System and method for air conditioner evaporator coil cleaning

Abstract

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for cleaning a component inside a machine, such as an evaporator coil inside an air conditioner. A pump is connected to a controlling device. The pump is also connected to a metering device. The metering device is connected to one or more reservoirs. The metering device is also connected to one or more wands. Each wand is positioned inside a housing containing the component to spray cleaning solution, drawn from the reservoirs by the metering device, onto a face of the component. To perform the cleaning of the component, the controlling device disables the machine. The controlling device then activates the pump. The pump causes cleaning solution to be drawn from the one or more reservoirs into the metering device, which then transfers the cleaning solution into the wands. The controlling device then allows the machine to resume operation.

1 . A system for cleaning a component in a machine, comprising:
 (a) a pump;   (b) a controlling device and a metering device connected to said pump;   (c) at least one reservoir connected to said metering device, said at least one reservoir adapted to hold components of a cleaning solution; and   (d) at least one wand connected to said metering device, said at least one wand including at least one nozzle, said at least one wand being located inside a housing of a machine, said at least one wand being positioned such that at least one nozzle is directed toward a component to be cleaned, and wherein said at least one nozzle is configured to spray said cleaning solution onto said component to be cleaned, said pump, said metering device, and said at least one reservoir being connected such that said cleaning fluid can flow from said at least one reservoir to said metering device, and from said metering device to said at least one wand.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said controlling device is also connected to a controller, wherein said controller controls said machine. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a water filtration system connected to a source of water, said water filtration system also being connected to said metering device. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the source of water to said water filtration system is a plumbing system inside a structure. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said controlling device includes a user interface. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one reservoir contains components of said cleaning solution. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the components of said cleaning solution comprise hydrogen peroxide, grapefruit seed extract, and orange oil. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said pump, said metering device, said at least one reservoir, and said at least one wand, are connected using flexible tubing, and wherein the controlling device is electrically connected to said pump and said metering device. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said pump, said metering device, said at least one reservoir, and said at least one wand, are connected using pipes, and wherein said controlling device is electrically connected to said pump and said metering device. 
     
     
         10 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method for cleaning an evaporator coil of an air conditioner comprising:
 (a) operating a pump, via a controlling device, said pump being configured to draw a metered amount of a substance from at least one reservoir;   (b) transferring, via said pump, said substance to at least one wand including at least one nozzle configured to spray said substance toward said evaporator coil; and   (c) spraying said substance, via said at least one wand, onto said evaporator coil.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 (a) preventing, via a controller, operation of said air conditioner while said substance is being sprayed; and   (b) resuming, via the controller, operation of said air conditioner following said spraying.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising allowing a user, via a user interface, to enter a time for said controlling device to perform a cleaning cycle, a length of time for said cleaning cycle, or a length of time for said controlling device to prevent the air conditioner from operating. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 6  wherein said cleaning solution consists of a mixture of a fizzing agent, a working ingredient able to kill and break down mildew, a surfactant, and a carrier. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21  wherein said cleaning solution consists of a mixture of a fizzing agent consists of hydrogen peroxide. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22  wherein said working ingredient consists of grapefruit seed extract. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23  wherein said surfactant consists of orange oil. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 24  wherein said carrier consists of water.