How to Clean Your Mitsubishi Mini-split Air Conditioner

Mitsubishi mini split air conditioners provide a great solution for maintaining cool and comfortable temperatures in all the rooms of your house. They offer features like:

• • Precise temperature control

• • Improved air quality

On the other hand, just like any other household appliance, cleaning is mandatory to ensure your Mitsubishi mini split works at its best over time. A clean unit means:

• • Healthier air for yourself and your loved ones.

• • Improved efficiency and cheaper energy bills.

• • Longer life for your assets.

• • Maximum operation for constant comfort

At Precision Air Solutions, we will provide you with all the necessary knowledge to ensure that your Mitsubishi mini split lasts longer. Therefore, regardless of whether you are a DIYer or prefer professional help, this report will take you through the cleaning process stage by stage.

Advantages of Cleaning Your Mitsubishi mini split

There are multiple reasons to maintain your Mitsubishi mini split clean.

Improved Air Quality

Ongoing cleaning removes dust, allergens, pet dander, mold spores, and other airborne toxins that gather in the airstream. This leads to cleaner and healthier indoor air for your home, especially for people with allergies or other respiratory ailments. Regularly maintaining your Mitsubishi mini split will result in a more enjoyable and healthier home environment.

Enhanced Efficiency

Clean condensers and evaporator coils create optimal heat transfer. A fouled coil acts like a blanket, forcing the unit to run harder in order to reach the desired temperature. This will result in higher energy consumption and electricity bills. Frequent cleaning will make your Mitsubishi mini split work well and vice versa, you will spend money on the energy costs.

Extended Lifespan

A dirty air conditioner can be easily damaged. Dust, dirt, and grime accumulate on the coils, hinder airflow, and demand more from the compressor. This can result in untimely occurrences of failures and costly maintenance. Frequent cleaning is a great way to avoid such problems, therefore allowing your Mitsubishi mini split to last longer.

Optimal Performance

Highly efficient Mitsubishi mini split running at full throttle provides sufficient cooling and heating processes. It means you will be enjoying uniform comfort all through the year without the fear of uneven cooling or temperature changes. Regular cleaning will ensure your unit works without any problems and you will get the reliable climate control, which is your expectation from the Mitsubishi mini-split system.

Safety Precautions Before You Start

Safety should be considered before you start the cleaning process. undefined

• • Shut down the unit and remove the power altogether

Find the circuit breaker for your AC unit and then turn it off. Now the entire unit is totally disconnected from electrical power and won’t be activated inadvertently while you’re cleaning. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

• • Protect yourself

Wear gloves and a dust mask to avoid inhaling dust, especially when cleaning the indoor unit. Dust can contain allergies and irritants, so wearing a mask can help your respiratory system. Furthermore, gloves can serve as a barrier and shield your hands from any sharp edges or contaminants you might run into during the cleaning.

With safety out of the way, now let’s get down to work.

Cleaning the Indoor Unit

The indoor unit distributes cool air within the room. Cleaning it is a no-brainer for the preservation of good indoor air quality. 

1. Cleaning the Air Filters

The air filters are the primary means of blocking all dust and allergens in your designated space with their filtration capabilities. These filters are equipped with mechanisms that work like a sieve, they intercept the airborne particles before they get the chance to circulate through the system. Here’s how to keep them clean:

First thing

Locate the air filter in your indoor unit. It is usually hidden underneath the front cover, but it might be different for you depending on what model you have. Consult your Mitsubishi mini split manual for details and instructions specific to your model.

Wash the filters with water and soap at a warm temperature. Clean the paint with a mild detergent to get rid of any grime that has piled up. Avoid applying extreme chemicals, hot water, or other such intense things as they can cause damage to the filters.

When re-installing the filters, make sure they are completely dry first. If they’re damp, they will restrict airflow and create a suitable environment for mold.

Pro tip from Precision Air Solutions: Change your air filters out every two to four weeks if you’re using them all the time (in the summer and winter). For optimum performance, carry out the replacement even more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty area.

2. Cleaning the Indoor Unit’s Interior

If you want to take things a little further, you can also clean the inside of the indoor unit. Do this after the first cleaning and especially if it hasn’t been cleaned in ages.

• • Optional, but we recommend it

Take off the cover of the indoor unit as your manual says. Also, be careful not to break the hinge or grille when opening the cab.

• • First

When it’s time to clean the inside of your vacuum, be careful with the delicate evaporator coil fins. Use a soft brush attachment to make sure you’re being gentle. Those fins are pretty fragile, so don’t bend them or you might need to shell out for a new set.

