Although window air conditioners can be a godsend in the summer heat, they need a little TLC to keep blowing cool, clean air. Dirt, dust and debris can build-up over time reducing performance and in greater levels triggering health complaints if not properly maintained. You are going to have a lot of good news cleaning your window air conditioner from home, and this may be duly noticed and solely as a result of there’s nothing as daunting as it sounds. Armed with the correct tools and process, you can bring your unit back into shape in no time. Here’s how to clean that window air conditioner:
What You’ll Need
You will need the following supplies before beginning:
- Screwdriver
- A brush with soft bristles or an old toothbrush
- A vacuum cleaner with a suction hose
- Coil cleaner or Mild detergent
- Warm water
- A bucket or spray bottle
- Microfiber cloths or rags
- Gloves (optional, for safety)
- Optional fin comb (recommended if you want to straighten your fins)
Step 1: Power Down and Turn off the unit
Safety first! Before cleaning, always switch off the air conditioning unit and unplug it from the power point. Thus, you avoid risking accidents and damaging the electrical components.
The second step: Remove the Unit (If Necessary)
And, if your window air conditioner is easily removable, you should clean it outside or in a large space. Put a towel or plastic sheet under the unit to catch water dripping from it. You can clean it in place if it is not practical to remove it, but more cleaning will then be required.
Step Three: Clean or change the air filter
Air filters capture dust and allergens so it is often the dirtiest part of the unit.
Take out the Filter: Pull open the front panel of the AC to access the filter.
Clean the Filter: If the filter is washable, rinse it under running water or soak it in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes. While letting it sit for a bit, scrub it with a dry brush, and rinse and air-dry fully.
Change If Required: Change the filter with a new one if it gets damaged or cannot be reused.
Step 4: Remove the Interior: Vacuum and Wipe
When the filter is out, use a vacuum with a hose extension to suck any dust and debris on the inside of the unit. Pay attention to the evaporator coils, blower fan, and housing. Use a damp microfiber cloth to follow up and wipe around remaining grime. Be careful not to get too much water near electrical parts.
Step 5: Clean the Coils
Since the moisture pass through the evaporator and condenser coils, cleaning the coils is important.
Spray cleaner: Use a coil cleaner or a mixture of mild detergent and warm water onto the coils.
Small Scrub: Scrub the stubborn dirt with a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush, take caution not to bend the thin aluminum fins.
Clean and Dry: Wipe off the cleaning agent using a wet cloth and let the coils dry naturally.
Step 6: Straightening Out Damaged Fins (If Needed)
Straighten any bent fins on the evaporator or condenser coils with a fin comb. This step helps airflow and ensures that your air conditioner has an easy way to run.
Step 7: Clean Your Drain Pan And Drainage System
The drain pan could collect standing water and mold as time passes.
Remove and Clean the Drain Pan: Use warm, soapy water to tackle the drain pan.
Inspect the Drainage System: Insert a pipe cleaner or tiny brush into the drain hole to make sure it is not clogged. Which keeps water from backing up inside the unit.
Step 8: Clean the Exterior
Moisten a rag and use it to wipe the outside of your air conditioner. For stubborn stains, add a gentle cleaning solution. Don’t spray water directly inside any openings
Step 9: Reassemble and Test
Reassemble the air conditioner, after all components are clean and dry. Connect and power it to make sure everything is working correctly. You may notice improved air flow, cooler, fresher air.
Tips To Help You Stay Out Of The Trash For Long
- Do not Skip Cleaning: Majorly, you should clean your air conditioner atleast once every season, preferably before and after peak usage.
- Check the Filter Once a Month: Regularly clean or replace the filter every 30 days during peak usage.
- Keep Away from Winter: If you are not going to use the unit for the winter, then take it out of the window and into a dry and clean place or cover it with a cover which is weatherproof.
Doing all these steps will help you and not only in maintaining a long life for your window air conditioning but it also promotes clean air for you and for your home. By keeping it clean, though, you can ensure that it works more efficiently and save yourself on energy bills — an easy tradeoff for some regular cleaning.
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