Cleaning your Heil air conditioner can help alleviate and avoid a number of serious problems. But what steps do you need to take to clean an AC unit? We have researched everything you need to know about cleaning your Heil AC unit and here's the scoop:
Cleaning your Heil air conditioning unit takes several steps and requires cleaning different parts individually.
- Clean the indoor AC components
- Rinse the filter mesh with water (and soap if necessary)
- Wash the fan with soapy water
- Clean the radiator with a brush and the evaporator with water and detergent
- Clean the drainage system with vinegar
- Clean the outdoor AC components
- Disconnect the power
- Remove the panels
- Clean the fins with a brush or water
- Clean the unit with coil cleaner
Cleaning an air conditioning unit takes several methods for the different components. Using incorrect cleaning methods can damage your AC unit. Luckily, we are here to guide and help you. Read on to learn all about cleaning your Heil air conditioner and the signs your AC needs cleaning.
How to clean the indoor and outdoor units of a Heil Air Conditioning Unit
Before beginning to clean your AC, do not forget to disassemble the unit. There are different ways to clean the indoor and outdoor parts.
The most important component of the inner part of the air conditioner is the air filtration system. It is advisable to clean this area to ensure your AC is working at its full capacity.
How to clean the indoor part of the AC
When you are cleaning the inner components of a Heil air conditioning unit, you have to take note of several stages which are washing the filter mesh, fan rinsing, cleaning the radiator and evaporator, and cleaning the drainage system.
1. Mesh Filter
Once you are done disassembling the machine, the first thing you have to clean is the mesh filter.
Mesh filters are either located near the thermostat or most likely right next to your unit's air handler. You would not have to worry about removing the filter because it is easily extracted from the air conditioner.
Cleaning the air filter is a fairly simple step. All you have to do is to wash the mesh filter with water; however, washing it means you have to soak it using household remedies.
Quickly dip the filter in soapy water then rinse it with a hose. Let it dry before putting it back again.
2. Wash the fan
The next step you have to do is to clean the rotor fan.
The air conditioner's fan can be found in the condenser unit. Remember, it is important to clean this specific part of the unit because it distills the cooled air. There are two kinds of fan a Heil AC unit have. These are removable and fixed fans.
Gently detach the removable fan then just like the filters, you are required to soak the fan in soapy water. Leave it for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
While waiting, you can start with cleaning the fixed fans. Since they cannot be removed, you will have to clean the fan using a brush. It may be work-intensive, but it is necessary to do it to get rid of the accumulated dirt and grease.
3. Radiator and Evaporator
The radiator and evaporator are significant parts of the air conditioning system.
The radiator cools the heat from the engine while the evaporator blows and evaporates the cooled air from the radiator. These two parts are installed in the internal-split system unit or in a single air conditioner module.
The first thing you have to keep in mind when cleaning the radiator is to never use water because it can cause the machine to rust. Instead, clean the radiator fins using a bottle brush to remove dirt and debris from inside the unit. You can also use a vacuum with the brush attachment.
When cleaning the evaporator, you can use warm water mixed with detergent. Pour the substance into a spray bottle and then apply the water and detergent to the evaporator.
Let the mixture stay for a few seconds in order to remove dirt and debris. After doing this, you should wipe the evaporator with a soft cloth.
If you noticed that your evaporator coils need heavy-duty cleaning, you can call your local HVAC contractor to assess and clean the unit.
If you want to clean the coils yourself, you will need strong chemicals and heavy-duty equipment such as a pressure washer and a steam cleaner.
4. Cleaning the Air drainage system
If the drainage system is left uncleaned, it could cause serious problems. Dirt clods and wet clumps build-up can cause leakage can raise the humidity and can cause a dark odor coming out from your unit.
An effective way to clean the drain lines is by using vinegar - 1/4 cup of vinegar is all you need. This liquid kills molds and other forms of bacteria. It also prevents dirt and dust from building up. Take note, it is not advisable to use bleach because it can damage the pipelines.
The first thing you have to do is to turn your AC unit off, then look for the inch-long pipe. Once you have found the drain line, you will have to look for the access point. Remove the cover and look for the blockage. Take the blockage out manually, but do not forget to use protective gloves.
Pour the vinegar inside the drain line. For a better outcome, you can use distilled white vinegar because its high acidity is better for cleaning build-ups.
Let the vinegar stew for at least 30 minutes. Once done, rinse the pipe with water.
For maintenance, it is best to clean the drainage system every 1 to 3 months.
How to clean the external air conditioning unit
Cleaning the outside part of the AC unit can be done once or twice a year. If you don't clean the external unit, the compressor and radiator may break down because dirt, dust, and leaves will accumulate which would then cause blockage.
Step 1: Disconnect Power
Before beginning to clean the outside unit, you will have to shut the power unit off.
If your air conditioning unit has a shutoff box, fuse, or switch, you may need to turn them off. If your unit does not have any of this, you can turn the power off from the circuit breaker panel.
Step 2: Remove the screws and Panels
Remove the screws using a cordless drill or a screwdriver. Once you have finished unscrewing the unit, remove the panels one by one.
Remember to be careful when doing this so that you won't damage the condenser fins.
Step 3: Clean the Fins
The next thing you have to do is to clean the condenser fins.
You can use a soft-bristle brush or a hose with a spray nozzle so that you can easily control the flow and the direction of the water.
When using a hose, it is easier to always brush up and down rather than side to side. Remember to also spray the water from the top and not straight to the fins.
After doing this, spray the unit with a coil cleaner. Do not immediately rinse the cleaner off the unit. It is ideal to wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing the coil cleaner off with a hose.
What are the main signs your Heil Air Conditioning Unit needs cleaning?
It is important to regularly clean your Heil AC unit to avoid serious issues.
Signs that your unit is ready to be cleaned aren't always obvious. That is why it is ideal to regularly clean the system before dirt and dust build up.
If your unit goes without cleaning for too long, you may notice some or all of the following problems.
1. Leaks from the internal unit
If you notice leaks from the internal unit of your AC, then it is definitely time for a clean-up.
A clogged-up drainage system is most likely the cause of this issue. Molds, dirt, and other forms of bacteria will form inside the pipes making it impossible for your drainage system to work.
2. Unpleasant smell
Your air conditioning unit blowing off an unpleasant smell is another surefire sign it's time for a wash.
Dirty air filters are unable to purify the air. They won't be able to trap pollutants which will then flow into the system. Also, if the coils are filled with dust, they may give off a bad smell.
3. Noisy during operation
One of the main causes of a noisy AC unit is a refrigerant leak.
Refrigerant leaks can cause the coils to crack. If coolant leaks through these cracks, it makes a hissing sound. However, if the leak is too large, your air conditioner may give off bubbling or gurgling noises.
4. Poor Cooling
If your air conditioning unit is turned on but it's still not cooling the room, the coils inside the system might be clogged or blocked.
This happens when leaves, dirt, dust, and other debris have found their way into the equipment. This causes serious air conditioning malfunction.
In Closing
As an owner of an HVAC system, it is ideal to regularly clean your inside unit to prevent any serious problems and to let your air conditioner run to its full potential.
Now you know the steps to cleaning your Heil AC unit and all of its components. We've also taken a look at symptoms that may indicate your AC is overdue for a scrub.
If you have found this article helpful, check out these other informative articles:
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