Re: air conditioner - how to test -- discard? service?

[Guest guest]

A friend of mine takes my air conditioners apart every three weeks and cleans

out the inside. Seems to work.

[Guest guest]

I have heard people on here describing foaming coil cleaner products.

There must be a best brand.. there are quite a few out there.. You

spray them in and let them foam for a while, then wash them out. You'd

need to bring your AC into the apartment to do it.. it sounds like.

I don't have much experience with AC so someone else on here would be

better suited to giving you the lowdown on them...

[Guest guest]

Lori,

Others will have different ideas but what I would

do is to hold culture plate in front of air

conditioner when it is on. If results show many

spores of SAME EXACT TYPE, changes are they are

growing inside air conditioner. That is because

in healthy air you will only find a spore of this

and a spore of that. If you find alot of spores

of exact same time, that is a sign a colony is

growing. Of course you could have more than one

type growing but they would give off more than

one spore of this and one of that. You could

also tape plastic around air conditioner output

side and make like a funnel so to direct all air

at culture plate and then do it for less time,

since you may get too many spores otherwise and

they need room to grow and to identify. Say on

culture plate how long exposure was and how you

did it since it would be different than

directions. I think done this way, you could

just hold plates there for a few minutes, maybe

five or less since if there is mold growing

there, plenty of spores should be spewing from

it. Just an idea...

--- Lori Baur <lori@...> wrote:

> We have an air conditioner that is an in-window

> air conditioner that goes kind of out of the

> window and has no drip pan (just drips to the

> street).

>

> I am wondering if this may be the source of

> mold.

>

> Is there any way I could get this tested?

[Guest guest]

Lori, look through owners manual to see if they

have any maintenance tips. If you don't have it

any longer, you can go online in many cases and

get it and print it out. Other than that, look

through yellow pages and see if there is an

appliance repair place that might service it or

perhaps an a/c man will come out and take it

apart for you and you can inspect. Even if he

thinks a little mold is nothing, you can ask him

to clean it out for you. I'm sure he'd do it.

Have your own choice of products handy though as

he probably will know very little about how to

deal with mold.

--- Lori Baur <lori@...> wrote:

> We have an air conditioner that is an in-window

> air conditioner that goes kind of out of the

> window and has no drip pan (just drips to the

> street).

>

[Guest guest]

Look, be realistic, the probable scenario is that a repairman would

agree to check, then would probably charge Lori $200 to tell her there

is 'no problem'.. nomatter what was there..

Seriously, do you honestly think an air conditioning manufacturer

would engage on this subject?

I would be very surprised if the word ' ' was even in their vocabulary...

There was a discussion here recently on coil cleaners for AC units but

they are semi toxic... and evidently, they work but they need to be

used in a ventilated area and people should then leave for some time

afterward..

[Guest guest]

we're going to get a quote tomorrow -- and possibly just remove the air

conditioner from the premises, look at the culture plates we took (thanks for

the advice on how to do that) and see if anything grows. depending on the cost

we'll either have the AC cleaned out or just have it disposed of and get a new

one next year.

thanks for the thoughts on this! most helpful

Lori

\

[Guest guest]

I spray the coils with white vinegar

[Guest guest]

I can't tell you how many times I have been told nothing is wrong despite having

mismatched equipment.

LiveSimply <quackadillian@...> wrote: Look, be realistic, the

probable scenario is that a repairman would

agree to check, then would probably charge Lori $200 to tell her there

is 'no problem'.. nomatter what was there..

Seriously, do you honestly think an air conditioning manufacturer

would engage on this subject?

I would be very surprised if the word ' ' was even in their vocabulary...

There was a discussion here recently on coil cleaners for AC units but

they are semi toxic... and evidently, they work but they need to be

used in a ventilated area and people should then leave for some time

afterward..

[Guest guest]

Why don't you just yank the unit and put it on a big tarp or something

outdoors in the sun and then clean the hell out of it, using that coil

cleaning stuff..

As I remember, the thing you need to be careful of is using brushes or

water that forces the gunk deeper into the coils which makes them

almost impossible to clean.. The idea behind the foaming stuff is that

it loostens, then carries the gunk out..to where it can just be rinsed

off with water..

Pipe cleaners would probably help, but that sounds like a

time-intensive process - doing each fin individually.. But it would be

worth it.

Yes, new AC units aren't so expensive.. and often save power over

older units.. so that might be the best option.. just get a new one

and recycle the old..

