Home » Misc » How to vacuum an air conditioning system

How to vacuum an air conditioning system


How to vacuum an AC system – for an expert clean

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: GettyImages)

It is that time of the year when knowing how to vacuum an AC system becomes an increasing priority. As we enjoy the hottest months on the calendar, many homes turn to their air conditioning unit for relief from the climate – so it’s important to ensure your system runs efficiently and safely. 

Knowing how to clean an air conditioner may sound like a tedious task, but with the best vacuum cleaner, the process is easy. So, you can enjoy the benefits of an efficient system quickly. Here’s how to vacuum an AC system the expert way.  

How to vacuum an AC system 

(Image credit: GettyImages)

'If you have an AC system, it's important to keep it clean. A dirty AC system can lead to a number of problems, including decreased efficiency, increased energy costs, and potentially even health problems,' warns Ryan Collier, an air conditioning expert from Heat Pump Source .  

However, the good news is that vacuuming your AC system is relatively easy and only takes a few minutes if you follow these failsafe tips. 

1. Disconnect the power to your unit

Before beginning the cleaning process, Ryan emphasizes the importance of cutting all power to your AC unit. This is the most important step as it allows you to carry out the vacuuming safely.  

'Next, remove the cover of the unit. Once the cover is off, locate the evaporator coil and use a soft brush to gently remove any dirt or debris that may be on the coil,' the expert adds. 

(Image credit: GettyImages)

2. Vacuum the coil

After removing any debris from your coil, the vacuuming begins. Ryan recommends using a soft-bristled attachment to ensure you don't damage the unit in the process. He reminds you to vacuum both the inside and outside of the coil for an efficient clean. 

Air conditioning expert Beth Allen from HVAC also recommends cleaning the metal vents in your dishwasher after the vacuuming is complete.  

3. Replace your unit's cover

After you've finished vacuuming the coil and cleaning your metal vents, the experts suggest replacing the cover on the AC unit before reintroducing the power. 

Beth explains that this simple process will improve your indoor air quality 'by eliminating contaminants such as dust, dirt, pet hair, and dander, along with other allergens that cause symptoms in household members when exposed.' 

So, if you own an air conditioning unit, there is a host of benefits to following these cleaning tips at the next available opportunity. 

Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants. 

2021 Guide on How to Vacuum AC System without Pump

By ahwadmin / May 30, 2021 May 27, 2021

Not vacuuming your AC system, especially after installation or service, will result in you not enjoying the system’s optimal performance. Why?

When the air conditioning system is exposed to the atmosphere, elements like air, humidity, and moisture might accumulate in the system. Even a minute amount of these elements can significantly affect the AC’s performance, or even worse, lead to severe problems.

So, if you were wondering whether it’s that important to vacuum your AC system, the answer is, yes! Vacuuming allows you to remove any moisture and air from the system, guaranteeing optimal performance.

But how do you do the vacuuming? Is it possible to do it without a vacuum pump?

Well, this article delves deeper into how to vacuum your AC system without a pump. The following tips will guide you into just how to accomplish this.

How to Vacuum AC System without Pump

Refrigeration systems are designed to work only with refrigerant and oil flowing within them. Any other substance that gets inside the system is seen as foreign and needs to be removed. Whether it’s air, moisture, debris, or oxides, they must be removed to ensure the proper functioning and prevent freezing of your system.

While a vacuum pump is the best solution for an AC evacuation, it’s not the only one. However, the best alternative to a pump requires the installation of access valves, both on the low and high-pressure sides of your system.

Here are some steps to show you just how to vacuum your AC without a pump.

1.         Depressing the Access Valve

With your compressor installed, plus the low and high-pressure access valves in place, switch on your compressor. After this, depress the high-pressure side access valve on your AC.

Note: Keenly observe the lower side pressure while doing this.

Once the higher side pressure hits the lowest point, close the high-pressure access valve and switch off your compressor. By following these simple steps, you’ll have depressed your access valve.

The process is straightforward and will take merely five minutes.

