Zoneline Buying Tips

How to Properly Clean and Maintain Zoneline Air Conditioners

To properly clean & maintain a GE Zoneline packaged terminal air conditioner or heat pump, the following checkpoints should be followed to keep it operating at optimum efficiency.

Filter

• Filters should be checked weekly and cleaned monthly. Cleaning may be required more often if new carpet has been installed or the property is new.
• Dirty filters may decrease operating efficiency by as much as 20%. When filters are clogged air will try to bypass the filters at every opening. This lint/debris will attach itself to the indoor coil and restrict airflow. If this material becomes hard, it becomes difficult to remove and professional cleaning may be required.
• A good procedure is to have an extra supply of replacement filters and use them to replace the dirty filters on a routine basis. The dirty filters could be cleaned and used for the next scheduled change out. If 25% of the rooms were done weekly, the entire facility could be completed monthly.

Room Cabinet

• Always disconnect power before removing Room Front.
• About every 6 months, the Room Cabinet should be removed and all loose lint/debris on the inside should be vacuumed off. This includes the Control Box area. A soft bristled attachment brush or crevice tool can be used to remove all loose material. This will reduce the chance this material could get on the indoor coils.
• The exterior of the Room Cabinet should be cleaned with mild soap and water. Chemical cleaners should not be used because they may cause the plastic material to become brittle and easily broken.

Indoor Coil

• Always disconnect power before cleaning.
• Indoor coils do not normally require frequent cleaning unless filters are not regularly cleaned.
• Indoor coils should be checked every 6 months for build-up of lint/debris, etc. If there is a build-up of lint/debris on the coil, it should be vacuumed using a soft bristle attachment.
• If the build-up cannot be removed with a vacuum, a mild coil cleaner or household cleaner may be used to remove it. Simple Green or oxygenated cleaners are acceptable choices. Avoid Hydroxide or Acid based cleaners. The PTAC should be taken to an area where water spray will not cause a problem. The cleaner may be sprayed on the coil and allowed to set for a few minutes and rinsed off with a low-pressure water hose. High-pressure spray equipment or steam cleaners should not be used because they are difficult to control and may damage electrical components, aluminum fins, and gasket materials. Controls should be covered to prevent water damage. Allow unit to dry thoroughly before reinstalling.

Outdoor Coil

• Always disconnect power before cleaning.
• Outdoor coils should be checked regularly for build-up of dirt/debris. The dirt/debris will be on the inside of the coil because of the airflow direction. If the Zoneline is exposed to construction sites, flowering trees/shrubs, or other local pollutants, the units should be checked and cleaned more frequently to avoid premature compressor failure. Sealed system warranty could be affected if outdoor coils are blocked due to dirt/debris. Lower floors tend to get dirty more quickly than upper floors and should be monitored accordingly.
• Outdoor coils may be cleaned with a mild coil cleaner or materials such as oxygenated cleaners or Simple Green. Avoid Hydroxide or Acid based cleaners. Since the debris may be hard due to the elevated coil temperatures and constant airflow, it may take more than one application to soften and remove the dirt.
• The PTAC should be taken to an area where water spray will not cause a problem. The cleaner may be sprayed on the coil and allowed to set for a few minutes and rinsed off with a low-pressure water hose. Repeat as necessary. High-pressure spray equipment or steam cleaners should not be used because they are difficult to control and may damage electrical components, aluminum fins, and gasket materials. Controls should be covered to prevent water damage. Allow unit to dry thoroughly before reinstalling.

Chassis

• Always disconnect power before cleaning.
• Check vent screen and clean if needed.
• Clean the basepan with mild detergents, oxygenated cleaners or Simple Green. Spray cleaner on surface of pan, let set for a few minutes and rinse with a low-pressure water hose. Allow drying thoroughly before reinstalling.
• Any rust spots should be wire brushed or sanded and painted with a rust inhibiting paint.

Cleaning After Construction

• Always disconnect power before cleaning.
• Zonelines operated during construction should be cleaned prior to property opening. Unless properly cleaned, drywall and construction dust will coat the interior of the units and create unwanted odors and dust in the rooms, generating guest complaints.
• Drywall and construction dust may set off room smoke alarms when the electric heaters are first energized.

General Maintenance

• After cleaning inspect all exposed wiring for frayed insulation or damage. Replace as needed.
• Sand/brush any rust spots and coat with a rust inhibiting paint.