Part of regularly maintaining an LG air conditioner is cleaning it. So, if you do not know how to clean an LG air conditioner, this article is for you.
Table of Contents
How to Clean LG Air Conditioner Coils
No matter the type of LG air conditioner you have, it is crucial to its functionality that you clean the coils. Over time, dirt and other types of debris build on them, reducing their ability to function.
Evaporator Coil
Locate the evaporator coil and clean it. It is usually in the part inside the house; open the front panel and you will see it.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to wipe any debris that may have accumulated on it. Do this gently so that you do not damage the coil; you cannot repair it. Typically, the air filter should shield the coil from dirt since the filter sits in front of it. But some dort may make its way past the filter and settle on the coil. With time, the dirt builds.
You may encounter moisture on the coil due to the nature of its duties. This happens if the air conditioner has been operating before you decide to clean it. If that is the case, set the mode to Fan and allow it to run for one hour to dry the coil.
Condenser Coil
As with the evaporator coil, get a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and dust the coil. Doing this usually cleans all the debris and dust accumulated on it. But if the vacuum method does not work or is not an option, a garden hose pipe will also work. Remove attachments to the hose so that the water runs directly and freely on the coil.
Note that the condenser fins are sharp and may cause injury if not handled correctly. In addition, handle them carefully to avoid breaking them. If you bend them, use a fin comb to straighten them, but do that cautiously. If the fins get damaged, the unit will not work.
In some units, the condenser sits on the floor outside the house. Others still have their condenser outside but it is attached to the main unit. It may be easier to clean those sitting on the floor if the wall units are too high up on the wall.
How to Clean an LG Air Conditioner
Apart from cleaning the coils, you can also clean the air filters and the cabinet of the air conditioning unit. Start with the air filters and work your way to the outside of the unit.
Air Filter
If you find that the evaporator coil is dirty, it means the air filter is due for a wash. So, open the unit’s front grille or cover and remove the filter. In a portable or split unit, there may be more than one filter but window and wall air conditioners usually have only one air filter.
Slide the filter up in the unit and remove it completely. You may consider using a vacuum cleaner to remove some dust and large debris if you do not have time to give it proper washing. However, if you have time to wash it, soak it in lukewarm water with a little soap mixed into it. A solution of water and white vinegar in equal parts also works.
It does not take long to wash the filter. You can even skip soaking it in warm water and hose it down with a hose as long as it will remove the dirt. Next, thoroughly dry the filter; a damp air filter will cause issues with the unit. Leave it out to air-dry before putting it back into place.
Check the filter two times every month and wash it as often if necessary. The cleaning frequency is dependent on the quality of air in your area and home. You may need to clean it more often if the air is usually dusty or you have hairy pets.
Important Note
LG air conditioners split air conditioning units have different types of air filters. The filters also have different cleaning methods. The unit may have the standard air filter, which requires you to clean it every two weeks with mild soap or a vacuum cleaner. But if it has a triple filter, clean it every three months with a small brush or vacuum cleaner.
An ionizer filter may not require cleaning, but if you decide to clean it, do it once every six months and clean it a dry cotton wad to clear the dust. Finally, a 3M filter requires you to clean it with a small brush or a vacuum cleaner once every six months.
Cabinet
The body of the air conditioner is, perhaps, the easiest to clean. Soak a cleaning cloth in a mild detergent or use warm soapy water to clean it. Do not douse it with water or scrub it with running water; a damp cloth is enough to do the job. And do not use any industrial cleaning agent or abrasive cleansers on the unit. The same steps apply to the outside condensing unit if applicable.
Check out these other articles…
How to Clean an Air Conditioner Drain [Detailed Guide]
Air Conditioner Drain Line [How to, Issues & Solutions]
LG Air Conditioner Error Codes [How to Fix]
How to Reset an LG Air Conditioner [Quick Guide]
How to Open an LG Air Conditioner [Detailed Guide]
How to Install an LG Air Conditioner [Detailed Guide]
How to Connect an LG Air Conditioner [Plus Issues & Solutions]
Cleaning an LG Portable Air Conditioner
Remove and clean the air filters in the unit two times every month to keep the unit optimally working. Otherwise, the airflow will drop, and ultimately, the unit will stop working.
Hold the handle on the filter’s top center and directly pull it out of the unit. Gently shake it to remove loose dirt and debris before deciding whether or not you have the time to wash it more thoroughly. A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment will clean the dirt off if shaking it does not do the trick.
If you have time to wash it, briefly soak it in water with some mild detergent mixed into it. Then, wash it until all the grime disappears. Wipe it with a lint-free cloth and leave it out to air-dry before replacing it. When you do, the filter’s bottom must be between the coil guard and the tabs. Put the cover back and ensure it snaps in place.
Some LG portable air conditioners have a feature called Auto Clean. It enables you to dry the moisture on the heat exchange coils without opening the unit. Check the remote control and if your unit has the function, turn on the air conditioner and set it to any mode – heat, dry, cool, or Energy Saver. Next, press the button for the function on the remote.
The air conditioner’s display will show Auto Clean as the function runs. Now, turn off the air conditioner by pressing the Power button; the function will still power the exhaust and circulation fans for several minutes after the compressor goes off. But note that the function will go off after some time. So, if you want it to run for longer, leave the unit on until the cycle is over.
Other models without the function will need manual cleaning. Open the unit to access the coils and clean them with a cloth. Ensure they are dry before closing the unit and turning it on. As with other units, lean the body of the portable air conditioner with a damp cloth; do not pour water on it or use harsh cleaning agents.
Consider using the services of a professional to clean your LG air conditioner. It makes the job easier and there is no risk of damaging the unit.
How to Clean an LG Air Conditioner Blower
Disconnect power to the air conditioner before starting. Open the front grille or lift it out of position to access the filter. Lift the filter out and clean it if you have not already done that. Next, you will see the blower behind the evaporator coil. Use a small brush to wipe the dust off the blades and motor.
Ensure the dirt does not fall and cling to the evaporator. If that happens, clean the coil. Afterward, clean the blower with a damp rag to remove dirt sticking to it and to do a more thorough cleaning job. Wipe off any leftover dirt from inside the unit before finishing the task.
Close the front panel or grille and restore power to the air conditioner. Next, allow it to run for some time but watch it because debris will fly out as you have loosened it from the fan and other components. So, be ready to further clean the unit while it runs and sweep up debris from the floor.
Note: These cleaning methods apply to all types of LG air conditioners, including inverter units
Recap
Learn how to clean an LG air conditioner so that you can regularly maintain the unit. It is part of what keeps the air conditioner in top shape and running optimally. Dirty units can wear out before they are due; the same applies if the filters or coils become too dirty.
However, you have the option to use the services of a professional HVAC technician to check and clean the unit if you are unsure of the process. Contact LG Support center or hire an independent technician for further assistance.