2.         Charging the Low-Pressure Side

This step comes after you’ve effectively completed the access valve depressing process. Here, you are required to charge the lower pressure side to approximately 14 psi.

After doing this, you should carefully monitor both the low and high-pressure sides for around three minutes. This is to ensure that the pressure on both sides equalizes.

3.         Repeat Step One (Depress the High-Pressure Side Access Valve)

After you are done with step two, and the pressures are equal on both sides, switch your compressor on again. Subsequently, depress the high-pressure access valve again, just as you did in step one.

However, instead of monitoring the pressure on the high side, monitor the low side pressure. When it hits the lowest point it can go, allow the access valve on the high side to close.

Again, when the valve is completely closed, switch off the compressor. Step three is complete.

4.         Repeat the 2nd and 3rd Steps

Just as you did in the second step, charge the low-pressure side of your AC to approximately 14 psi. Again, wait and monitor the pressure on both sides for around three minutes until they equalize. Then, switch on your compressor and repeat the depressing step of the high-pressure access valve.

For a successful evacuation, you will note that the low-side pressure doesn’t go as low as it had gone in the previous steps. This results from the absorption and gradual release of the refrigerant in the compressor oil.

At this point, if the high-pressure side valve is not releasing any gas, allow it to shut off. By this time, your AC system will be free of any air and moisture previously present.

5.         Charge With Refrigerant

This is the last step on how to vacuum your AC system without a pump. First, charge your AC system with the right amount of refrigerant. After this, go ahead and switch off your compressor, and the system is good to go.

Note: You can make some adjustments to the process, depending on the type of AC system you are working on.

Why Should You Vacuum Your AC System?

Accumulation of air and moisture in an AC system brings more problems than you can imagine. While some of the issues might be more severe than others, vacuuming ensures that your home’s air conditioning is not compromised.

Let’s explore some of these problems and how regular vacuuming can help avoid them.

Regular maintenance of your AC system is always paramount. Whichever type of home AC you have, maintenance ensures that you get the best service from it.

Vacuuming is one of the several activities included in a maintenance schedule. It ensures that water, moisture, air, and other unwanted debris are removed from your AC system.

While using a vacuum pump is the easiest way to do this, the above methods can do the same task. This way, you can conserve and protect your AC from damage caused by these simple elements.

Related Posts

How to clean the air conditioning system yourself?

Before proceeding to the presentation of the main issue, let's figure out why an air conditioner is needed in a car, let's talk about its device and the principle of operation. Drivers and passengers, getting into the interior of the car, faced such inconveniences: in winter it was too cold in the cabin, in summer it was hot, in bad weather moisture prevailed. Such measures as interior heaters, fans, air vents did not completely solve the problem.

Cardinal changes came with the invention of the air conditioner - it was he who began to perform all these functions, creating a microclimate (increase or decrease in air temperature, decrease in humidity, purification of air from microparticles, odors, creation of circulation that does not turn into drafts). The cabin is maintained at a temperature of 18-20°C, humidity 30-70%.

Air conditioning device:

- compressor - provides compression of low pressure and low temperature gas (refrigerant) to high pressure, high temperature gas, as well as its circulation in the system;

- condenser (radiator) - to remove the temperature from the refrigerant and turn it into a liquid, installed with a fan;

- evaporator (heat exchanger) - for converting a liquid into a gaseous state;

- dryer (receiver) - serves to increase the amount of liquid, its placement, as well as water purification;

- control system - manual and automatic;

- filter system ;

- valves ;

- safety devices ;

- connecting hoses and pipes .

Is it necessary to clean the car air conditioner

The compressor plays one of the most important roles in the air conditioning system. Despite the fact that it works in a closed system, dirt (abrasive particles, resins ...) still accumulates in it. As a result, there is a need to clean it up. Timely qualified (high-quality) flushing significantly extends the life of the air conditioner and improves air purification, while avoiding the failure of other parts and their urgent replacement.

