Date: 05-10-2026

During operation, dust and contaminants can accumulate on the heat exchanger of an air conditioner. To help clean this area, Hitachi has developed FrostWash technology, which uses a freezing, thawing, and flushing process to remove dirt from the heat exchanger inside the indoor unit. So, how does FrostWash work, and which Hitachi local air conditioner models feature this technology? Let’s explore the details with U.P Tech in the article below.

What Is FrostWash in Hitachi Local Air Conditioners?

FrostWash is a self-cleaning technology developed by Hitachi and applied to selected air conditioner models. The technology focuses on the heat exchanger, where dust and contaminants can accumulate during operation.

When FrostWash is activated, the heat exchanger is cooled to form a layer of ice that traps dust and contaminants on its surface. The ice then melts, and the resulting water carries these particles away through the drain system.

FrostWash is a feature that helps clean the heat exchanger, rather than a system designed to clean the entire air conditioner. Other components still need to be inspected and cleaned depending on actual operating conditions.

>>> See more: Hitachi wall-mounted air conditioners available here

How Does FrostWash Technology Work?

FrostWash supports the cleaning of the heat exchanger through a cycle consisting of several consecutive stages. Instead of relying solely on airflow to clean the surface, the technology uses a freezing and thawing process to help collect and flush away dust and contaminants from the heat exchanger.

Freezing the Heat Exchanger

When FrostWash is activated, the heat exchanger is deeply cooled to form a layer of ice from naturally occurring moisture. Dust and contaminants on the surface of the heat exchanger are trapped in the ice, allowing them to be separated during the next stage.

Thawing the Ice Layer

After the freezing stage, the system moves to the thawing process. As the ice melts, dust and contaminants are separated from the heat exchanger surface and carried away with the water.

Hitachi also notes that changes in temperature and the freezing and thawing process may produce sounds while FrostWash is operating.

Flushing Away Dust and Contaminants

As the ice melts, the resulting water flows through the heat exchanger and carries away the dust and contaminants separated from its surface. The water is then discharged through the indoor unit's drain pipe.

In this way, FrostWash creates a cleaning cycle that helps clean the heat exchanger without requiring users to manually clean this area.

What Benefits Does FrostWash Offer Users?

In addition to supporting heat exchanger cleaning, FrostWash provides several benefits during air conditioner operation. The technology focuses on limiting the accumulation of dust and contaminants on the heat exchanger while helping maintain the equipment's operating efficiency.

Helps Reduce Dust Accumulation on the Heat Exchanger

Dust and contaminants can accumulate on the heat exchanger during air conditioner operation. FrostWash helps address this area through a freezing, thawing, and water-flushing cycle.

In a test conducted on the RAK-35RPE/RAC-35WPE model by the Kitasato Environmental Science Center, FrostWash demonstrated the ability to remove up to 93% of contaminants after one cycle. This result was obtained under specific test conditions and should not be interpreted as a rate applicable to every device or operating environment.

Helps Maintain Air Conditioner Operating Efficiency

When dust accumulates on the heat exchanger, the air conditioner's airflow performance may be affected. FrostWash helps limit this condition by supporting the cleaning of the heat exchanger.

In a comparative test of two similar units, after simulating dust and oil accumulation equivalent to approximately two years of household use, the unit without FrostWash experienced an 18% reduction in airflow performance, while the unit equipped with FrostWash experienced a 6% reduction. The test was conducted at the Johnson Controls-Hitachi Tochigi plant in Japan.

Helps Reduce the Effort Required to Maintain the Equipment

FrostWash is designed to automatically perform the heat exchanger cleaning cycle according to the functions available on the air conditioner. This provides users with an additional way to care for the area inside the indoor unit without having to manually clean it.

However, FrostWash only supports heat exchanger cleaning and does not completely replace air conditioner cleaning, inspection, or maintenance. Other components still need to be maintained according to actual conditions and appropriate recommendations.

Therefore, FrostWash can be considered a feature that supports air conditioner maintenance, particularly for the heat exchanger, which can be difficult to access for manual cleaning.

Which Hitachi Local Air Conditioner Models Feature FrostWash?

FrostWash is available on several Hitachi local air conditioner models, including products from the airHome, XJ, VJ, and PJ CMV series. Each series comes with different technologies and features.

Hitachi airHome Series

FrostWash is available on four Hitachi airHome 300, airHome 400, airHome 500, and airHome 600 models.

  • Hitachi airHome 300: A 1-way Inverter air conditioner that operates in ambient temperatures of up to 46°C, achieves a 5-star energy rating, and features FrostWash for the indoor unit.
  • Hitachi airHome 400: Features FrostWash together with Mold Guard technology, helping limit mold accumulation inside the unit.
  • Hitachi airHome 500: A 1-way Inverter air conditioner featuring FrostWash, AQtiv-Ion, ViroSense Z1, a PM1.0 filter, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity via the airCloud Go app.
  • Hitachi airHome 600: A 2-way Inverter air conditioner featuring FrostWash for both the indoor and outdoor units, along with a motion sensor and Smart Eco mode.

Hitachi XJ Series

The Hitachi XJ CKV and XJ CMV models feature FrostWash together with Inverter technology.

  • Hitachi XJ CKV combines FrostWash with DC Inverter technology. FrostWash helps clean dust and bacteria accumulated on the heat exchanger surface through a process of collecting, freezing, and flushing them out through the drain pipe.
  • Hitachi XJ CMV combines FrostWash with a PM2.5 filter, a carbon coating that helps reduce odors, and DC Inverter technology.

Hitachi VJ Premium Inverter

Hitachi VJ Premium Inverter features FrostWash together with a 5-step air purification system. The product combines a coarse dust filter, a Wasabi-coated PM2.5 filter, UV light, and FrostWash to help address dust, bacteria, mold, and airborne contaminants.

Hitachi PJ CMV

Hitachi PJ CMV combines FrostWash with a Wasabi-coated PM2.5 filter and DC Inverter technology. In addition to supporting heat exchanger cleaning, the air purification system helps enhance the treatment of fine particles and odor-causing agents.

U.P Tech Supplies Hitachi Local Air Conditioners

U.P Tech supplies Hitachi wall-mounted air conditioners with a wide range of product series and capacities to meet cooling and air conditioning needs for different spaces. Based on the area, characteristics of the space, and actual requirements, U.P Tech provides consultation on suitable models and configurations.

Customers can receive support in selecting the appropriate capacity, product series, models equipped with FrostWash, and other necessary features, along with quotations and solutions suitable for their space or project.

If you are looking for a Hitachi local air conditioner with FrostWash technology, contact U.P Tech for consultation on the appropriate model, capacity, and solution for your requirements.


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