In a ducted air conditioning system, the air travels through metres of ductwork in the false ceiling before reaching each room. If the filters, the grilles or the ducts themselves are dirty, dust and bad odours spread throughout the home or premises. In this article we explain how to clean air conditioning ducts, which part you can do yourself and with which products, and how cassette and split units are cleaned.
When to clean air conditioning ducts
First of all, if the hot weather arrives and your air-conditioning unit has not been cleaned, don’t worry. However, the ideal is to carry out cleaning and maintenance before and after prolonged use. That is, at the beginning and at the end of the summer. However, if your air-conditioning unit has a heat pump, you should also clean it at the beginning and at the end of winter.
To help you discover how important it is to clean air-conditioning filters, we show you the main advantages of cleaning them and getting them in good working order:
- The air will be purer, free of dirt and bacteria. This is vital for people who suffer from respiratory diseases.
- Improved energy efficiency, since it will use less energy to cool the same amount if it is clean.
- You will reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and the appliance will last longer if you keep it in perfect condition.
- You will avoid bad odours every time you switch it on.
How to clean air conditioning ducts step by step
A ducted air-conditioning installation is a type of centralised air conditioning made up of an air distribution system that runs through a series of pipes installed in the false ceiling of the home or premises.
To clean the filters of a ducted air conditioner, the first step is to remove them from the machine. To find out where they are located, read the technical manual of the air-conditioning system.
The filters are made of a soft material, such as nylon, so you should not use abrasive or overly aggressive cleaning products such as bleach or ammonia, which damage the filter. Our recommendation is to use specific products for this task.
Disinfect the ducts with AIRPUR SPRAY AutoDuct
Ducts cannot be washed like a filter, but they can be disinfected. AIRPUR SPRAY AutoDuct is a bactericidal and fungicidal aerosol that eliminates bad odours from ducts, coils and split units. It is introduced through the return grille or the unit’s air inlet, with the system running in cooling mode at minimum power and with doors and windows closed: press the actuator until the product comes out continuously and leave the home. You can go back in after 15 minutes. Each can treats about 14 m² of duct surface.
Clean the grilles and diffusers
Remove the supply and return grilles and clean them with AIRNET® SPRAY, which removes the dust and grease left by the airflow without scrubbing. Rinse and dry them before refitting them.
When to call a duct cleaning company
If the ducts have a lot of built-up dirt, construction debris or visible mould, cleaning the inside requires specific equipment, such as rotary brushes and vacuum extraction, which only specialist companies have. After that cleaning, disinfecting with a bactericidal and fungicidal product prevents the odour from coming back.
How to clean a cassette air conditioner
The cassette air conditioner is also a split system, with the condenser located in the outdoor unit, in which the indoor unit is installed recessed into the ceiling, the two being connected by a system of ducts installed beneath a false ceiling.
This type of air conditioner is usually made up of different parts and pieces that are easy to dismantle for cleaning and also for replacing. However, it is important that you consult the manufacturer’s instruction manual, as each cassette-type air conditioner may have its own recommendations.
Start by removing the air filter located in the central grille of the unit. Next, remove the grille and clean it with products specialised for air conditioning. Let the grille drain, or dry it with a clean cotton cloth. Then proceed to clean the filter. Once clean, stand it upright and leave it to dry completely. There must be no trace of moisture before you put it back. Take the opportunity during cleaning to check that the filter is in perfect condition. Finally, put it back in place and enjoy your cassette air conditioning.
How to clean a split air conditioner
When we talk about a split air conditioner, we are referring to the indoor unit of the installation, which also requires an outdoor unit that is installed on the façade or balcony of the home to extract the hot air outside.
First of all, to clean this type of filter you need to open the front panel slightly to access the filters. Then check whether there is an activated carbon filter (left side) or a HEPA filter (right side). Only some models have these filters, and they must be removed before washing the nylon filters. It is important to clean the activated carbon and HEPA filters once a month and replace them. Once this is done, use a cloth to dry the damp areas. Put the filter and the rear cover back in place and you can enjoy your split air conditioner again.
To clean and disinfect the coil as well, follow our guide on how to clean and disinfect a split air conditioner step by step.
At CH Química we manufacture products for air conditioning maintenance. AIRNET® SPRAY is a cleaner based on polyalcohol solvents and anti-corrosion inhibitors that removes the stubborn dirt left by the airflow, and AIRPUR® SPRAY is a bactericide and fungicide that eliminates bad odours. For ducts, AIRPUR SPRAY AutoDuct. You will find the whole range in our air conditioning cleaning category.
We are specialists in chemical products for industrial, institutional and service maintenance. If you want to keep your air conditioning in optimal hygienic condition, do not hesitate to contact us.