How To Clean Window Ac Unit

How to Clean a Window AC Unit to Keep It Running Smoothly All Summertime Long

Remove dust, debris, and mildew from your air conditioner in merely a few unproblematic steps.

Throughout the warm summer months, your ac keeps you and your loved ones cool and comfortable. Merely if it's been a while since yous cleaned your window air conditioner, it'due south time to give your Air conditioning a picayune TLC. Consistently cleaning a window Ac unit non but allows information technology to operate efficiently and utilise less energy, but it also prevents unwanted mold and mildew, which tin have agin health effects, from forming and growing within of your unit.

With a few common household materials and this like shooting fish in a barrel step-past-step guide, you can intendance for your window Air conditioning and make sure it'due south ready and able to keep you lot cool during the hottest months of the year and beyond.

removing filter from window air conditioner unit

Credit: Courtesy of Walmart

How to Clean a Window Air-conditioning Unit

Don't let dust and droppings build up in your window air conditioner. Follow our step-by-step instructions for cleaning an AC unit to keep it performing its best.

What You'll Need

Screwdriver (optional)
Hand vacuum or vacuum with hand attachment
Bucket of warm water
Soap or detergent
Bristle brush
Toothbrush
Tin of compressed air
Cleaning rag or fabric
Spray bottle
Hydrogen peroxide (3%)

Step 1: Clean the air filter.

Earlier cleaning your air conditioner, ensure that it is unplugged from the power source. Adjacent, locate and remove the filter on your AC unit. Some window units feature filters that simply pull out; others might start require the removal of the forepart comprehend with a screwdriver. Await at the manufacturer's manual for your model to decide the best method for removing your Ac unit'south filter.

After removing the filter, utilise a hand vacuum to excerpt as much grit and debris as possible. Next, grab a saucepan with soapy water and a bristle castor and wash the filter in the sudsy h2o, gently brushing information technology as needed until make clean. Air-dry the filter completely earlier re-installing it.

Step 2: Clean air-conditioner coils and fins.

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

Step 3: Make 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 it in warm soapy water, using a castor or rag to clean between the grill's gaps. Dry the grill completely earlier reinstalling it.

Next, wipe down the top and sides of the window AC unit with a damp cloth. If your AC has a drain and/or drip tray, exist certain to clean those as well by emptying them and wiping them clean. Let dry completely before returning to the AC unit.

Pace iv: 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 against mold and mildew. Allow enough time for all parts to dry completely earlier putting them dorsum in place. Now, all that'southward left to exercise is kick back, relax, and enjoy your clean AC unit of measurement equally it blows fresh, cool air into your abode.

How Frequently Should I Make clean My Window Air Conditioner?

While at that place are several components of your window AC unit of measurement that crave attention on a regular basis, the most critical piece to make clean routinely is the filter. It is recommended that yous wash the removable filter once a month. Depending on how oftentimes y'all operate your Air-conditioning, your window Air conditioning filter might also eventually demand to be replaced. Many units accept a light that comes on to indicate when it is time to supercede the filter, so you'll know exactly when to bandy information technology out for a new one.

During months when your window Ac unit is not in use, y'all can choose to remove and shop it or invest in a window cover for off-season protection. Both options choice will lessen the corporeality of clay and droppings that makes its way into and onto the unit.