Flushing will certainly be necessary in case of extraneous noise from the compressor when turning on. If the compressor is stuck, flushing must also be performed, as the entire system (hoses, piping, filters, refrigerant, units, etc.) is clogged with compressor destruction products. If you replace a failed compressor without flushing components and parts, the same fate awaits the new compressor. For better cleaning of the air conditioner, it is desirable to dismantle the components and assemblies, perform a thorough diagnosis and timely elimination of the detected malfunctions.

Another important reason for cleaning the air conditioner is the formation of a favorable environment for the occurrence of foci of bacteria and fungi on the filters and evaporator.

Buying a car air conditioner cleaner

There are many companies that produce various chemicals for cars, so buying an air conditioning cleaner causes certain difficulties. In order to choose which tool to use, it is necessary to take into account the life of this air conditioner, determine its degree of contamination, the need to replace units, and complete or partial cleaning.

All chemicals for cleaning air conditioners are divided into three types: sprays, foaming cleaners, special smoke bombs for cleaning air conditioners.

Sprays:

1. Loctite Hygiene Spray from HENKEL. Hygiene spray for cleaning car air conditioners. Highly effective agent, removes microorganisms, fungi, unpleasant odors. Saturates the salon with fresh air, a pleasant smell of eucalyptus and menthol.

2. XADO. Antibacterial spray cleaner with eucalyptus scent.

3. Liqui Moly Klima Fresh Plus. Aerosol is produced to clean car air conditioning systems from pollution, bacteria, fungi, removes unpleasant odors, saturates with fresh, clean air with a pleasant smell.

4. MANNOL Air-Con-FRESH. Antibacterial, degassing spray. Cleans the system quickly, without removing the cabin filter, effectively removes fungi, odors, microorganisms. Also used for preventive purposes.

5. Valeo CLIME PUR. Aerosol for cleaning and disinfection of air conditioning systems.

6. VERY LUBE. Antibacterial cleaner. Eliminates odors, disinfects, deodorizes the air in the cabin.

foam cleaners are used for deeper cleaning than aerosols.

1. STEP UP. High-performance foaming cleaner for automotive air conditioners made in the USA. It has received a lot of positive feedback from car enthusiasts and is considered one of the best foaming car air conditioner cleaners.

2. VERY LUBE. Air conditioner foam cleaner. Designed to perform a comprehensive cleaning of air conditioning systems without dismantling them. Highly effective remedy, can be used for preventive purposes.

3. RUNWAY. Air conditioner foam cleaner.

4. BIZOL Air Condition Cleaner. Air conditioner cleaner, foam.

5. LIQUY MOLY Klima-Anladen-Reiniger. A/C foam cleaner.

Smoke grenades for cleaning car air conditioning systems - cleaners of a new generation.

Carmate manufactures the widest range of antibacterial smoke grenades. They are all highly effective air conditioner cleaners and are easy to use:

- Air conditioner deodorant steam. Eliminates unpleasant odors, destroys microbes;

- Cigarette deodorant steam type. Tobacco odor remover;

- Deodorant steam Type AG. Deodorizer with silver ions, also destroys microorganisms.

How to clean a car air conditioner

Above, we looked at various chemicals designed to clean the air conditioner, but not all of them perform 100% cleaning. For example, sprays serve only to partially clean the air conditioner. This includes the fight against microorganisms, the development of fungi, the elimination of unpleasant odors that result from the accumulation of moisture and dirt, especially in the evaporator.

Cleaning of air conditioning systems with aerosols is preferably carried out in vehicles with relatively clean air conditioning in order to prevent heavy contamination. This work is carried out once every six months (more often), and is timed to coincide with the replacement of the cabin filter.

To clean the system, an aerosol can is installed in the passenger compartment at the foot of the front passenger, near the air intake. Turns on air recirculation at maximum speed, do not turn on the air conditioning mode. Activate the spray by pressing the valve until it clicks, then the spray will occur on its own.

During spraying (cleaning), windows and doors must be closed, it is forbidden to be in the car. Before starting and after cleaning, heat the interior for 5-10 minutes. After completing all work, ventilate the machine by opening all doors for at least 10 minutes.

