Air conditioning cleaning apparatus, kits & methods

Abstract

Disclosed are apparatus, kits and methods for cleaning an air conditioning unit having an air conduit defined by at least one wall with a hole therein the allows a cleaner to be introduced between a fan and a heat exchanger of the unit positioned along the conduit. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a resilient female component that is manually inserted into the hole. The female component has an opening therein that provides access to the conduit between the fan and the heat exchanger. A male component is removably received within the female component and it has a passageway therein that allows the cleaner to flow therethrough into the conduit. A plug is manually inserted into the opening upon removal of the male component. In another embodiment of the apparatus, a one way valve is attached to the wall at a point that allows a cleaner to be introduced between the fan and the heat exchanger of the unit, and a connector attached to a container of cleaner is removably attached to the one way valve. The connector, upon being attached to the one way valve, opens the valve. Upon being detached from the one way valve, the valve automatically opens. The kits hold the different pieces of the apparatus for assembly and connection to the air conditioning unit.