When it's in the thirties outside, little brings more relief than a pleasantly chilled refuge in your home. A portable air conditioner is a great partner in the summer, but to serve you well, it needs a bit of your care. While air conditioner maintenance in an apartment might not sound like the most fun activity, you can actually do it in a flash.
Why take care of your air conditioner?
An air conditioner draws air from the room, cools it, and returns it. However, along with the air, it also sucks in dust, pollen, hair, cooking grease, and moisture.
When these impurities settle inside the unit, they not only reduce its performance and increase electricity consumption, but also create an ideal environment for bacteria, mold, and odors. And you certainly don't want to breathe that in.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your home air conditioner are therefore important not only for its functionality but also for your health.
Air Conditioner Maintenance: How to do it?
Portable air conditioners are very popular due to their simplicity. No complicated installation – just plug it into the socket and start cooling. But even here, cleaning your portable air conditioner is key to its long lifespan and healthy air.
How to clean a portable air conditioner at home?
1. Clean the filters (at least twice a month)
Filters are most often located at the back or side of the unit. Simply unclip the cover, carefully remove the filters, and rinse them with lukewarm water. If they're very dusty, you can add a little mild detergent, like dish soap. Avoid hot water or a hairdryer – they could damage the filter. After washing, let the filters dry thoroughly before putting them back.
2. Empty the condensate tank
Some portable air conditioners have an automatic condensate evaporation function, but if yours doesn't, moisture will accumulate in the tank. This needs to be emptied regularly. Also, check the drain valve to ensure it's not clogged.
3. Check the hose and vents
The hose can be dusty or full of grease. Simply disconnect it once in a while and wash it with lukewarm water, or at least vacuum it thoroughly. Likewise, wipe down the ventilation openings on the unit's body.
4. Wipe down the entire unit from the outside
Don't forget the wheels, handles, and casing of the air conditioner. Dust and dirt can also accumulate in these areas, which can then circulate into the air.
Tip: Salente SummerICE portable air conditioners feature removable air filters and an automatic condensate evaporation function, making their maintenance quick and easy. An ideal choice for those who want cool and clean air without worries.
Most Common Air Conditioner Cleaning Mistakes
- Using aggressive cleaners: Strong chemicals (e.g., bleach, acetone, or degreasers) can damage plastic parts or leave an unpleasant odor. Some substances are also toxic when inhaled.
- Turning on the air conditioner before it's completely dry: If moisture remains in the air conditioner, it creates a suitable environment for the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeasts. This leads to odors and polluted air in the room.
- Neglecting maintenance all year round: If you only clean your air conditioner once a year (or not at all), dust, grease, and moisture accumulate inside. The result is poorer performance, higher energy consumption, and health risks.
How to tell if something isn't working?
1. The air conditioner still smells even after cleaning
Even if you've cleaned the filters and treated them with a cleaning spray, does the air conditioner still smell musty, moldy, or have a chemical odor? The problem is likely hidden deeper in the pipes, condensate, or fan.
2. The air conditioner stops cooling
If the unit is running but the air isn't cold, there might be a problem with the refrigerant, compressor, or electronics. These are not things that can be fixed at home. You need professional diagnostics and possibly a refrigerant refill.
3. Unusual noises, vibrations, or whistling
An air conditioner is a device that should run quietly and smoothly. Any clicking, rattling, buzzing, or strong vibrations indicate something is wrong. It could be a loose fan, bearing, or electrical fault.
4. The air conditioner doesn't respond to controls
Have the buttons, remote, or touch panel stopped responding? The cause could be in the power supply, sensor, or software. A professional service can quickly determine if it's a minor fault or if a part of the device needs replacing.
Air conditioner maintenance pays off
Regular portable air conditioner maintenance won't take up much of your time, but it will make a big difference. Not only will you extend the lifespan of the device, but you'll also ensure a healthier environment for yourself and your family. And you'll see the results of your work immediately – in better performance, cleaner air, and quieter operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean the air conditioner?
- During the season (summer): clean the filters once every 2–3 weeks.
- Before and after the season: thorough maintenance of the entire air conditioner, including disinfection.
- If you suspect an odor or poorer performance: immediately. The longer you wait, the more damage occurs.
How often should I change the air conditioner refrigerant?
For a common home air conditioner, the refrigerant (charge) is not changed regularly like in a car. If the system is sealed, the refrigerant will last for many years without intervention. Its replenishment is only needed if there's a leak. You can recognize this, for example, by weaker cooling.
What to do if the air conditioner smells bad?
If the air conditioner smells, it's likely that moisture has remained inside and mold or bacteria have started to form. First and foremost, you need to clean the filters. If the odor persists, we recommend taking the air conditioner to a specialist who can clean areas you can't normally reach.
