Unless you live in highly elevation areas with a cool climate, you probably need an air conditioning unit to keep your home cool and comfy despite the excruciating heat and humidity, especially during the summer.
After all, electric fans aren’t enough when the indoor temperature rises to about 37 °C or more.
While they may seem practical and energy-efficient, using fans during hot spells can make it challenging for your body to release heat by sweating.
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to invest in a split-type or inverter window-type air conditioner, but you don’t have the budget.
If so, why don’t you buy portable aircon instead since it’s more affordable?
Aside from being reasonably priced, this handy appliance uses less energy and can be conveniently moved from room to room according to your cooling needs and preferences.
If you’ve already purchased a portable aircon for your home, it’s important to remember that it needs regular cleaning and maintenance just like regular air conditioners do.
Including this in your regular chores helps to ensure that your appliance provides optimum performance for years to come.
If you’ve never had a portable aircon before, below are 5 tips to keep your portable aircon clean and in tip-top shape.
Wipe the Exterior
Whenever you tidy up and dust around the house, remember to clean the exterior of your portable air conditioner as well.
That way, you can prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on the surface of the appliance and getting into the unit through the vents.
Consider using a soft, damp cloth to wipe the surface of the portable aircon, and letting it dry.
Avoid using detergents or other cleaning solutions, as these agents can stain the exterior cover or attract more dust and dirt fragments.
Keep the Air Filters Free From Dirt
The air filters of a portable aircon are responsible for cleaning the air that circulates throughout the unit and protecting the system from gathering dust and dirt that can clog it up.
Because the filters significantly impact your cooling experience, you should keep them dirt-free.
The maintenance of air filters will differ depending on the type of filter.
If you have washable filters, you can use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of dust particles stuck between the air filter pores and rinse off any remnants.
However, if the filters have mildew or mold, it’s best to also brush them gently with a baking soda solution or soapy water.
Allow the filters to dry completely before placing them back inside the unit.
For disposable filters, make sure to replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommended timeline.
You should also double-check the model number when purchasing replacements to avoid compatibility issues.
Check and Clean the Condenser Coils
Aside from keeping the filters clean, you should also maintain the condenser coils well, as they’re crucial operating elements and expensive to replace.
Inspect them often, so you can clean them immediately when they’ve accumulated excessive grease, grime, and dust.
Be cautious and gentle when cleaning the coils. These parts are so expensive that you might be better off purchasing a new unit if you accidentally damage the coils.
You can use a soft brush dipped in bleach or detergent solutions to lightly scrub the dirt off without disrupting the condenser parts too much. Do you want to keep them extra clean?
Try using a condenser coil cleaning solution. You can buy this product online or from your local hardware store.
Empty the Internal Water Tank
If your portable aircon has an internal water tank, you need to empty it from time to time.
To do so, open the drain line at the back of the unit and let the water flow out. If there’s no water coming out, the unit’s drain line may be clogged.
As such, you may need to insert a pipe cleaner into the drain line to remove the obstruction and drain the water.
Be Mindful of Where You Position the Unit
One of the great things about portable air conditioning is that you can move it around the house whenever and wherever you like.
However, it’s worth pointing out that you need to be mindful of where you position the unit to keep it clean and functioning at its best.
As a general rule, it’s best to avoid using your portable aircon in an unclean area, as it can collect dust and dirt that can damage its operating parts.
To avoid this issue, try dusting and cleaning the room first before moving the unit into it.
You should also avoid positioning your portable aircon in overly humid rooms to prevent excessive moisture buildup.
But if you have no choice but to use it in an area with high humidity, check the drainage pan more often so you can drain it when necessary.
The tips above are some of the top things you can do to keep your portable aircon clean and in good condition.
Apart from making your appliance pleasant to use, doing this helps to assure that you can continue to use it for a long time.
Nonetheless, if you believe something is amiss that routine cleaning can’t fix, don’t hesitate to get the services of a professional technician to address the issue.
By being proactive, there’s a great chance you’ll avoid serious problems like expensive repair or replacement costs in the future.
