Which One Is Better: Aircon Steam Cleaning Or Chemical Wash

Air conditioners need regular cleaning to keep homes or offices cool. As time goes by, dust, dirt, and mold start to build up inside the unit, decreasing performance and causing problems with air quality. An air conditioner without proper maintenance will become less effective or start causing health problems such as allergies or respiratory problems.

Steam cleaning and chemical wash are the two popular cleaning methods. Both methods manage to remove dirt and bacteria in different ways. Some prefer steam cleaning as it is eco-friendly, while others prefer chemical wash for deep cleaning. But if you’re unsure which aircon method is best for you, read this guide by LS Aircon Servicing to know the differences between them and choose one that will suit your aircon.

What Is Aircon Steam Cleaning?

High-temperature steam is used to clean the internal parts of an aircon. It breaks down dirt, mold, bacteria, etc, without the use of chemicals due to the help of steam. It is a good remedy for routine maintenance or to make the aircon fresh.

It’s eco-friendly because steam cleaning only requires water, and the machine steams the water. It is also safe for allergic or chemical-sensitive people. If the air conditioner has overwhelming dirt buildup or complex mold accumulation, steam cleaning may not be enough. It is best for units that tend to be cleaned up often and maintained accordingly.

What Is Aircon Chemical Wash?

A chemical wash uses unique solutions to dissolve the tough dirt, mold, and bacteria inside the air conditioner. The technician from https://www.lsairconservicing.sg/aircon-steam-cleaning-vs-chemical-wash/ dismantles the unit, and key components are removed and soaked in a chemical solution. This helps provide deep cleaning of the air conditioner and thereby regains its cooling power.

Aircons that haven’t been cleaned for a long time require chemical wash, as it is highly effective. It will clear heavy dirt buildup, clogged dust, and a thick mold layer. However, if handled properly, strong chemicals can be helpful. To avoid any leftover chemical residue, it is pretty critical to rinse the unit thoroughly.

Difference Between Steam Cleaning and Chemical Wash.

1. Cleaning Effectiveness

Steam Cleaning: Most models effectively clean dirt and remove mildew and pet hair. While they get rid of bacteria and freshen the air conditioner, they won’t be able to clear away heavy grime or stuck-on mold.

Chemical Wash: It deeply cleans dirt, mold, and bacteria. It is more potent for air conditioners with severe buildup.

2. Safety and Environmental Impact

Steam Cleaning: It uses only water, which is eco-friendly and safe for health. It does not generate hazardous fumes or residues.

Chemical washing: These are strong chemicals that can be very harmful if you neglect them. It is essential to rinse correctly to lessen the chance of chemical exposure.

3. Cost

Steam Cleaning: This process is inexpensive as it only requires water and steam equipment.

Chemical Wash: More costly because it requires chemical solutions and additional labor for coupling and clearing.

4. Maintenance Frequency

Steam Cleaning: Steam cleaning is performed as a routine cleaning every few months to keep the air conditioner fresh and mold-free.

Chemical Wash: Recommended for aircon with severe dirt buildup. It is rarely done more than once or twice a year.

5. Impact on Aircon Performance

Steam Cleaning: This is for maintaining the workings of the aircon and not really from an efficiency point of view if it is already quite dirty.

Chemical Wash: It restores cooling efficiency and airflow and makes old and clogged air work like new again.

Which One Should You Choose?

There is no best way to clean your aircon as this depends on its condition and level of maintenance.

If you would like a chemical-free, natural way of keeping your air conditioner fresh, steam cleaning is the best option. However, this makes it ideal for homes with children, pets, or allergy sufferers. It is a good choice if your air conditioner is regularly cleaned and accumulated dirt is not much.

If your air conditioner has severe dirt, mold, and cooling problems, go for a chemical wash. It provides a deeper cleaning and restores efficiency, which is why it is a better option for units that haven’t been cleaned for a long time.

If you have no idea whether the unit needs cleaning, you can ask a professional air conditioning service provider to look at it and advise on the best cleaning method.