How To Clean a Window Air Conditioner

The search for the best air conditioners can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know how many BTUs you need for a window A/C. And, unless you want to be constantly adjusting the A/C by the panel, you might want to figure out how to control the A/C from a mobile device. It’s worth it when the hottest months come around.

Window air conditioners are popular cooling options both for their ease of installation and their efficiency. But a window AC unit, like all AC options, needs upkeep. Therefore, it’s important to know how to clean a window air conditioner to keep it at peak performance.

Cleaning a Window Unit the Easy Way

Sometimes, different air conditioner types require specific cleaning methods. For example, owners of ductless units must know how to clean a ductless air conditioner. And any AC owner without a central system should know how to clean air conditioner filters. But window units have their own unique needs tied to the way they cool a room and how they mount into a window.

STEP 1

Make sure your window air conditioner unit is unplugged. Next, remove the cover with the screwdriver, being careful not to lose the screws or damage the casing and the unit’s fins.

STEP 2

Check the window air conditioner filter. If your unit has a reusable filter, remove it, and either use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt and debris or wash it down the spray nozzle attachment in a kitchen sink. Set it aside to dry. If your unit has a disposable filter, you’ll need to replace it with a new one.

STEP 3

Before replacing the filter, take your cloth and mild soapy water and wipe down the unit’s exterior. Next, carefully clean the unit’s aluminum fins with the brush so as not to bend them.

STEP 4

Take your coil cleaner or can of condensed air and spray it inside the unit, including the evaporator coil, following all safety directions. An air conditioner coil can accumulate dust over time, reducing the machine’s efficacy and overall air quality.

STEP 5

Empty the drip tray and check the machine’s drain. These are likely places to find mold. Light mold can be handled with a mold cleaner, but heavy mold growth may need professional care, particularly if it is black mold. This may also be a sign that a new unit is needed.

STEP 6

Let your air conditioner dry completely, then reassemble your unit. Use isopropyl alcohol on all exterior water drip points to prevent new visible mold growth. Let this dry as well since the liquid in the unit can make an air conditioner dangerous. Once you’re sure it’s dry, you can enjoy your clean window AC.

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