(Question to everyone in the group)

Does anyone know which window ACs are the best to buy, as far as cleaning them?

[Guest guest]

Live Simply, I suggested Lori check manual for

service since it may help her to know how to

dismantle and clean. I needed to use my manual

to take apart my dehumidifier to clean. Then she

can use whatever product she is comfortable with.

I think serviceman will do what you ask if you

will pay the fee. If you can't figure it out and

throwing away appliance is the other option out

of fear, paying for one visit may be worth it. I

have no idea of how much they charge but I get my

central a/c serviced for $65.00 and they do alot

for which includes cleaning it. I never heard of

200.00 for servicing a/c. I got a new rebuilt

motor for 300.00. I stand and watch the service

person do his/her job, so I learn where things

are in case there is something I can learn to do

myself, such as how to open up and clean. Also I

may see dirt he doesn't see and then I can point

out to him so he doesn't miss it...!!

--- LiveSimply <quackadillian@...> wrote:

> Look, be realistic, the probable scenario is

> that a repairman would

> agree to check, then would probably charge Lori

> $200 to tell her there

> is 'no problem'.. nomatter what was there..

>

>

[Guest guest]

---I think as far as cleaning ac window units theri all about the

same. the main thing is constant maintance, weekly cleaning of coils

and with some water pressure so it washes on through and also washes

drain path. I dont think it hurts to open the drain hole up a little

to help draining and the main thing is to have the unit tilted for it

to drain properly. standing moisture inside unit, behind coils would

be a breeding ground for fungi. also I wouldn't use any coil cleaning

stuff(chemicals) I would just use white vinigar with water in a pump

up pressure

sprayer.

In , LiveSimply

<quackadillian@...> wrote:

>

> Why don't you just yank the unit and put it on a big tarp or

something

> outdoors in the sun and then clean the hell out of it, using that

coil

> cleaning stuff..

>

> As I remember, the thing you need to be careful of is using brushes

or

> water that forces the gunk deeper into the coils which makes them

> almost impossible to clean.. The idea behind the foaming stuff is

that

> it loostens, then carries the gunk out..to where it can just be

rinsed

> off with water..

>

> Pipe cleaners would probably help, but that sounds like a

> time-intensive process - doing each fin individually.. But it would

be

> worth it.

>

> Yes, new AC units aren't so expensive.. and often save power over

> older units.. so that might be the best option.. just get a new one

> and recycle the old..

>

> (Question to everyone in the group)

>

> Does anyone know which window ACs are the best to buy, as far as

cleaning them?

>

[Guest guest]

the enviornmental hewalth center in dallas sells a hydrogen peroxide based

product for cleaning . i have had it used on my coils. their number is

2143684132. ask for the foundation.

who <jeaninem660@...> wrote: ---I think as far as cleaning ac

window units theri all about the

same. the main thing is constant maintance, weekly cleaning of coils

and with some water pressure so it washes on through and also washes

drain path. I dont think it hurts to open the drain hole up a little

to help draining and the main thing is to have the unit tilted for it

to drain properly. standing moisture inside unit, behind coils would

be a breeding ground for fungi. also I wouldn't use any coil cleaning

stuff(chemicals) I would just use white vinigar with water in a pump

up pressure

sprayer.

In , LiveSimply

<quackadillian@...> wrote:

>

> Why don't you just yank the unit and put it on a big tarp or

something

> outdoors in the sun and then clean the hell out of it, using that

coil

> cleaning stuff..

>

> As I remember, the thing you need to be careful of is using brushes

or

> water that forces the gunk deeper into the coils which makes them

> almost impossible to clean.. The idea behind the foaming stuff is

that

> it loostens, then carries the gunk out..to where it can just be

rinsed

> off with water..

>

> Pipe cleaners would probably help, but that sounds like a

> time-intensive process - doing each fin individually.. But it would

be

> worth it.

>

> Yes, new AC units aren't so expensive.. and often save power over

> older units.. so that might be the best option.. just get a new one

> and recycle the old..

>

> (Question to everyone in the group)

>

> Does anyone know which window ACs are the best to buy, as far as

cleaning them?

>

[Guest guest]

Leigh, is it for general all purpose cleaning or

for cleaning air conditioners? Do you think it

is significantly better than just using hydrogen

peroxide?

--- Leigh McCall-Alton <mccallalton@...>

wrote:

> the enviornmental hewalth center in dallas

> sells a hydrogen peroxide based product for

> cleaning . i have had it used on my coils.

> their number is 2143684132. ask for the

> foundation.

