SunLive – How to clean your fan or heat pump

The last thing you want when you start the heat pump to cool down or turning on a fan means breathing in the dust particles that have been there since God knows when.

Housekeeper Rachael Quin says heat pumps have become more common over the last five years. but often we “set them up and forget” to maintain them, as well as ceiling fans.

Kevin Bedford, owner of Aircon Heatpump Cleaners, who has been helping people control their heat pumps for 16 years, says the less dust, the better your machine will perform.

“Once these filters become clogged with dust, even a small amount of dust, it just blocks the flow of air through the machine.”

How often should I clean it?

This can depend on several factors, such as your device’s specifications and your usage, says Quin.

“The instructions in my booklet actually say that if the device hasn’t been used regularly for a while, say a few months, there is a function on it that you should (when you turn it on) to the first time turn it on, and I think it gives a little bit of cleaning, not just to the filters but to everything, I think it adds something to it.

Bedford suggests checking your heat pump regularly – every two to three weeks – when you vacuum, to give you an idea of ​​how much dust it collects so you know how often you actually need to clean it.

If you leave your fan on all night, it probably collects and moves more dust, says Quin, so you’ll need to check this once a month.

What do I need to clean my heat pump?

Cleaning residential heat pumps installed high on walls is relatively standard; there is often a latch to open the front cover of the indoor unit, where you will find two filters to clean. For floor models, this may be a single large filter.

Wash in cold or lukewarm water according to your device manufacturer’s recommendations, suggests Quin.

“I make sure it’s completely dry (before putting the filter back in) and usually the filters are really good. So in my unit, when I take it out, it doesn’t really look diluted. “There’s anything in there… But even if your filter looks clean, I think you should still rinse it under water.”

Bedford recommends using a brush attachment on a vacuum if you’re looking for light cleaning. If you’re washing it, you can use a light dishwashing liquid if it’s very dirty, but don’t use harsh chemicals that could damage the filter.

“I use like a little shoe brush…a soft bristle brush that won’t damage the filters.”

For the outdoor unit, consider watering it if it seems to need it, but also make sure there’s nothing blocking it from sucking in air, like vegetation or cardboard boxes, says Bedford.

And my fan? Are there any tips for a ceiling?

Quin recommends getting a telescoping duster that can bend to a 90-degree angle. With this one, you can apply pressure to wipe without much trouble.

Are you thinking about dust spray or a damp cloth? Quin doesn’t recommend it. She says she only uses dry, thick chenille microfiber, but if there are still sticky substances left, she can clean it with a damp cloth or isopropyl alcohol diluted with water (30:70 ratio) .

One trick that TikTokers brag about is using an old pillowcase to slide it over each blade. Quin says it’s a good option when the fan is above the bed so it catches most of it without falling over.

And like a heat pump, you can use a brush attachment on a vacuum for light cleaning — if your vacuum can reach that height or if it’s a small, handheld vacuum, says Quin.

Why is mold growing in my heat pump?

Even if you clean the filters, fine dust and airborne contaminants such as dust and pollen are still sucked in and cling to the fan coils and barrels, which can prevent the unit from working correctly or result in drips, says Bedford.

This is where you want to call in a professional to clean the entire unit, including the drain pipe, using their special tools, he explains.

“During the summer…I get a lot of calls because people say their heat pump smells or it’s dripping, because it’s clogged with dirt and grime inside.

“And mold spores can actually grow on the body of the fan. You’d be surprised how much buildup can occur just through its use.”

Depending on your usage, he recommends having a professional cleaning done every 12 to 18 months. And of course, if your legs are shaking or you feel like there’s a more serious problem, like corrosion, you’ll need to call a professional.

-RNZ