AC Outdoor Unit Cleaning Tips: Nowadays, AC is considered most important in providing relief from the scorching sun and humid heat, but sometimes it happens that the AC does not provide cool air like before and it takes more time to cool the room. Most people think that perhaps the gas has run out or there is some fault in the AC. However, this does not happen every time. In many cases, the reason for less cooling of the AC is simply due to dust and dirt accumulated on its outdoor unit. Often you must have seen people cleaning the outdoor unit of split AC by pouring water on it in summer. Many videos related to this keep going viral on social media, in which it is claimed that washing the outdoor unit increases the cooling of the AC. In such a situation, let us tell you today whether the outdoor unit of AC should be washed with water or not?
Why does the cooling of AC reduce?
The outdoor unit of split AC is installed in an open space outside the house. It remains in direct contact with sunlight, dust, soil, rain and pollution. Over time, a thick layer of dust accumulates on its condenser coils. When the coils become dirty, they are not able to throw out the heat from the room properly, this directly affects the cooling of the AC and it takes more time to cool the room.
Should the outdoor unit of AC be washed with water or not?
Cleaning the outdoor unit with water is considered safe if done correctly. This removes the dust accumulated on the coils and improves the process of heat dissipation. However, it is very important to do this work with caution. Pouring water in the wrong way can also cause harm.
What are the benefits of washing the outdoor AC unit with water?
1. Cooling gets better: Clean coils expel heat faster, due to which the AC starts providing better cooling than before and the room cools down faster.
2. Power consumption can be reduced: When the coils are clean, there is no extra pressure on the compressor, in such a situation the AC has to work less and power consumption can also be reduced.
3. Compressor lifespan increases: Continuously working under high pressure can quickly damage the compressor, but by cleaning it from time to time, it works properly for a long time.
4. Decreases risk of overheating: The problem of overheating increases in the summer season. The clean outdoor unit dissipates heat better, reducing stress on the machine.
Can pouring water cause short circuit?
Almost everyone has this fear that the outdoor unit has electrical wires and electronic parts, so pouring water can cause electric shock or short circuit, but AC manufacturing companies keep in mind that the outdoor unit will be installed in an open environment, where it will have to face rain, dust and strong winds. For this reason, its electrical parts and wiring are kept in a sealed and safe box. Therefore, cleaning with mild water is generally considered safe, but it is very important to be careful.
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The right way to clean the outdoor unit
- If you wish to clean the outdoor unit yourself, switch off the main power supply of the AC before starting cleaning. There will be no risk of any kind of accident due to this.
- Clean the unit with normal running water to remove the dust stuck on the coils.
- Many people start cleaning with high pressure pipes, but doing so can be harmful. This can bend the thin copper fins and affect the air flow. Although it is safe, extra caution should be taken to avoid pouring water directly on electrical parts.
- If the unit is very dirty or you do not understand the cleaning method, it would be better to have it serviced by a technician.
In what time should cleaning be done?
If your AC is installed in a dusty area, the outdoor unit should be checked and cleaned every 2 to 3 months during summer. Under normal circumstances, service should be done at least once or twice a year.
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