>

[Guest guest]

I was not here when they used it. I do think it contains hydrogen peroxide.

bbw <barb1283@...> wrote: Leigh, is it for general all purpose

cleaning or

for cleaning air conditioners? Do you think it

is significantly better than just using hydrogen

peroxide?

--- Leigh McCall-Alton <mccallalton@...>

wrote:

> the enviornmental hewalth center in dallas

> sells a hydrogen peroxide based product for

> cleaning . i have had it used on my coils.

> their number is 2143684132. ask for the

> foundation.

>

[Guest guest]

On Tue, 5 Sep 2006 15:49:28 -0700 (PDT), you wrote:

>the enviornmental hewalth center in dallas sells a hydrogen peroxide based

product for cleaning

I was thinking about using alcohol inbetween chemical treatments.

[Guest guest]

Jeanine and others,

In my opinion, the most important aspect of any A/C is the filtration. With

excellent filtration, the inside (cooling) coil stays clean and there is

little or no microbial growth. NO window A/C I am aware of comes equipped

with the required minimum of MERV 6 (or 8) rated filtration, so you have to

have room at the interior of the intake grille for a supplemental filter or

place one over the exterior of the intake grille and tape it in place so

that there is no leakage at the perimeter. WEB is one company that makes an

electrostatic filter for window A/Cs (available from <www.Homeenv.com> for

about $9). We have used this filter successfully on an Emerson A/C for

years; we replaced the junk filter at the interior with the WEB one, since

it fits nicely at the interior of this model. (The WEB is a foam filter; be

very careful that any foam filter does NOT touch the coil or the dusty foam

will become a source of mold!)

I would not recommend repeatedly using vinegar for cleaning, as it is an

acid and may corrode the aluminum fins. Hydrogen peroxide (or diluted bleach

if you can tolerate it) in a sprayer, followed by a water rinse can be used

to disinfect the coil (though keep in mind that very regular treatment with

bleach can also corrode the fins).

You should never really have dust on the coil to clean. If you do, the

filtration is not adequate and you will inevitably have microbial growth.

Finally, be aware that whatever you put into the A/C will eventually find

its way to the ground under the A/C where the condensate drips. We always

clean/disinfect our A/Cs only once in the spring outdoors, out of the case

(but this may be too much of a project if you are not familiar with

dismantling the case).

C. May, M.A., CIAQP

May Indoor Air Investigations LLC

1522 Cambridge Street

Cambridge, MA 02139

617-354-1055

www.mayindoorair.com

www.myhouseiskillingme.com

>Re: air conditioner - how to test -- discard? service?

>Posted by: " who " jeaninem660@... osisposis

>Date: Tue Sep 5, 2006 3:45 pm (PDT)

>---I think as far as cleaning ac window units theri all about the

>same. the main thing is constant maintance, weekly cleaning of coils

>and with some water pressure so it washes on through and also washes

>drain path. I dont think it hurts to open the drain hole up a little

>to help draining and the main thing is to have the unit tilted for it

>to drain properly. standing moisture inside unit, behind coils would

>be a breeding ground for fungi. also I wouldn't use any coil cleaning

>stuff(chemicals) I would just use white vinigar with water in a pump

>up pressure sprayer.

[Guest guest]

-thanks Jeff for the info. I'm in a tiny apartment right now and it

has a new unit like the kind in motel rooms with heat and ac. the

filter so far has kept the coils pretty clean. I'm going to get one

of those filters before it starts getting buildup. I actually used a

little ammonia and a lot of water, but thats probably no better than

anything esle, but I felt it might kill anything that was thinking

about growing in there. but yes, if you can keep it from getting

buildup in the first place its much

better.

-- In , " Jeff May " <jeff@...> wrote:

>

> Jeanine and others,

>

> In my opinion, the most important aspect of any A/C is the

filtration. With

> excellent filtration, the inside (cooling) coil stays clean and

there is

> little or no microbial growth. NO window A/C I am aware of comes

equipped

> with the required minimum of MERV 6 (or 8) rated filtration, so you

have to

> have room at the interior of the intake grille for a supplemental

filter or

> place one over the exterior of the intake grille and tape it in

place so

> that there is no leakage at the perimeter. WEB is one company that

makes an

> electrostatic filter for window A/Cs (available from

<www.Homeenv.com> for

> about $9). We have used this filter successfully on an Emerson A/C

for

> years; we replaced the junk filter at the interior with the WEB

one, since

> it fits nicely at the interior of this model. (The WEB is a foam

filter; be

> very careful that any foam filter does NOT touch the coil or the

dusty foam

> will become a source of mold!)

