The odour that appears when the air conditioner is switched on is not a cooling fault. It is biofilm on the evaporator: a mixture of moisture, dust and organic particles that accumulates every time the unit runs. Cleaning addresses hygiene and the health of people in the room, not the temperature.
What is done during cleaning
- filters - removal, cleaning or replacement; this can be handled by the operator themselves
- evaporator - deposits between the louvres that are inaccessible by hand; cleaned with foam and rinsing
- fan and blades - Settled dust increases noise and reduces airflow.
- condensate tray and condensate drain - most common cause of dripping from the unit
- outdoor unit - leaves and down in the fins impair heat dissipation
How often
Filters in offices every one to two months, more frequently in dusty environments. Complete cleaning including the evaporator once a year, ideally in spring. In facilities handling food or medical practices, the interval is usually shorter.
A clogged unit costs more in electricity. A clogged filter and a dirty evaporator force the compressor to run longer to reach the same temperature. The difference in consumption between a maintained and a neglected unit is noticeable and mainly shows up during peak times when electricity is most expensive.
Self-cleaning and where it ends
Remove and clean the filters yourself. It takes a few minutes and won't cause any damage. What you cannot do yourself: the evaporator behind the cover, the condensate pan, or anything requiring disassembly of the unit. A spray from a supermarket sprayed into the grille will not remove biofilm; it only temporarily masks it with scent.
When your air conditioner emits an odour
It is almost always the evaporator or standing water in the condensate tray. The solution is cleaning and disinfection, not an air freshener. If the odour returns within a few weeks, the cause is usually poor drainage slope for the condensate, which requires repair, not repeated cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should air conditioning be cleaned?
Filters in the office every one to two months; complete cleaning including the evaporator once a year. More frequently in dusty environments or where food is handled.
Why does the air conditioning smell?
Build-up on the evaporator or standing water in the condensate pan. An air freshener will not solve this; the unit must be dismantled and cleaned.
Can I clean it myself?
Filters yes, and it is good to do so. Evaporator, fan and condensate tray no: the unit needs to be dismantled for that.
Water is dripping from the indoor unit. Will cleaning help?
Often yes, as the cause is usually a blocked condensate drain. If it returns after cleaning, there is an issue with the drain slope and it needs to be adjusted.
Do you also clean air conditioning units in food premises?
Yes. The interval is shortened and agents suitable for food areas are used.