Does your wall-mounted air conditioner smell funny when you turn it on? Does it make more noise than before and cools less well even if you turn it down to max?
Why do wall units get dirty so quickly?
Household dust accumulation
Your wall units are constantly sucking air out of the room. All the dust, hair and fabric fibers end up accumulating on the coils and in the fan.
Mould growth
The humidity created by condensation, mixed with dust, creates the perfect environment for the mold pis bacteria are multiplying in your unit.
Kitchen waste and smoke
If your unit is located in a kitchen or near a smoking area, greasy particles will become embedded and sticky over time.
Types of wall units to be cleaned
Popular residential brands
- Mitsubishi ElectricMSZ series (all models)
- DaikinFTXS and FTXM residential ranges
- FujitsuHalcyon and AOU series models
- LGStandard and inverter units
- SamsungWind-Free and AR series
- Carrier: Comfort series wall-mounted
Commercial and industrial units
- Toshiba: Commercial multi-zone systems
- PanasonicHigh-capacity units for offices
- York: Robust business models
- LennoxProfessional series
Specialized systems
- Wall-mounted heat pumpsHeating and air conditioning
- Units with air purificationIntegrated HEPA filters
- Quiet modelsFor bedrooms and offices
- Wi-Fi systems: Intelligent remote control
Our 9-step cleaning process
1. Work area protection
We cover the unit all around with waterproof plastics to prevent water and dirt from splashing all over your room.
2. Careful dismantling of components
- Filter removalAll types (washable, disposable, HEPA)
- Case openingAccess to coils and fan
- Dismantling the deflectorsFor complete interior cleaning
- Protection of electrical componentsAvoid damage to electronics
3. Evaporator coil cleaning
This is the most critical part. Visit coils accumulate all the dirt and that's where mold likes to grow.
We use a specialized cleaner which dissolves build-up without damaging the delicate aluminum fins.
4. Fan and turbine decontamination
Visit fan that circulates air accumulates a layer of greasy dust that reduces its efficiency and causes vibrations.
- Blade cleaning: Disposal of all residues
- Degreasing the motor: Without damaging the bearings
- BalancingTo reduce noise and vibration
5. Disinfection of condensation tray
Visit drip tray where water collects is a breeding ground for bacteria. We disinfect it completely and check that the drain is working properly.
6. Filter cleaning or replacement
- Washable filtersProfessional cleaning with antimicrobial agents
- Disposable filters: Replacement with high-quality equivalents
- HEPA filtersIntegrity check and replacement if necessary
- Carbon filtersReplacement (not washable)
7. Complete antimicrobial disinfection
Application of a antimicrobial treatment on all internal surfaces to eliminate bacteria, mould and viruses.
8. Cleaning the exterior and grilles
We also clean the outer casingthe ventilation grillesand make sure nothing is blocking air circulation.
9. Reassembly and function tests
Re-installation of all components with full testing: cooling, heating (if applicable), noise levels, air flow.
Specialized products and equipment used
Specific cleaners for wall-mounted units
- Coil Cleaner Nu-Calgon: Professional coil cleaner
- Simple Green Pro HDPowerful yet safe degreaser
- Benefect Decon 30Natural disinfectant with essential oils
- Concrobium Mold ControlLong-lasting antimicrobial without bleach
Professional cleaning equipment
- Adjustable high-pressure washerFor damage-free rinsing
- Industrial HEPA vacuum cleanerCaptures 99.97% of fine particles
- Specialized brushes: Different shapes for each component
- Electronic protection kitTightness of circuits during cleaning
Problems solved by cleaning
Performance problems
- Insufficient coolingDirty coils block heat exchange
- High power consumptionForce unit to compensate for clogging
- Extended operating timesSystem no longer reaches desired temperatures
- Reduced air flowFan blocked by build-up
Noise and vibration problems
- WhistlingAir forcing through obstructions
- Squeaks: Fan unbalanced by accumulations
- ClackingDeflectors vibrate due to turbulence
- Buzzing: Engine working harder than normal
Odor and health problems
- Musty smellsMoulds that grow in damp conditions
- Musty scentsAir stagnating in accumulations
- Aggravated allergiesSpores and bacteria spread by ventilation
- Respiratory irritation: Fine particles back on the road
Cleaning frequency according to use
Light residential use
- BedroomsEvery 12-18 months (seasonal use only)
- Main salonAnnual (regular but moderate use)
- Home office8-12 months (extended daily use)
Intensive residential use
- KitchenEvery 6-9 months (cooking fats and vapours)
- SmokersEvery 6 months (stubborn nicotine residue)
- Pets8-10 months (hair and scales)
- Severe allergies: At 6 months (maintaining optimal air quality)
Commercial use
- OfficesEvery 6-9 months, depending on number of occupants
- Restaurants: Every 3-6 months (greasy environment)
- Medical clinics: Every 3-4 months (high sanitary standards)
- Hair salons: Every 4-6 months (hair and chemicals)
Signs to clean your unit now
Obvious visual indicators
- Visible dust on ventilation grilles
- Black or green spots that suggest mold
- Filters clearly soiled or discolored
- Accumulation residues on air deflectors
Operating problems
- Odors as soon as you switch on the unit
- Water drops flowing from the unit
- Abnormal noises which have recently begun
- Performance clearly reduced
Impact on your comfort
- Electricity bills that increase without explanation
- Allergies which worsen when the unit is in operation
- Dust which accumulates faster in the room
- Persistent odors even after aeration
Recommended preventive maintenance
Maintenance you can do
- Monthly cleaning of washable filtersWarm water and mild soap
- Wiping external grilles: Regularly damp cloth
- Checking the drain: Make sure water drains properly
- Change disposable filtersEvery 2-3 months depending on use
Annual professional maintenance
- Complete inspection: Checking all components
- Preventive cleaning: Before clogging becomes a problem
- Calibrating settingsOptimization for your specific use
- Performance testEnergy efficiency measures
Warranty on wall unit cleaning
60-day performance guarantee
Your unit should operate better than before cleaning. If not, we'll come back at no charge to identify and correct the problem.