Smoke grenade cleaning is similar to aerosol cleaning.

To clean the air conditioner with foaming agents, it is necessary to remove the cabin filter, fill all the air ducts with foam, make an exhaust (the time is indicated in the instructions), start the engine, turn on the air conditioner, work for some time in various modes. After completing all work, thoroughly ventilate the machine.

Ultrasonic cleaning of the air conditioner is carried out at a service station using "professional" antiseptics such as Teroset.

A complete cleaning of the car air conditioner is carried out with the dismantling of the units to be washed.

How to clean the air conditioner at home: cleaning the split systems with your own hands

Published: 11/22/2018 Expit: 11/22/2018

Split system has long ceased to be an exotic type of equipment: you can find it in almost every modern apartment. MANY ADVANTAGES, CONVENIENT SETTINGS, EASY TO USE, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, CREATING THE OPTIMUM ROOM MICROCLIMATE MAKE PURCHASING AN AIR CONDITIONER MORE A NEED THAN A FAD. BUT LIKE ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT, THE SPLIT SYSTEM NEEDS TIMELY MAINTENANCE AND REGULAR CLEANING. HOW TO CLEAN THE AIR CONDITIONER AT HOME, WHERE TO START AND WHAT IS THE PROCESS ORDER? 9Ol000

  • Tips for cleaning a split system
  • A few tips for the correct operation of the air conditioner
  • Cleaning products for air conditioners

    • Air conditioner cleaning is carried out both with the help of specialists and with your own hands. In the second case, you simply can not do without the instruction manual. But first, let's analyze the signs by which it becomes clear that it's time to clean the split system.

    Signs of contamination of the air conditioner

    Accumulating dirt impairs the performance and quality of the air conditioner. And most importantly, polluted air affects your health. There is mold, and fungus, and dust mites, and whole families of different bacteria in the air we breathe. Hence the allergy
    , asthma, various dermatitis and other skin diseases. To avoid such a situation in the apartment, a light cleaning of split systems is carried out: from one to three times a week, depending on the intensity of use of the device. There are several obvious indicators that your air conditioner is dirty. What should I pay attention to?

    Once you notice any of these signs of system deterioration, you can either call in professionals to clean it up or do it yourself. What and how to start, we will now figure it out.

    Cleaning the indoor unit of split systems

    You can clean the internal filters, fan, drainage system and heat exchanger on your own. What will be needed for this?

    It is unlikely that you will enjoy touching dirty internal parts and breathing dust. Be sure to wear a respirator and gloves before starting work.

    How to disassemble the air conditioner for cleaning

    The process of cleaning the split system at home will take place in several stages - depending on the part to be cleaned. To understand how to access each of them, we will consider them separately from each other. Before washing the air conditioner, be sure to unplug it from the mains!
    Cover the floor with newspapers, plastic sheeting, or damp cloths to keep it from getting dirty.

    Cleaning the filters

    Let's start with the filters. To get to them, you need to understand how to open the air conditioner. It's simple: pry the cover of the split system, pull it towards you and up and bring it to the stop. Filters will open in front of us - curved mesh plates, to remove which you need to slightly lift them up, then pull them towards you and down. Already at this stage, you can see the degree of contamination of your device. Next, the filters must be washed with cool water. If the dirt does not wash off, soak the filters in warm water for about half an hour. To enhance the effect, add a few drops of liquid soap there or crumble the usual one and stir - let the soap completely dissolve. Then rinse the parts again with running water, wait for the removed parts to dry naturally, and wipe them again with a soft cloth. You can dry the filters on the windowsill if the weather is sunny outside.

    Do not dry the filters with warm air currents, such as a hair dryer, as this may deform them.

    Before reinstalling the filters, it is necessary to vacuum the internal elements of the split system and wipe the accessible places with a soft cloth. So far, we have been talking about mesh filters. If you use pocket filters, then you will not be able to clean them - such filters are simply changed after the expiration of their service life.

    Washing the filters more than six times is highly discouraged as the filter may lose its properties and impair throughput.

