How To Clean A Window Unit Air Conditioner

How to Make clean a Window Air conditioning Unit to Keep It Running Smoothly All Summer Long

Remove dust, droppings, and mildew from your air conditioner in just a few unproblematic steps.

Throughout the warm summertime months, your air conditioning keeps you and your loved ones cool and comfortable. But if it'southward been a while since you cleaned your window air conditioner, information technology's time to give your AC a little TLC. Consistently cleaning a window Ac unit not only allows it to operate efficiently and use less energy, simply it also prevents unwanted mold and mildew, which can have adverse wellness effects, from forming and growing inside of your unit of measurement.

With a few common household materials and this easy step-by-step guide, you lot can treat your window Air conditioning and make sure it'due south set and able to proceed yous cool during the hottest months of the yr and beyond.

removing filter from window air conditioner unit of measurement

Credit: Courtesy of Walmart

How to Clean a Window Air conditioning Unit

Don't permit dust and debris build upward in your window air conditioner. Follow our footstep-by-step instructions for cleaning an AC unit to proceed it performing its best.

What Y'all'll Need

Screwdriver (optional)
Manus vacuum or vacuum with hand attachment
Bucket of warm water
Soap or detergent
Bristle brush
Toothbrush
Can of compressed air
Cleaning rag or cloth
Spray bottle
Hydrogen peroxide (iii%)

Step one: Clean the air filter.

Before cleaning your air conditioner, ensure that it is unplugged from the ability source. Next, locate and remove the filter on your Air conditioning unit. Some window units feature filters that only pull out; others might starting time require the removal of the front cover with a screwdriver. Look at the manufacturer's manual for your model to determine the all-time method for removing your Air conditioning unit's filter.

Afterwards removing the filter, employ a hand vacuum to extract equally much dust and droppings as possible. Next, take hold of a saucepan with soapy water and a bristle brush and wash the filter in the sudsy h2o, gently brushing it as needed until clean. Air-dry the filter completely before re-installing it.

Step ii: Clean air-conditioner coils and fins.

Locate the evaporator coils and fins in your unit, which convert hot air into absurd air, and clean them using a toothbrush or other soft-bristle castor. Be gentle and handle the coils and fins with care so every bit not to curve or impairment them. Spray the coils and fins with compressed air to remove any remaining dirt and dust.

Step 3: Clean the outside and grill.

Clean the grill of your air conditioner with a damp cloth or rag. If the grime is substantial, remove the grill according to the manufacturer'southward instructions and submerge information technology in warm soapy water, using a castor or rag to clean between the grill's gaps. Dry the grill completely earlier reinstalling it.

Adjacent, wipe down the top and sides of the window Air conditioning unit with a damp textile. If your Air-conditioning has a bleed and/or drip tray, exist sure to make clean those also by emptying them and wiping them clean. Allow dry completely before returning to the AC unit of measurement.

Step 4: Prevent mildew and reassemble.

Using hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle, treat the exterior areas of the air conditioner where air flows through to protect confronting mold and mildew. Allow enough fourth dimension for all parts to dry out completely before putting them back in identify. Now, all that'due south left to practise is kick back, relax, and enjoy your clean AC unit as it blows fresh, cool air into your dwelling house.

How Often Should I Make clean My Window Air Conditioner?

While in that location are several components of your window AC unit that crave attention on a regular basis, the virtually disquisitional piece to clean routinely is the filter. It is recommended that you launder the removable filter in one case a month. Depending on how frequently y'all operate your AC, your window AC filter might besides eventually need to be replaced. Many units accept a light that comes on to indicate when it is time to replace the filter, so you'll know exactly when to bandy information technology out for a new one.

During months when your window AC unit of measurement is not in use, you tin can choose to remove and store information technology or invest in a window cover for off-flavour protection. Both options option will lessen the corporeality of dirt and debris that makes its mode into and onto the unit.