As the mornings and evenings grow colder, you might be thinking about turning on your heater soon.
But before you do, please give us a moment of your time. The inside of your air conditioner, which was working hard all summer, is actually quite dirty with dust and mold. If you use it for heating in winter as is, the heating efficiency will decrease, and you'll end up paying electricity bills that you wouldn't have otherwise needed to pay.
In this article, we will carefully explain the specific steps for cleaning and maintaining the inside of your air conditioner that you should do in November. Let's start a comfortable winter heating life by saving on winter electricity bills with simple cleaning.
Why does internal cleaning in November lead to winter electricity bill savings?
About "dust and mold" that reduce heating efficiency
Air conditioners heat and cool rooms by transferring heat through internal heat exchangers (fins) and filters.
Impact of dust: If dust accumulates in the filter or heat exchanger, heat exchange cannot be performed smoothly, and heating efficiency will decrease.
Impact of mold: Especially during winter heating, moisture condensed inside can easily become a breeding ground for mold, and mold spores can spread throughout the room.
An inefficient air conditioner must use extra power to reach the set temperature. This leads to wasted electricity bills.
Improved heating efficiency through internal and filter cleaning
According to data from the Ministry of the Environment and other sources, simply cleaning the air conditioner filter can save about 4% to 6% on electricity bills during cooling. Similar, or even greater, effects can be expected during winter heating.
Internal cleaning in November is an important maintenance step to restore the air conditioner's performance before the full-scale winter heating season begins.
DIY Air Conditioner Internal Cleaning: 3 Easy Steps
While professional disassembly cleaning should be left to the experts, let's carefully clean the areas you can reach with everyday cleaning and maintenance.
Step 1: The Basics of Cleaning! Filter and Outer Cover
Filter Cleaning: Gently vacuum dust from the removed filter. If it's very dirty, wash it with water in the bathroom, etc., and dry it thoroughly. Incomplete drying can cause mold, so it's important to dry it completely.
Outer Cover: Carefully wipe off dust, and don't forget to remove accumulated dust, especially around the air intake.
Step 2: Cleaning the often-overlooked Fins (Heat Exchanger)
The fins are a vital part, often called the heart of the air conditioner, but they are very delicate, so be careful not to apply too much force.
- If using commercial air conditioner cleaning sprays, read the instructions carefully and use them correctly.
- If not using a spray, use a soft brush or cotton swab to gently remove dust along the direction of the fins.
- Since humidity is low in November, cleaning also has the advantage of quick drying and easier mold prevention.
Step 3: Mold Prevention in the Air Outlet (Louver)
The fan deep inside the air outlet is a place where mold tends to accumulate.
- Gently move the louver (blades that change airflow direction) by hand and wipe the visible fan area.
- Wrap a disposable cloth or fabric around a long pair of chopsticks and gently wipe off mold and dust while rotating the fan little by little.
[Data Confirmed] Electricity Saving Effects of Air Conditioner Cleaning
Greater effect during heating! The mechanism of saving
Air conditioners operate for long periods to heat the entire room. If clogged with dust and mold, it takes longer to reach the set temperature, increasing electricity costs.
By cleaning the inside thoroughly, the airflow path becomes smooth, allowing the air conditioner to operate efficiently with minimal power. This means that the longer the winter heating period, the greater the annual savings.
Ideal Air Conditioner Temperature Setting for Winter Heating
The Ministry of the Environment recommends an indoor temperature of 20℃ for winter heating. It is said that lowering the set temperature by just 1℃ can reduce power consumption by about 10%.
By cleaning the inside of your air conditioner and improving its efficiency, you can more easily maintain a comfortable perceived temperature without having to drastically lower the set temperature.
November is the last chance for air conditioner maintenance!
In December and January, when winter heating gets into full swing, air conditioners operate at full capacity daily. By cleaning and maintaining your air conditioner in November after its summer use, you can use it efficiently and hygienically throughout the season.
Criteria for when to request professional internal cleaning
Home cleaning can only address surface dirt. If you experience any of the following symptoms, we recommend asking a professional for thorough internal cleaning.
- A moldy smell when the air conditioner is turned on
- Water leakage due to condensation
- Heating effectiveness does not improve even after cleaning
In such cases, it is possible that unreachable dirt has accumulated inside, so we recommend consulting a specialized professional.
Enjoy a comfortable winter with smart air conditioner internal cleaning
November is the perfect time for air conditioner internal cleaning and maintenance.
With just a little effort, you can significantly save on winter electricity bills and create a healthier heating environment by suppressing mold spores.
Why not open your windows on a pleasant autumn day and start cleaning your air conditioner? It will surely lead to a comfortable winter life.