    We clean the radiator

    Radiators are designed to change the temperature of the distilled air and represent one large plate, which consists of many small ones. They are located at a very small distance from each other, and if the dust is not so deep in the gaps between them, then you can remove it with a brush with a long bristle.

    A high power vacuum cleaner will also do this job well. After the cleaning procedure, wipe the pad with a damp cloth until the dust is completely removed. If the dirt has gone deep, most likely it has already mixed with the condensate and formed a mud film. It is not possible to remove it yourself. Steam cleaners are used to remove such pollution, and it is better to entrust this work to professionals. You can find the radiator by opening the bottom cover of the split system. Pull the plate out. After cleaning, repeat the sequence of steps in reverse order.

    Cleaning the fan

    An important element of the system is the rotary fan. This is an elongated shaft with blades that "pushes" the cooled air into the room. Its contamination can lead to a complete failure, since the resulting deposits of dust and dirt block the operation of the fan.

    To avoid this, dilute some soap in warm water and spray it on the blades. After the dirt is wet, turn on the fan at the lowest speed. Be prepared for liquid drops to scatter to the sides. Then stop working and clean the area manually: with a brush or toothbrush and the same soap solution.

    Before you start cleaning the fan, cover the wall with a protective film and lay newspapers on the floor so that the dirt flying out of the air conditioner does not get on them.

    Be very careful not to damage the fan blades, otherwise a complete replacement will be necessary.

    Cleaning the drainage system

    If the accumulated grease and dirt clog the passages of the drainage channels, the water will not flow outside, but into the room. Fungus and mold
    will not “sit” in the pipes for a long time and will begin to spread: first to the drain pan, and then to the radiator. All this will again affect the purity of the inhaled air. You can clean the drainage with your own hands only superficially: with a brush and detergent, for example, for washing dishes. After processing the drainage itself, check the cleanliness of the drainage pan, or rather wash it for prevention. Professional treatment of the drainage system consists in antibacterial action with steam. Another option is to completely clean the entire air conditioning system by spraying a special agent.

    This completes the self-cleaning of the home air conditioner. If you do not want to spend a lot of time, then there is a simpler option, you can purchase a split system with an automatic cleaning system. Such a system works according to a simple principle: periodically switching to an “idle” mode, it dries out internal components and parts. Sometimes such air conditioners are accompanied by an ionic air purification system - dust is ionized, and it passes more easily into the dust collector. However, even such “smart” air conditioners have to be cleaned manually, since they cannot wash the filters themselves, and the ionization itself
    - the process is still ambiguous and mysterious.

    Cleaning the outdoor unit

    The most difficult thing in cleaning the air conditioner is perhaps its outer part. The outdoor unit, as a rule, is located outdoors, and access to it is most often complicated by height and location from the street. The only good thing is that it is necessary to clean such a block only 1-2 times a year. What needs to be done?

    To clean the outdoor unit, steam cleaners or mini-washers are more often used, which give a greater effect. It is important to remember that you should not start the air conditioner until all internal parts are completely dry.

    Tips for cleaning your split system

    Even if your device is fine and running like clockwork, there are a few simple maintenance tips to follow.

    If paired with an air conditioner you use forced ventilation with filters, then the air conditioner, as a rule, becomes less dirty. For example, the
    Breezer supplies already purified air to the room. At the same time, windows can be closed to keep dust and exhausts out of the house. In addition, the breather also works in the recirculator mode, that is, it will help to clean the air already in the room. Of course, as in the case of a split system, maintenance is necessary for equipment, but with such equipment it is much easier - it is enough to periodically change the filters
    . In return, you will receive clean fresh indoor air, its recirculation, heating of incoming air in winter, silent operation and complete protection from dust and dirt.

    A few tips for the correct operation of the air conditioner

    Air conditioner cleaner

    Air conditioner maintenance chemicals are divided into three groups:

  • Cleaner to protect the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner;
  • Chemistry for extensive use: treatment of internal components and parts of capacitor units.

    Learn more