To use your air conditioner effectively in summer, you should check its performance before the heat starts. After winter downtime, the equipment needs to be cleaned and refueled (as necessary). This extends the life of the device and ensures the purity of the cooled air.

How to prepare an air conditioner for summer: useful tips for owners

Before starting summer operation, it is recommended to clean the outdoor and indoor units. You may also need to recharge your air conditioners, but for this you need to contact a climate control specialist.

The main task of the owner of a split system before the onset of heat is to clean the device from contaminants accumulated on the filters and in the outdoor unit. After this, it is necessary to check the operation of the climate control equipment in all modes for 2–3 hours. If during this time there are no leaks, uncharacteristic sounds or bad smells, you can safely use it for another season.

How to prepare your air conditioner for summer: cleaning air ducts and filters

It is the filters that stop the bulk of dust and contaminants in the air, preventing them from entering the heat exchanger. Therefore, preparing the air conditioner for summer is impossible without thoroughly cleaning the filter elements or replacing them if they are severely worn. Users can easily cope with this task, especially since it is not included in the warranty service and does not cancel the warranty on the equipment.

Split systems are equipped with basic filters responsible for mechanical air purification, and can be equipped with additional ones: deodorizing, ionizing, antibacterial. The cleaning algorithm looks like this:

1. Turn off the power to the air conditioner and wait 15–20 minutes until the residual charge of electricity has completely dissipated.
2. Remove the outer panel of the indoor unit and wipe with a damp cloth.
3. Pull out the coarse filter and wash it in a warm (up to 45°) soap solution. Dry at room temperature, without leaving in the sun, without using a hair dryer, heater or other heat sources.
4. Clean off dust or replace additional filter elements (their service life is 3–6 months depending on air pollution).
5. Remove any dirt that has accumulated inside the unit, ensuring that no water comes into contact with the electronic components.
6. Replace the completely dry filters and lid.

For cleaning air ducts, there are special antibacterial products in the form of spray or foam. They are quite easy to use, but if you are afraid to carry out such work yourself, it is better to entrust it to specialists who offer professional service and repair of air conditioners.

Checking and preparing the external unit of the air conditioner for operation in the hot season

After the internal one, attention should be paid to the block located on the street. It is recommended to cover it with a special lid or tarpaulin. Then there will be much less leaves, dust and street dirt inside. Cleaning begins with removing the panels (grids), which need to be washed with soapy water. The fan blades are treated with a brush or soft cloth. If there are oil holes, it is recommended to put a few drops of oil into each hole. Stubborn dirt can be removed with cleaning agents, but it is important to ensure that they do not get on the fan or electronic components. Before assembling the block, you need to wait until all parts are completely dry.

After this, the basic maintenance of air conditioners is considered complete, and you can begin operation.