Safe Owner Care for Your Air Conditioning
You can keep your air conditioner clean between services, but only within what your exact model's user manual allows. This guide explains the safe owner jobs, dusting the casing and cleaning approved removable filters, and the work that must be left to a service engineer.
Why choose Tovan
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Fitted across Kent Installing across Kent, subject to availability
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12 month installation guarantee Plus the manufacturer's warranty, registered for you
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Price confirmed first Before you pay any deposit
What should I check before cleaning my air conditioner?
Read the manual for the exact model installed in your property, and follow its instructions for switching off and isolating the unit before cleaning. Use only safe access. If you cannot find the right instructions, cannot reach the unit safely or are unsure which parts you are allowed to touch, contact us first.
Never remove screwed covers, force clips, reach through outlets or touch wiring, coils, fans, pipework or electrical compartments. Do not spray liquid into the unit. Stop if a part resists or looks damaged.
How do I clean the outside of my air conditioning unit?
Where your manual allows, wipe the accessible outer casing with a soft cloth. Follow the manual for any damp cleaning and approved products. Avoid abrasive materials, solvents and sprays. Do not push dust or tools through the vents, bend the louvres by hand or remove the casing to reach dirt inside.
See your installed price
Answer a few quick questions about your rooms and property for an estimated installed price, confirmed after an installation check.
- Installing across Kent, subject to availability
- Final price confirmed before any deposit
- Manufacturer warranty plus our 12 month installation guarantee
How do I clean air conditioning filters?
Only clean filters that your user manual identifies as removable by the owner. Some are washable; others need different care or replacement. Use the method, drying instructions and frequency the manual gives for your model. Do not wash a filter you do not recognise, or dismantle the fan or coil to reach it.
If opening the user access panel or removing the filter is not straightforward, stop and ask for help. Never force a hinge or clip, and arrange help if reaching the unit would mean stretching or climbing unsafely.
Which air conditioning jobs need a professional?
- Cleaning internal coils, fans, drain trays or electrical areas.
- Unblocking or altering drains and pumps.
- Opening electrical or refrigerant compartments.
- Repairing damaged casing, clips, controls, wiring or pipework.
- Anything the manufacturer reserves for a qualified service person.
Does cleaning my own filters affect my warranty?
Permitted owner care is fine, but it does not replace the annual professional service that your manufacturer's warranty requires. Keep your service records, and see our installation guarantee and manufacturer warranty terms.
Damage caused by incorrect cleaning, dismantling or unauthorised work may fall outside the cover. Any fault is assessed under the actual terms, and routine owner care is not a reason to reject an unrelated claim. Your statutory consumer rights are unaffected.
Who should I contact if I am unsure?
Contact us with the model and a photo taken safely from outside the unit before trying anything beyond the manual's owner care instructions. If the system is not working, see our checks before contacting us. For professional maintenance, read servicing and warranty.
Manufacturer guidance always comes first. For example, Daikin's operating manual for the FTXF60 and FTXF71 models separates owner cleaning from internal work reserved for qualified service staff. Always use the manual for your own equipment.
Keep reading
More plain English guides to choosing and living with air conditioning in Kent.