30-day anti-odour guarantee
If odours return within a month of cleaning, we repeat the free antimicrobial treatment.
Visual cleanliness guarantee
If you still see dirt after our visit, we'll be back within 48 hours to clean up what we missed.
Savings with regular cleaning
Reduced power consumption
A clean unit consumes 15-30% less electricity. On a summer bill of 200$/month, that's 30-60$ in monthly savings.
Extended service life
Annual cleaning can extend the life of your unit. 3-5 years. Avoid replacing 1500-3000$ any longer.
Avoid costly repairs
Frozen coils, burnt-out motors, compressors damaged by overload - problems that cost 500-1200$ to repair.
Emergency service for problem units
Some situations require rapid intervention:
- Toxic odors that affect health
- Water leakage that damage walls or floors
- Excessive noise that disturb neighbors or family
- Breakdown before the heatwave or cold snap
Our team can intervene in less than 24h for emergency situations.
Return your wall unit to its original performance
Stop putting up with a malfunctioning and smelly unit. A professional cleaning will make it as good as new.
Free quote with on-site inspection
Call now: 514-214-7492 Online: https://vortexair.ca E-mail: info@vortexair.ca
7-day/week service - 24-hour emergency response - 60-day satisfaction guarantee
Vortex Air Ventilation – Specialists in wall-mounted units for over 10 years Over 800 units cleaned - Certified technicians - All makes and models
FAQ – Cleaning Wall-Mounted Units (Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps)
Why does my wall-mounted air conditioner smell bad as soon as I turn it on?
In most cases we see in the field, the odor comes from mold growing on the coils and in the fan. Moisture + dust = a perfect storm. Many customers think the smell will “go away,” but in reality, the longer you wait, the more the smell sets in and spreads throughout the room.
Is it normal for my unit to be noisier than before?
No, and it’s often a clear sign of buildup. When the fan is thrown out of balance by sticky dust, the motor strains, vibrates, and starts making strange noises. We’ve even seen motors burn out just because no one cleaned the unit for years.
At what point does cleaning become truly necessary?
If your unit hasn't been professionally cleaned in over 12 months, it probably needs cleaning. In Quebec, with indoor dust, humidity, and heavy use in the summer (and winter for heat pumps), the unit gets clogged up faster than people realize.
Is it enough to just clean the filters?
Honestly, no. The filters are just the tip of the iceberg. The real problem lies beneath: the coils, the fan, and the condensate pan. We’ve often cleaned units with “clean” filters, but the inside was completely black with dirt.
What happens if I never clean my wall-mounted unit?
Three things we often see:
- Performance drops (it cools down or heats up less).
- The electricity bill is going up.
- Internal parts fail prematurely.
In short, you pay more for less comfort.
Does cleaning really help with allergies?
Yes, and it’s obvious. When we work at clients’ homes where there are people with allergies or children, they often tell us that the air feels fresher within just a few days. A dirty unit spreads spores, bacteria, and fine particles throughout the house.
Is it risky to clean a wall-mounted unit yourself?
Very. We've seen circuit boards burn out due to improper cleaning at home, or crushed fins that reduce efficiency for the unit's entire lifespan. The inside of a wall-mounted unit is fragile. Without proper protection, damage can happen quickly.
How often do you recommend cleaning?
In practice:
- Living room: once a year
- Bedroom or office: at 12–18 months
- Cooking, smoking, or pets: at 6–9 months
We always adjust based on actual usage, not a “wall-to-wall” rule.
Are all brands cleaned the same way?
No. Mitsubishi, Daikin, and LG units are not built the same way. We tailor our disassembly process and the products we use to each specific make and model. That’s where experience makes all the difference.
How long does a thorough cleaning take?
Generally, between 90 minutes and 2 hours per unit. When it’s done in 30 minutes, it’s rarely a thorough cleaning. We take it apart, wash it, disinfect it, and test it—no shortcuts.
Can cleaning really reduce my electricity usage?
Yes, and we've measured this in the field. A clean unit often consumes 15 to 30 % less electricity because it no longer has to work as hard to reach the desired temperature.
How can you tell if the cleaning was really done properly?
After a thorough cleaning, the unit runs more quietly, the airflow is stronger, odors disappear, and the temperature stabilizes more quickly. If nothing has changed… it means the job was done half-heartedly. A cleaning should make a noticeable difference—it shouldn’t just be something you get billed for.
