Keeping your AC unit clean is one of the most important ways to maintain it. When it comes to a Mitsubishi ductless mini split air conditioner, there are specific steps to clean it, as with all AC units.
Mini split air conditioners have an indoor and outdoor unit. The outdoor unit holds the compressor, and the indoor unit has the blower and coil. You’ll likely need to clean the indoor unit more often, and luckily, it’s a job that you can do yourself with a few household items.
Cleaning a Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner
To clean your unit, you’ll need:
- Soft cloths – microfiber cloths are great to use.
- Soap and water – dish soap works fine.
- Vacuum cleaner – use the brush attachment.
Take Precautions
Firstly, you want to unplug your unit. If you haven’t cleaned in a long time and need to use water, be sure to turn off the appropriate circuit breaker. You don’t want any risk of electrical shock, so never forget this step!
Clean Filters
After turning the unit off, remove the front cover by lightly lifting until it clicks. From there, you can pull it off by holding the hinges. Next, take the filters out and wash them. These specific filters need regular washing – about every two weeks.
Luckily, washing is easy – give them a good scrub in the sink and let them air dry completely, then put them back into the unit. You can also do quick cleanings with the vacuum cleaner. Mitsubishi’s Quick Clean accessory kit comes with attachments that easily fit around your unit.
Keeping the Heat Exchanger Tidy
For best results, the Mitsubishi ductless mini split should be off for about 5 hours before cleaning the heat exchanger. This is to prevent excess heat and moisture. Using your vacuum’s brush attachment, gently and vertically vacuum along the heat exchanger fins. Never run the vacuum across horizontally, as it could break the fins.
Fan Cleaning
There can be some variation between Mitsubishi AC models, so refer to your instruction manual to access the fan. Most Mitsubishi ductless mini split air conditioners will have horizontal vanes on the bottom that you can remove.
There may be vertical vanes that easily swing out to reveal the fan unit. Wearing gloves and using the vacuum or cloth, carefully clean the fan blades and surrounding area.
Cleaning the Drain Pan
Make sure drain pan is completely dry – wipe out any moisture and disinfect any mildew you see. The indoor coil drips into the drain pan when there’s condensation on it. If it’s not level, water can end up sitting, causing more mildew.
Units must always be completely level, so if you notice yours is off level, you may need to call a professional to fix the problem. Finally, clean the area behind the drain pan in case there’s any buildup.
Once you’re done cleaning, carefully put everything back into place. When you pop the vanes back onto your unit, don’t be surprised if you see them readjust when you turn the unit back on.
If your coil is dirty, you can clean it yourself or get it cleaned. The coil is very delicate and industrial coil cleaners that remove mildew are not offered to the general public. You can gently brush dust off with a coil brush, and coil cleanings are usually included in annual tuneups by HVAC professionals.
How to Wash the Outdoor Unit
Remember to completely turn off the circuit breaker before washing the outdoor unit. Clean the exterior and grilles of the unit, making sure it’s clear of any debris. Run the vacuum across the grilles and scrub with soap and water if needed.
Remove the housing to access the inside. Vacuum the area and wipe the blades. Brush the coils if you notice dirt on them. Clean the drain pan the same way you did with the indoor unit and clear the condensate hose with vinegar.