How To Clean Air Conditioner Filter Window Unit

How to Clean a Window Air-conditioning Unit to Continue Information technology Running Smoothly All Summertime Long

Remove grit, droppings, and mildew from your air conditioner in just a few simple steps.

Throughout the warm summer months, your air conditioning keeps you lot and your loved ones cool and comfy. But if it's been a while since you cleaned your window air conditioner, it's fourth dimension to give your Ac a trivial TLC. Consistently cleaning a window AC unit not merely allows it to operate efficiently and apply less energy, but it also prevents unwanted mold and mildew, which tin can take adverse health effects, from forming and growing inside of your unit of measurement.

With a few common household materials and this easy step-by-step guide, y'all tin can care for your window AC and make sure it's ready and able to go along you cool during the hottest months of the year and across.

removing filter from window air conditioner unit

Credit: Courtesy of Walmart

How to Clean a Window Air-conditioning Unit

Don't allow dust and debris build up in your window air conditioner. Follow our stride-by-step instructions for cleaning an Air conditioning unit to keep it performing its all-time.

What You'll Need

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

Step ane: Clean the air filter.

Before cleaning your air conditioner, ensure that it is unplugged from the power source. Adjacent, locate and remove the filter on your Air-conditioning unit of measurement. Some window units characteristic filters that simply pull out; others might outset require the removal of the front encompass with a screwdriver. Wait at the manufacturer'southward manual for your model to determine the best method for removing your AC unit's filter.

After removing the filter, use a hand vacuum to extract as much grit and droppings equally possible. Next, grab a bucket 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 out the filter completely before re-installing it.

Step 2: Clean air-conditioner coils and fins.

Locate the evaporator coils and fins in your unit, which catechumen hot air into cool air, and clean them using a toothbrush or other soft-bristle castor. Exist gentle and handle the coils and fins with care so as not to bend or damage them. Spray the coils and fins with compressed air to remove any remaining clay and grit.

Step 3: Clean the exterior and grill.

Clean the grill of your air conditioner with a damp cloth or rag. If the crud is substantial, remove the grill co-ordinate to the manufacturer'southward instructions and submerge it in warm soapy water, using a brush or rag to clean between the grill'southward gaps. Dry the grill completely earlier reinstalling it.

Next, wipe down the top and sides of the window Ac unit of measurement with a damp fabric. If your Ac has a drain and/or drip tray, be sure to clean those as well past emptying them and wiping them clean. Let dry completely before returning to the AC unit.

Step 4: Forbid mildew and reassemble.

Using hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle, care for 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 out completely before putting them back in identify. Now, all that's left to do is kick back, relax, and relish your make clean AC unit as it blows fresh, cool air into your dwelling house.

How Oft Should I Clean My Window Air Conditioner?

While there are several components of your window Air-conditioning unit that require attending on a regular footing, the most disquisitional piece to make clean routinely is the filter. It is recommended that you wash the removable filter once a month. Depending on how frequently you operate your AC, your window Air-conditioning filter might also somewhen need to be replaced. Many units have a light that comes on to betoken when it is time to supplant the filter, so you'll know exactly when to swap it out for a new one.

During months when your window AC unit is not in employ, yous can choose to remove and store it or invest in a window cover for off-flavor protection. Both options choice volition lessen the amount of dirt and debris that makes its way into and onto the unit.