• • For stubborn grime

You can use a coil cleaner specifically made for the job or a simple vinegar solution on a damp cloth as the two most effective ways of removing the difficult-to-remove dirt or grime buildup. Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners on the indoor unit. They can crack the coils and deteriorate the plastic components to the indoor unit.

3. Sanitation of the Drain Pan

The drain pan is used to remove condensation (moisture) from the air being cooled in the cooling process. Washing it helps prevent mold proliferation and encourages water discharge.

The bottom of the unit has a drain pan. Consult the manual for the specific removal process because some models may need professional drain pan cleaning.

Dump out the stuff in the pan and rinse it off with some warm water and soap. It might be a good idea to use a little bit of bleach (but wear gloves!) to keep mold from growing. Just make sure you use a weak solution and scrub the pan really well afterward to get rid of any bleach that’s left over.

Important: Once you’re all done, make sure to put the drain pan back in place and tighten it up real good so nothing spills. If the water can’t drain, it’ll start to build up and then you’ll have mold to deal with.

How Do You Clean the Outdoor Unit?

The outdoor unit accommodates the condenser coils which carry out the heat release process of the warm air transferred from your house during the cooling cycle. The cleanliness of the condenser coil is very critical to ensure the maximum amount of heat exchange and a high level of operation.

Important

Before cleaning the outdoor unit, ensure that it has been idle for a few hours after the last session of use. To be safe, wait at least 5 hours and then make sure that all parts are fully cooled before they can be touched. Remember, safety first!

Safety reminder

If you are dealing with the outdoor unit as well, ensure that you have turned it off and disconnected it from the power source (via the circuit breaker) before proceeding.

1. Cleaning the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are located on the exterior of the outdoor unit and are easily identifiable by their finned design. Dust, leaves, and debris can accumulate on these coils, hindering their ability to release heat.

• • Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to carefully remove leaves, debris, and dust from the condenser fins. Be gentle and avoid bending the delicate fins.

• • Alternatively: If the dust buildup is light, you can use a garden hose with a gentle spray (not a direct jet) to rinse away dirt and debris. Avoid using high-pressure water or a pressure washer, as this can permanently damage the fins.

2. Cleaning the Blower Wheel and Fan (if accessible)

Some Mitsubishi mini split models allow access to the blower wheel and fan. These components help circulate air through the outdoor unit.

Use a soft brush or a shop vac with a low suction setting to remove dust and debris from the blower wheel and fan blades. Just make sure you avoid touching or bending the fan blades, as this can cause them to become unbalanced and vibrate during operation.

3. Cleaning the Drain Hose

The drain hose on the outdoor unit channels condensation away from the unit. Regular cleaning can help prevent clogs and mold growth.

• • Locate the drain hose, typically positioned at the bottom of the outdoor unit.

• • Optional: Pour a mixture of warm water and vinegar through the drain hose to clear any minor clogs and prevent mold growth. This is a simple yet effective way to maintain proper drainage.

Maintaining Your Mitsubishi Mini split for Optimal Performance

By following the cleaning procedures outlined above, you can keep your Mitsubishi mini split operating efficiently and effectively. Here are some additional tips for maintaining your unit for the long run:

• • Regular cleaning

As mentioned earlier, clean the air filters frequently (every 2-4 weeks) and perform a thorough cleaning of both the indoor and outdoor units at least once a year. This will help prevent dust buildup and ensure optimal airflow.

• • Schedule professional cleaning

Consider scheduling a professional cleaning service from Precision Air Solutions every 2-3 years. Our experienced technicians can perform a comprehensive cleaning, including checking refrigerant levels, inspecting for potential problems, and ensuring your Mitsubishi mini split operates at peak performance.

• • Visual inspection

Regularly inspect your Mitsubishi mini split for any visible dirt buildup, leaks, or damage to the coils, fins, or casing. Early detection of any issues can prevent them from escalating into more serious problems.

Breathe Easy with a Clean Mitsubishi mini split

Maintaining a clean Mitsubishi mini split air conditioner is an investment in your comfort, health, and wallet. By following these simple cleaning and maintenance tips, you can ensure your unit delivers optimal performance, improved air quality, and efficient operation for years to come.

If you’re ever unsure about any aspect of cleaning or feel more comfortable leaving it to the professionals, don’t hesitate to contact Precision Air Solutions. Our certified technicians are experts in Mitsubishi mini-split systems and can provide thorough cleaning and maintenance services to keep your unit running smoothly. We’re here to help you breathe easy and enjoy the benefits of your Mitsubishi mini split air conditioner to the fullest.