>

> I would not recommend repeatedly using vinegar for cleaning, as it

is an

> acid and may corrode the aluminum fins. Hydrogen peroxide (or

diluted bleach

> if you can tolerate it) in a sprayer, followed by a water rinse can

be used

> to disinfect the coil (though keep in mind that very regular

treatment with

> bleach can also corrode the fins).

>

> You should never really have dust on the coil to clean. If you do,

the

> filtration is not adequate and you will inevitably have microbial

growth.

>

> Finally, be aware that whatever you put into the A/C will

eventually find

> its way to the ground under the A/C where the condensate drips. We

always

> clean/disinfect our A/Cs only once in the spring outdoors, out of

the case

> (but this may be too much of a project if you are not familiar with

> dismantling the case).

>

> C. May, M.A., CIAQP

> May Indoor Air Investigations LLC

> 1522 Cambridge Street

> Cambridge, MA 02139

> 617-354-1055

> www.mayindoorair.com

> www.myhouseiskillingme.com

>

> >Re: air conditioner - how to test -- discard? service?

> >Posted by: " who " jeaninem660@... osisposis

> >Date: Tue Sep 5, 2006 3:45 pm (PDT)

>

> >---I think as far as cleaning ac window units theri all about the

> >same. the main thing is constant maintance, weekly cleaning of

coils

> >and with some water pressure so it washes on through and also

washes

> >drain path. I dont think it hurts to open the drain hole up a

little

> >to help draining and the main thing is to have the unit tilted for

it

> >to drain properly. standing moisture inside unit, behind coils

would

> >be a breeding ground for fungi. also I wouldn't use any coil

cleaning

> >stuff(chemicals) I would just use white vinigar with water in a

pump

> >up pressure sprayer.

>

[Guest guest]

IS there any way by which i can chat on MSN or regarding my problem...

Other Mail-ID: karolajay@...

>From: bbw <barb1283@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: [] air conditioner - how to test -- discard?

>service?

>Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2006 13:10:49 -0700 (PDT)

>

>Live Simply, I suggested Lori check manual for

>service since it may help her to know how to

>dismantle and clean. I needed to use my manual

>to take apart my dehumidifier to clean. Then she

>can use whatever product she is comfortable with.

> I think serviceman will do what you ask if you

>will pay the fee. If you can't figure it out and

>throwing away appliance is the other option out

>of fear, paying for one visit may be worth it. I

>have no idea of how much they charge but I get my

>central a/c serviced for $65.00 and they do alot

>for which includes cleaning it. I never heard of

>200.00 for servicing a/c. I got a new rebuilt

>motor for 300.00. I stand and watch the service

>person do his/her job, so I learn where things

>are in case there is something I can learn to do

>myself, such as how to open up and clean. Also I

>may see dirt he doesn't see and then I can point

>out to him so he doesn't miss it...!!

>

>--- LiveSimply <quackadillian@...> wrote:

>

> > Look, be realistic, the probable scenario is

> > that a repairman would

> > agree to check, then would probably charge Lori

> > $200 to tell her there

> > is 'no problem'.. nomatter what was there..

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>FAIR USE NOTICE:

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ajay,

These boards used to have a chat section right from the main

page and I only used it a couple of times. Apparently when they

revamped they took out the chat section. I will have to look

into this further for myself and other members. If someone else is

already using it please let us know if it works well.

KC

> >

> > > Look, be realistic, the probable scenario is

> > > that a repairman would

> > > agree to check, then would probably charge Lori

> > > $200 to tell her there

> > > is 'no problem'.. nomatter what was there..

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >FAIR USE NOTICE:

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

KC--it would seem that there would be some industry standard for seasonal

cleaning of the furnace part of the HVAC system. then the repair people would

know what we are talking about re: mold and dusts and danders within the

systems. Leigh

tigerpaw2c <tigerpaw2c@...> wrote: Ajay,

These boards used to have a chat section right from the main

page and I only used it a couple of times. Apparently when they

revamped they took out the chat section. I will have to look

into this further for myself and other members. If someone else is

already using it please let us know if it works well.

KC

> >

> > > Look, be realistic, the probable scenario is

> > > that a repairman would

> > > agree to check, then would probably charge Lori

> > > $200 to tell her there

> > > is 'no problem'.. nomatter what was there..

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >FAIR USE NOTICE:

> >

> >

> >