In modern households, the use of cooling devices such as fans or air conditioners during the summer is considered essential. Especially on extremely hot days, these devices are always running at full capacity to meet the needs of users.
If a fan is a basic cooling device that generates wind through the operation of its blades, then an air conditioner produces cold air thanks to the circulation of gas between its condenser and evaporator. An air conditioner is also considered to provide better cooling efficiency.
However, unlike fans, the components of an air conditioner are hidden behind its outer shell. Therefore, in terms of device hygiene, it is difficult for users to monitor and detect any issues without disassembling and thoroughly inspecting it. The case below is an example of a man named Zenos Jake, living in Singapore.
The man currently living in Singapore shares a story about his air conditioner (Photo: Zenos Jake)
According to what he shared in a video posted on his personal page, he mentioned that his air conditioner was being disassembled by a technician to be inspected and cleaned after 3 months of use. And surprisingly, behind the beautiful and clean appearance of the air conditioner, there was a thick layer of dust and black mold.
Initially, the technician sprayed water around the air conditioner’s filter mesh after removing the casing. Then, he started removing the fan blades, filters, and anti-bacterial fan cage of the air conditioner. Among them, the condition of the anti-bacterial fan cage made the homeowner exclaim in surprise.
The anti-bacterial fan cage of the air conditioner was covered in a thick layer of dirt (Photo: Zenos Jake)
A thick layer of dirt was clinging to this component, almost sealing off every opening. When viewed from a distance, this layer of dirt even looked like long-standing moss. Moreover, the inner part of the air conditioner also had a large amount of black mold. This could be the reason why the air conditioner emitted an unpleasant odor during operation.
After a general inspection of the air conditioner’s condition, the technician proceeded to clean and address each issue. With the dirt on the anti-bacterial fan cage, the technician rinsed it with water. The result was that the cage returned to its original condition, free of any dirt.
This process is similar to how the air conditioner’s filter mesh is cleaned. As for the black mold, the technician used a soft, damp cloth to wipe it off. Finally, after the air conditioner was thoroughly inspected, it was reassembled to its original state.
The homeowner noted that the air conditioner looked cleaner, and the cool air it blew felt fresher.
The air conditioner has been thoroughly cleaned, allowing the user to reassemble and use it normally (Video: Zenos Jake)
The importance of deep cleaning the parts of an air conditioner
According to experts, the reason why important parts like coatings or filter screens in air conditioners are covered in thick layers of dirt is due to users’ habits of neglecting to check and maintain their devices. This not only hampers the device’s efficiency but also inadvertently increases its power consumption, leading to louder noise levels than normal or even unpleasant odors from the air blown into the environment.
Therefore, it is better for households to maintain the habit of regularly cleaning and maintaining air conditioners in general, as well as their important components specifically. The suggested time frame by experts is around 3-4 months for households that use the air conditioner frequently, or 6 months for those who use it less frequently. For companies, restaurants, factories, and workshops, this should be done more frequently (once a month) because the machines operate in dirtier environments and have a higher frequency of use.
Deep cleaning the evaporator of an air conditioner (Illustration)
Regular inspection and maintenance of air conditioners are crucial (Illustration)
Homeowners can easily handle the air conditioner’s filter mesh at home by rinsing it once a month. Or if they notice that their air conditioner is not working effectively, the air blown is not cool, or there is loud noise during operation, they should immediately check and address the issue.
In addition, other parts of the device, such as the internal parts of the evaporator or the condenser, also need regular cleaning according to the mentioned timeframe. However, it is recommended to rely on the intervention of professional technicians for the most effective and safe cleaning process.
According to Phụ Nữ Số (Women’s Magazine)