How to Clean the Blower Wheel on a Friedrich Mini Split: A Comprehensive Guide

Summary

Maintaining the efficiency and performance of your Friedrich mini split system is crucial, and one key component that requires regular cleaning is the blower wheel. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of cleaning the blower wheel on your Friedrich mini split, ensuring optimal airflow and system performance.

Prepare the Mini Split for Cleaning

how to clean blower wheel on Friedrich mini split

  1. Disconnect Power: Before beginning any work, ensure that the power to the mini split system is completely disconnected to prevent any electrical hazards.
  2. Remove Trim Panels and Screws: Start by removing the trim panels and screws that secure the front panel of the indoor unit.
  3. Open the Front Panel: Carefully open the front panel, providing access to the internal components.
  4. Remove the Return Air Filters: Take out the two return air filters and clean them thoroughly using a vacuum cleaner or by washing them with warm water and a mild detergent.

Access the Blower Wheel

  1. Open the Air Outlet Component: Locate the air outlet component and open it, locking it into place to maintain access.
  2. Remove the PCB Box Cover: Remove the PCB box cover to access the step motor wire plug at the terminal.
  3. Loosen the Step Motor Wire Plug: Gently loosen the step motor wire plug at the terminal to allow for the removal of the supply air outlet component.
  4. Remove the Supply Air Outlet Component: Remove the screws holding the supply air outlet component and carefully pull it out, exposing the supply air fan and blower housing.

Clean the Blower Wheel and Housing

  1. Clean the Supply Air Fan and Blower Housing: With the supply air outlet component removed, use a soft-bristled brush or a compressed air duster to thoroughly clean the supply air fan and blower housing, removing any accumulated dust, debris, or lint.
  2. Use Specialized Cleaning Tools: Consider using specialized tools like the Turbo Tank by Nu-Calgon or the Viper Coil Cleaner by Refrigeration Technologies to effectively remove stubborn dirt and grime from the blower wheel and housing.
  3. Wipe Down Surfaces: After the initial cleaning, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the surfaces, ensuring that all dirt and debris have been removed.

Reassemble the Mini Split

  1. Reattach the Fan and Base Pant Assembly: Carefully reattach the fan and base pant assembly, ensuring that the fan motor wire terminal is properly secured.
  2. Reinstall the Supply Air Outlet Component: Carefully reposition the supply air outlet component and secure it with the screws.
  3. Reconnect the Step Motor Wire Plug: Reconnect the step motor wire plug at the terminal, ensuring a secure connection.
  4. Replace the PCB Box Cover: Reinstall the PCB box cover, making sure it is properly secured.
  5. Close the Air Outlet Component: Close the air outlet component and ensure that it is locked in place.
  6. Reinstall the Return Air Filters: Reinsert the cleaned return air filters into their respective positions.
  7. Reattach the Front Panel: Carefully reattach the front panel and secure it with the trim panels and screws.
  8. Restore Power: Reconnect the power to the mini split system, ensuring that it is functioning properly.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning the blower wheel on your Friedrich mini split is essential for maintaining optimal airflow, system efficiency, and overall performance. By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your mini split system continues to operate at its best, providing you with reliable and energy-efficient cooling or heating.

Reference:

  1. YouTube: Methods of Cleaning Ductless Mini Split Coils, Fan Wheel and Blower
  2. Reddit: Advice for removing mini split blower wheel
  3. YouTube: Friedrich DSS Easy Clean
  4. YouTube: Deep Cleaning a Mini Split
  5. Diychatroom: Friedrich ductless blower motor replacement