Just a PSA since I'm seeing mini splits in the recent thread

[mobiledynamics]

I guess this depends how often you guys use it, but the indoor units IMO need to be cleaned at least once a year - ahem 2 years minimum.
Just short of the filter on them, there is lotsa gunk that you may or may not see on the blower wheel - if you take it open by removing the cover and removing the blower wheel, you may be amazed or not.....and what stuff builds up behind the blower wheel, etc.

 

[jack stand]

I cleaned mine annually for 2 (?) years, then paid the company that sold and installed them this past fall. The extra gunk and **** they go out I figure was well worth it for both the units and its efficiency.
They have a big bag type thing that basically catches the cleaning fluids and funnels it down into a bucket.
Without any specific proof other than visually seeing what he removed, I'm going with "it's worth it every few years" thinking.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Yeah, I know the setup you speak of. But without direct comparison - of removing cover, blower wheel, etc, I don't think it get's it as -clean- as mechanical agitation.

Hopefully, others are aware these things need cleaning.....which I suspect the masses may not know.
Similar to how many don't know the -gunk- that grows/builds up between the inner/outer drum of a laundry washer

Bad example, but one year, I pulled the car out of the garage and let it sit in a 36hr rainstorm. Then I high pressure washed it with some strong soap (detailing nut here) afterwards.

It made no difference IMO on the -long soak-. A mitt (aka, mechanical agitation) was still required.

 

[fitter30]

Don't forget the drain pan and line.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I put tabs on the left corner of them all the time.....

 

[Black Oak]

I clean during the down time -don't need heat , but not ready for AC . Once a year seems often enough , but I also built a filter box above the unit to pre-filter incoming air .

 

[LS6 Tommy]

They have a big bag type thing that basically catches the cleaning fluids and funnels it down into a bucket.
Without any specific proof other than visually seeing what he removed, I'm going with "it's worth it every few years" thinking.

I have that setup. The Nu-Calgon Evap Foam No Rinse cleaner works well, but I learned having a good pump garden sprayer to apply large quantities of rinse water makes a huge difference in force flushing crud out. I do the unit in my kitchen around every two years. I've tried to get Mrs LS6 used to the idea of shutting it off when she's frying or doing some other messy method that creates airborne grease. I'm not sure if it really makes a difference. The unit in the basement hasn't needed it (yet). I just wish it was a little easier to disassemble it for cleaning.

Tommy

 

[jjrbus]

It seems to be people in humid areas have the worst issues. After 1 year the evaporator coils are squeaky clean, all the plastic is clean. And the %$#^ blower wheel is full of mold and dirt. The wall baggies and garden sprayers leave gunk inside the blower wheel causing it to be out of balance. Put your hand on the unit after it has been professionally cleaned, it will be vibrating! How much vibration is too much? The only way to clean is to remove the blower wheel! Blower wheel is made from porous plastic giving the mold a nice damp place to make home! Would not be half as bad if the blower wheel was designed for easy removal. Should be a class action lawsuit. On the other hand my electric bills are tiny, almost make it worth while.