Cute.bgd wrote:They get the maid to do it
Outdoor units / compressor are meant to be washed, per my apprentice notes.x9200 wrote:Is it really designed to take a steady pour of water lateral from its radiator side? I know these units go outdoor but it could be a different case when water pours mostly from above.
Basically, I have the same problem but my units on the ledge are reasonably accessible from the yard.
Well the compressor is on the typical small balcony with a railing and I go out there quite regularly to clean up the stuff people above throw out of their windows. So I don't have great concerns about getting out there and being safe.maneo wrote:
Getting real, no one should be out there if the compressors are on the typical ledge with no railing.
Even professionals must have safety gear to work in high locations.
So, how were you thinking of doing this?
Have you checked with the building management for suggestions?
If they don't have any good ideas, and if you can get out there safely, you could spray the fins with some cleaning solution (nothing aggressive) just before an impending downpour to make it easier to clean.
Advice from our air con guy is to direct the water flow from above at a slight angle and wash top to bottom. Personally I would think the best way to clean the compressor air intake fins would be to remove the cover and wash from the inside out forcing the dirt out of the fins rather than potentially deeper into them. Of course he couldn't suggest I do that and clearly does not want to do it himself!x9200 wrote:Is it really designed to take a steady pour of water lateral from its radiator side? I know these units go outdoor but it could be a different case when water pours mostly from above.
Basically, I have the same problem but my units on the ledge are reasonably accessible from the yard.
Yes thanks, it was not my intention to use any chemicals and our air con guy didn't suggest it either. My focus was more on the mess rather than safety. As I say the balcony has a sturdy rail, I have been out there many times cleaning up and it doesn't get wet when it rains.x9200 wrote:Yep, agree. I would too expect the dirt profile is thicker from outside so showering from outside pushes the dirt deeper and longer way, but I am not going to take the risk of playing with it on the 25th floor unsecured ledge especially in the pouring rain.
One point to emphasize and already mentioned by maneo - be careful what sort of detergents (if any) are used. These are aluminium fins, perhaps coated but even if, it would be a very thin coating, and aluminium is not resistant to even weak alkaline solutions and stronger acids.
Washing from inside out won't work unless you totally dismantle the unit.Steve1960 wrote:
Advice from our air con guy is to direct the water flow from above at a slight angle and wash top to bottom. Personally I would think the best way to clean the compressor air intake fins would be to remove the cover and wash from the inside out forcing the dirt out of the fins rather than potentially deeper into them. Of course he couldn't suggest I do that and clearly does not want to do it himself!
Yes everything I read on the Internet suggests it is OK to steadily pour water on the intake fins. If there are any concerns it is more related to the force if water, steam, brushing or whatever damaging the delicate fins.
This unit is only 2 years old so should be good for a few years yet. I am going with vacuum and steam clean to reduce the fallout below. I will let you know what happens.ecureilx wrote:
Washing from inside out won't work unless you totally dismantle the unit.
And I still have scars from the condenser fins.
Just vacuum and wash while finding another aircon fellow who will do a complete clean, if needed
However despite all cleaning you can never clean it 100%, especially the fan blades. And there will aluminium erosion on the cooling fins, hence the recommendation to change every 5 years or so to newer energy saving types.
Was not suggesting you rely on the rain to clean the fins.Steve1960 wrote:Well the compressor is on the typical small balcony with a railing and I go out there quite regularly to clean up the stuff people above throw out of their windows. So I don't have great concerns about getting out there and being safe.maneo wrote:Have you checked with the building management for suggestions?
If they don't have any good ideas, and if you can get out there safely, you could spray the fins with some cleaning solution (nothing aggressive) just before an impending downpour to make it easier to clean.
Your suggestion would not work as the compressor is largely protected from rain by the small balcony above but thanks anyway.
Building management in this case I guess is the HDB. Maybe I should ask their advice.
The surfactants in gentle, water soluble cleaning solutions make it easier for water to "latch on" to the dirt and for it to drain off without leaving a dirt stain all over.Steve1960 wrote:Yes thanks, it was not my intention to use any chemicals and our air con guy didn't suggest it either. My focus was more on the mess rather than safety. As I say the balcony has a sturdy rail, I have been out there many times cleaning up and it doesn't get wet when it rains.x9200 wrote:Yep, agree. I would too expect the dirt profile is thicker from outside so showering from outside pushes the dirt deeper and longer way, but I am not going to take the risk of playing with it on the 25th floor unsecured ledge especially in the pouring rain.
One point to emphasize and already mentioned by maneo - be careful what sort of detergents (if any) are used. These are aluminium fins, perhaps coated but even if, it would be a very thin coating, and aluminium is not resistant to even weak alkaline solutions and stronger acids.
I just thought blowing steam through the fins with some sheets on the ground would be way less messy that using water plus I already own a steam cleaner. Of course I don't want to damage the fins with high temperature high pressure steam either!
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