How to Clean Your Window AC Unit for Maximum Cooling
Wondering how to clean a window AC unit? It’s easy if you take your time. Nowadays, air conditioning is a must, not just a luxury for you to acquire at home or office. A good AC can rescue you from summer sweat.
Do some simple upkeep to keep it cool and efficient. For improved performance and an extended AC life, clean every unit and replace the filter.
Aim to clean the unit annually, and clean or replace the filter every 1-3 months. Get the right tools before you start.
The cleaning tools include a face mask, long sleeves, dish soap or another cleaning solution, a bucket, a tub, hoses, soft brushes or fin combs, screwdrivers, vacuum cleaners, and gloves.
Follow these tips to keep your AC clean, working well, and energy-efficient.
How to Clean a Window AC Unit Properly
Ensure to clean your window air conditioner well once a year, ideally before you start using it in the season.
Also, clean the filter every month and get a new one every three months. The Department of Energy advises doing it to maintain the health of your air conditioner.
Here is how to clean a window AC unit properly;
1. Take Out and Tidy the Face Panel
The front part of your AC called the face panel or grille cover, is a plastic or metal grid held in place with screws, clips, or tabs.
Consult your handbook to learn how to remove it. Some models hide the filter inside this panel, so follow the manual to remove it before cleaning the panel.
Once the face panel (and maybe the filter) is off, spray it with a cleaning solution and wipe it with a cloth. If you prefer, take it outside and hose it down. Let the face panel dry while you clean the other parts.
2. Take Out and Tidy the Filter
Check your air conditioner’s manual to find out how to take out the filter. Some units have the filter behind the front panel, while others keep it inside.
Once you’ve got it out, use a vacuum to get rid of any big dirt, and wipe it with a wet cloth to clean off the remaining dust. For a more thorough cleaning, take the filter outside and spray it with a hose.
Before putting it back, let the filter dry completely, which usually takes a couple of hours—flip it over halfway through to make sure both sides dry.
3. Empty the Interior Vacuum
Use your vacuum to clean the inside of your air conditioner. Get into every part—the bottom drain pan, the middle fan and blower, the front evaporator, and the back condenser.
Pay extra attention to the thin aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser.
If you can, use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum and clean the fins by moving the vacuum up and down to avoid bending or harming them.
4. Spray it Down
Spray the inside and outside of your air conditioner with hydrogen peroxide, then use a cloth to wipe everything you can reach.
Also, use the spray on the evaporator and condenser coils, or you can use a special AC coil spray cleaner.
After applying, let it air dry, or if you choose to rinse it, wait 10 to 20 minutes to let the cleaner loosen any stubborn dirt before rinsing it off with water.
5. Adjust the Fins
If the fins on your air conditioner are bent, it can make it work less effectively or break sooner. Put on gloves, then use a knife or fin comb to straighten the bent fins.
Slide the knife or comb gently between the bent fins, just above or below them.
Move it in the same direction as the other fins until the bent ones are straight
6. Wash the Device’s Whole Exterior
Take a damp cloth or sponge and wipe all the hard surfaces inside and outside to get rid of dust or dirt.
Make sure the cloth or sponge is damp, not soaking wet, to avoid water getting into the coils.
7. Put the Device Back Together
After cleaning, reassemble the window AC unit by gently sliding in the filter, ensuring the front cover clicks securely.
Place it back in the window if moved, then plug it into the power outlet, and finally, turn it on to ensure it’s working well.
Advantages of Cleaning a Window AC Unit
Regretfully, a lot of people overlook this important chore, which might cause your air conditioner to malfunction or break.
The advantages of cleaning your window air conditioner are numerous. Keeping it clean helps it stay in good shape and work well because:
1. It helps increase its durability.
2. It helps minimize the need for maintenance.
3. It helps lower your energy expenses.
4. It keeps the mold from forming.
5. It helps create cleaner air in your space.
Disadvantages of Using a Window AC Unit
Using window air conditioners might not be the best choice because it has its own disadvantages too and they include:
1. It is usually not suitable for big spaces.
2. it can make a room look less nice.
3. It can be noisy sometimes.
4. It uses more energy.
5. You have to put in and take out window ACs every season, which can be a pain.
Because your window AC works hard, especially in hot weather, it’s important to clean it regularly.
Do a deep clean once a year, preferably in the spring before summer hits. Depending on how often you use it, clean the coils and air filters more frequently.
Keep the outside and the drain hole clear of junk to avoid moisture buildup. Use a smart AC controller to remind you when it’s time to clean the air filter.
