Window air conditioners are a great way to cool down a room without taking up much space. They are also very affordable. However, they do require some regular maintenance to keep them running properly. Here we will discuss how to clean a window ac unit. We will cover everything from removing the filter to cleaning the coils.
How Frequently Should You Clean Your Air Conditioning Unit?
You should aim to clean your AC unit at least once every 30 days or more, depending on your needs and surrounding environment. If you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollen, or if you have pets in your home, you may need to clean your AC unit more often.
What Supplies Do You Need?
- A ladder
- A screwdriver
- A soft cloth or brush
- Vacuum with an attachment hose
- Window AC unit cleaning solution or a mixture of vinegar and water
Instructions
Unplug It
First things first, you need to unplug your window ac unit before you start cleaning it. This is important for two reasons. One, you don’t want to electrocute yourself while cleaning accidentally. And two, you want to make sure that the unit is completely turned off so that you don’t damage any of the parts.
Remove It From the Window
After unplugging it, you will need to remove the window ac unit from the window. You will need to use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the unit in place. Once the screws are removed, you can carefully lift the unit out of the window and set it on a stable surface.
Remove the Filter
Once the unit is removed from the window, you can remove the filter. Most window ac units will have a removable filter that you can simply take out and rinse off with water. If your unit doesn’t have a removable filter, you’ll need to vacuum it with a dust attachment. Either way, make sure that you get all of the dirt and dust out of the filter so that it doesn’t end up back in your home.
If there is visible mold or mildew on your window ac unit’s inside, you’ll need to clean it with a mixture of bleach and water. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bleach bottle, and always ventilate the area well when using bleach.
If you find this problematic, you can always hire a professional AC cleaning service to do it for you. If you need AC maintenance, Travis Crawford Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a comprehensive AC company that offers complete air conditioning maintenance services.
Wipe Down the Coils
The next step is to wipe down the coils. The coils help cool the air, so they must be clean and free of dirt and dust. You can use a coil cleaning brush or a vacuum with a dust attachment to clean the coils. Just be sure not to bend or damage them while you’re cleaning.
Clean the Tray and Drain Line
The tray is the part of the window AC unit that collects water. Make sure to empty it and wipe it down with a cloth or brush. The drain line is the small tube that drains the water out of the tray. You can use a straightened paperclip to clear it out if it’s clogged. Again, be careful not to damage the drain line while doing this.
Straighten the Fins
The fins are the metal pieces that help to circulate the air. Over time, they can become bent and damaged. So, it’s important to straighten them out every so often. You can use a fin comb or a butter knife to carefully straighten the fins. Just be careful not to damage them further.
Put Everything Back Together
Once you’ve finished cleaning all of the parts, you can now re-assemble everything. Start by putting the filter back in place and then screwing the unit back into the window. Ensure that all of the screws are tightened to secure the unit.
After this, remember to spray the unit down with a window AC unit cleaning solution. This will help prevent mold and mildew from growing inside the unit. Finally, plug the unit back in and turn it on to make sure it is still working properly.
Conclusion
Cleaning a window air conditioner unit is not difficult, but it is essential to do regularly. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your unit is clean and running correctly. If you have any questions or concerns, consult a professional AC company. At Travis Crawford, we offer AC installation, repair, and maintenance as well as water heater services to Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas. Contact us today!
