and work in. But no matter how well-designed these machines are, they still need some basic aircon maintenance now and then. One of the most important parts of an AC system is the fan coil unit.

The main function of this part is to draw the air and disperse it radially into the room. Fan coils are made up of many thin wire coils, and each one of them is surrounded by a metal casing that filters out dust particles and other minute contaminants. The fan coil unit needs to be replaced or cleaned periodically to ensure its performance.

When dirty, your aircon may not be able to keep the room cool as it should do, or even become very noisy as a result of increased vibration when operating. Read on: How To Clean Dirty Aircon Fan Coil?

Tools and equipment for cleaning AC coils

• Power drill (9V or 12V)
• Cleaner or vacuum cleaner
• Fan coil cleaning brush (imported from China)
• Specialized filter material (imported from China)
• Screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Safety glasses/goggles

Coil cleaner for AC

• 1 part dissolve detergent (cut into small pieces)
• 2 parts water
• 4 parts alcohol
• 35 parts white vinegar.
• Concentrated coil cleaner

Steps to clean the dirty fan coil unit:

• Cut the power supply to stop the AC motor from rotating and disconnect the wires to prevent an electrical shock.

• Use a screwdriver to unscrew the fan coil unit casing by loosening all screws first, especially at the corners. Remove the casing carefully and set it aside.

• Use a vacuum cleaner to remove as much dust that is accessible using its extended hose pipe. You can also use a damp cloth or paper towel if you don’t have a vacuum cleaner handy.

• Use a brush to scrape off any dirt that is stuck on the coils, being careful not to damage the thin wires.

• Use needle nose pliers to remove any dirt caught in between the coils.

• Use fan coil cleaner by mixing chemicals and pouring them into the casing. Let it sit there for around 15 minutes or so, then use a vinegar solution to flush out dirt and detergent residue. Repeat this process if necessary until you are satisfied with how clean the casing looks.

• Use a clean rag to wipe off any cleaner residue and then put the casing back together.

• If you have time, perform cleaning for the air filter too by vacuuming it or wiping it with a damp cloth. You will notice that the room is kept cool and clean now.

Tips for taking care of your aircon:

1. Be careful to check if your aircon needs a regular check-up before you do any maintenance to the fan coil unit, as some people have issues with contaminant build-up which may cause damage to the machine.
2. Don’t use any cleaning solution on the blades of your fan, as it can damage it and make it unable to perform as well.
3. Be sure to check for dangerous symptoms such as rust spots, and leaking or cracked parts of your aircon before you replace it.

How to clean a coil in AC unit—outside condenser

When cleaning the coils of your air conditioner condenser, you should always wear a face mask, rubber gloves, and protective goggles. You should also turn off the power to the unit to ensure that if there is a large build-up of dirt or debris on the coil fins, it will not become airborne when you are blowing out the dirt.

To do this, unplug or shut off power at the thermostat. Then use an air hose with a brush attachment to clean both sides. You can also use a vacuum cleaner or a broom to help clean the fins. Be sure not to damage any fins by pulling on them aggressively.

Vacuum up any dust or dirt

Use a brush or vacuum cleaner like this one to clean the inside of the unit and the outside fins. Use a hose attachment to remove any dust from between the fins and inside the unit if necessary. Be very careful not to damage the fins with too much force.

How to clean aircon unit—inside the fan

Similar to cleaning the coils, cover your head with a mask and rubber gloves before opening the side panel. Turn off the power of the thermostat so that you don’t get any electrocution. Your air conditioner unit may have a drain pan for watering out. If so, empty it. Be careful to not let any water come in contact with the fins.

The inside of the fan unit is not difficult to clean, but since it is full of sharp moving parts, you have to be careful. A vacuum cleaner can help remove most dirt when it comes to the inside. You may need an air hose nozzle with a brush attachment if it’s needed. Be careful not to damage any wires or fins that are delicate.

How to clean aircon condenser coil—outside unit

Clean the outside fins of your AC condenser coil with a soft cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive clothes to clean it. Dirt, moss, and algae can collect on the outside of your condenser coil. This can significantly raise your electric bill because your AC has to work harder to work properly. So be sure to keep it clean by using a soft brush, or a small vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

Vacuum the inside of the unit

You may want to use a vacuum cleaner for this step as well. Be careful not to damage the fins. If you have a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, that’s even better. This will help remove any detritus from the inside of your AC unit that you may have missed before.

How To Clean Dirty Aircon Fan Coil? – Conclusion

Air filters should be cleaned once every 6 months or twice a year, depending on usage. Do this by making use of your vacuum cleaner or an airbrush attachment to clean the inside and outside of the AC condenser coils.

There may be a drain pan that you need to empty as well. Be careful not to get any water on the coils, however. The air filter can be difficult to clean because there are a lot of tiny crevices around it. So make sure you have a high-quality vacuum cleaner or brush attachment for your hose with you.