Sometimes, a regular clean and service is all your air conditioning unit needs to work at full capacity again. Other times, your unit may need a more extensive clean, called a Strip and Clean.
Read on to find out when your air conditioner may need a Strip and Clean, what the process involves and whether you can make this assessment yourself.
What does a Regular Air Conditioning Service Involve?
During a regular service, our technicians remove and wash the covers, clean the indoor coil, flush the drain and wipe the unit down before testing it.
This is often enough to keep a well-maintained system clean, efficient and running properly.
When does an Air Conditioner Need a Strip and Clean?
Your system may never need a Strip and Clean, especially if it is installed in a normal, dry environment and serviced regularly.
However, a deeper clean may be required if your system:
- Gets used frequently
- Is installed in an area exposed to high humidity
- Has significant dust, grime or mould inside the unit
- Has a drain line that was not installed correctly, causing water to sit in the drainpipe
- Is no longer cooling or moving air as effectively as it used to
Whether your air conditioner needs a regular service or a Strip and Clean is not always something you can identify yourself.
If our technicians find that dust, grime or mould has built up deeper inside the unit, particularly around the fan barrel, a standard service may not reach all the areas that need to be cleaned.
You may also notice that your split system is not cooling as well as it used to. This can sometimes be caused by a blocked or heavily contaminated fan barrel. In this case, a Strip and Clean followed by further testing is the most effective way to address the issue.
What Happens During a Strip and Clean?
During a Strip and Clean, more of the indoor unit is taken apart so the internal components can be cleaned thoroughly.
A waterproof service hood, also known as a catch bag, is secured underneath the indoor unit to collect wastewater. Specialised cleaning products are then applied to the indoor coil, drain pan, fan barrel and surrounding areas before the components are carefully pressure-washed.
This process takes considerably longer than a standard service and provides a much more thorough clean.
A comprehensive Strip and Clean generally includes the following steps:
- Initial preparation: The technician tests the unit, places drop sheets down to protect your floors and installs a waterproof catchment hood around the wall-mounted unit.
- Unit strip-down: The front casing, air filters and other accessible components are removed. Depending on the unit and its condition, this may also include removing the fan barrel or blower wheel.
- Deep clean: Specialised cleaning products are applied to help break down built-up dust, grime and mould. The internal coil, fan barrel, drain pan and housing are then carefully washed and flushed.
- Drain clearing: The condensate drain line is flushed to help remove blockages and reduce the risk of water leaks.
- Reassembly and testing: Once the components have been cleaned, they are reinstalled and the system is tested to check its cooling performance and airflow.
When Should You Call a Professional?
If your air conditioner is not cooling like it used to and you have already checked the settings, airflow and visible external debris, it is a good idea to call a professional.
Our qualified technicians can inspect your system and determine whether it needs a regular service, a Strip and Clean or further repairs. You will receive honest advice based on the actual condition of your unit rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Get your air conditioner clean, efficient and ready to perform. Call LCM Air Conditioning today to book an inspection.