Modern air conditioners not only provide a comfortable indoor temperature, but also improve air quality. To do this, they are equipped with a wide variety of filters: plasma, carbon, air, catechin and silver. Air conditioners with air filters are equipped with fine or coarse cleaning systems. The mesh grille under the front panel retains large particles entering with the air flow - wool, fluff. Smaller dust particles remain on the fine filter. This is the minimum kit that all modern devices are equipped with. Premium models contain multi-stage filtering mechanisms.
Air filtration system in ducted air conditioner
For fan coil units and channel models, there are different types of filters that are cleaned according to a specific method. The principle of operation of the channel system differs from the household one. Sometimes, along with air conditioning, ventilation functions and takes air from the street.
Maintenance of filters of duct air conditioners is one of the most difficult activities, since cleaning elements are not always included with the equipment - they must be ordered separately. There are situations when the installation is done by a team that does not fulfill the requirements, and it is simply impossible to get the filter after installation. Over time, it clogs up and makes the fan unusable, due to which the climate system ceases to perform its functions.
The filter for the duct air conditioner is installed from the side of the air intake. So it is more convenient to get it out, change or clean it. If the filtration is under the ceiling, access must be provided during installation for inspection and cleaning.
Plasma air filtration
The principle of operation of the plasma filter is based on the effect of high voltage on living organisms that enter it: spores of fungi, microbes and viruses, as well as plant pollen. Larger suspensions are deposited on the photocatalytic filter preceding the plasma one.
30 minutes is enough for two thirds of harmful impurities from the air to remain on the surface of the filter.
The manufacturer recommends changing the cassette every 5 months, but folk craftsmen have learned to clean it effectively - soak it for 15 minutes in warm water. If the contamination is very strong, add detergent. Then they are dried in the sun and exploited.
Antibacterial air purification system
The antibacterial filter for the air conditioner destroys pathogens, preventing them from multiplying in the humid environment of the indoor unit. The coating is of various origins:
- Vegetable - wasabi is a new development that uses a plant similar in characteristics to domestic horseradish.
- Silver ion filters.
- Catechol coating, which is also made from plant components. The filters are developed by Panasonic. Catechin is an antiseptic released from the foliage of certain plants. It destroys most of the known viruses and microbes. Six hours is enough to completely neutralize any kind of viruses indoors.
- Charcoal filter. It is a plate filled with activated carbon. Passing through such an obstacle, the air is cleared of all harmful impurities and odors. The charcoal filters should be changed at least once every 5 months.
- Photocatalytic coating. A type of air conditioner with a charcoal filter. Perfectly absorbs unpleasant odors. Recovers under ultraviolet rays in a few hours, therefore does not require replacement.
- Ultraviolet cleaning based on the principle of sunlight. It is used as an additional tool for the destruction of pathogens. Removes about 87% of bacteria and viruses.
- Biofilter with special enzymes that break down microorganisms before they begin to multiply.
The air filter of the “Cold Plasma” fine air conditioner is an innovation in the field of climatic technology. Allows you to completely destroy microorganisms in the room, turning them into water. The effect is achieved over the entire area of the room, not only in the area of the filter.
Split system compressor anti-acid protection
An anti-acid filter for an air conditioner is necessary in the event of a compressor failure due to the destruction of its main components. The amount of acid in the refrigerant increases, which affects the composition of the oil and freon. This is due to the presence of air, dirt or moisture in the system, as well as a low level of refrigerant in the circuit system.
After replacing the compressor and cleaning the freon, two filters are installed - one in the line where the refrigerant circulates, the other in the suction line. The degree of clogging of the filter elements is checked for some time. If necessary, they are replaced with new ones. If the air conditioner line has been cleared of acid residues, the core is removed or the anti-acid element is replaced with a conventional drying filter.
Benefits of using anti-acid elements:
- cost savings as old oil and refrigerant do not drain;
- compressor corrosion protection;
- removal of acid from the circulating fluid occurs within two days;
- no need to drain the line with nitrogen;
- simple installation.
The diameter of the anti-acid filter element is wide enough not to increase the flow rate of the refrigerant through it, so the pressure in the system does not change. Installed in any position, the direction of fluid flow is indicated by arrows for ease of installation. The body is coated with a powder paint resistant to corrosion.
Anti-acid filter device
Activated aluminum is the main material that makes up the core. It is used as an adsorbent and occupies 70% of the volume. The remaining 30% is a reticular substance that traps both acids and moisture residues.
On one side there is a mesh to contain solid particles that have entered the liquid or formed during a chemical reaction.
Two valves located on either side of the unit are designed to periodically measure the pressure at the inlet and outlet of the filter in order to assess the degree of contamination and the need for replacement.
Copper fittings allow the cleaning device to be soldered into the line.
Acid devices of various modifications are designed to work with different types of refrigerants. Depending on the amount of coolant in the system, the volume of the device is selected - from 125 to 1000 cubic centimeters.
A sophisticated filter system in a domestic air conditioner requires more careful maintenance, but helps to achieve air characteristics that are completely safe for health. The possibility of installing additional filter elements is specified when purchasing equipment.
