The eye also wants something: Green deposits on your outdoor unit are of course not a pretty sight

An air conditioner and a heat pump are not only functional devices to keep your home cool or warm, but they also play a role in maintaining a healthy and pleasant indoor climate. The outdoor unit is an essential part of this system, but is unfortunately often exposed to the elements. One of the biggest annoyances for many homeowners is the green deposit that can form on the outdoor unit. After all, the eye wants something too, and a dirty outdoor unit can seriously affect the aesthetic aspect of your home.

But what causes that green deposit, and more importantly: how do you get rid of it? We are happy to explain the causes of the green deposit on your outdoor unit and give you practical tips to get your outdoor unit back in top shape!

What causes that green coating?

The green deposits you see on your outdoor unit are usually algae or moss growth. This often occurs in damp, shady environments. Algae and moss thrive in places that are often damp, such as the area around your outdoor unit, especially if the unit is shaded by trees or shrubs. Rainwater and moisture from the air cause organic matter to build up, which can cause algae and moss to grow.

In addition to the aesthetic problem, this build-up is not good for your air conditioner. Algae can obstruct the air circulation of your outdoor unit, which reduces the performance of your air conditioner. Furthermore, leaving dirt and green on the unit can lead to clogged grilles or vents, which reduces the efficiency of the device. In addition, long-term contamination can damage the paint of the outdoor unit, causing the unit to discolour and even rust.

How do you get rid of that green coating?

Fortunately, removing green deposits is easy and only takes a little time and effort. Here are the steps you can follow to clean your outdoor unit and get it back in top shape:

1. Switch off the outdoor unit Before you start cleaning, it is important to switch off the outdoor unit completely and disconnect the power supply. This ensures that you can work safely and prevents possible damage to the unit.
2. Remove loose dirt Use a soft brush or broom to remove loose dirt such as leaves, twigs or other debris that has collected around the outdoor unit. This will make it easier to reach the green deposits and prevent dirt from entering the ventilation openings.
3. Use a cleaning agent To remove the green deposits, you can use Qlineo Shampoo or Qlineo Multi Clean. Apply the cleaning agent directly to the dirty spots and let it work for a few minutes.
4. Scrub gently Use a soft brush and gently scrub the green deposits from the outdoor unit. Be careful not to damage the grilles and fins of the heat exchanger while cleaning. If there are stubborn spots, you can reapply the cleaning agent and let it work for a while.
5. Rinse with water After removing the dirt, rinse the unit with a garden hose or a bucket of water. Do not use high pressure, as this may damage the outdoor unit or its delicate components. Rinse the unit thoroughly to remove all cleaning solution and affected areas.
6. Dry the unit Wipe the outdoor unit with a microfiber cloth or soft towel. This will prevent moisture from remaining on the unit and algae or moss from building up again.

Prevention is better than cure

Would you rather prevent your outdoor unit from turning green? Follow these tips:

1. Place the unit in an easily accessible and well-ventilated location. Make sure the outdoor unit is not in the shade of trees or bushes that retain a lot of moisture. Place the unit in a location where it can ventilate well and where rainwater does not collect.
2. Keep the area around the unit clean Make sure there are no leaves or other debris around the unit that could obstruct air circulation. If there are many trees or bushes near the unit, consider pruning them regularly.
3. Use a protective cover A protective cover protects your outdoor unit from dirt, leaves and moisture. This is especially useful if you don’t use your air conditioner in the winter, but it can also help reduce green deposits in other seasons.

Conclusion

Green deposits on your outdoor unit are not only undesirable for the appearance of your home, but can also affect the performance of your air conditioning and heat pump. Fortunately, removing algae and moss is a relatively simple process, and with a little maintenance you can ensure that your outdoor unit always looks and functions well.

A clean and well-maintained outdoor unit not only provides better air circulation, but also helps extend the life of your air conditioner. Next time you see green deposits, you'll know what to do!

Make your outdoor unit sparkling clean again and enjoy an efficient and good-looking air conditioner – for the eye and performance!