Your window air conditioning unit must be cleaned and maintained just as any whole-home cooling or heating system. Cleaning the unit will ensure that it functions properly and will also prevent it from growing mold or mildew. In other words, a clean window unit = comfort and health!
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Everything You Need to Clean a Window Unit
To clean your window AC unit, you will need some important materials including: a vacuum, a cleaning cloth or rag, a mild detergent or commercial coil cleaner, a garden hose, hydrogen peroxide, a fin comb, spray bottles, rubber gloves, a screwdriver, and a new air filter. You may not end up using every single one of these items, but they are good to have on hand. Continue reading through these eight easy steps below to find out more!
8 Simple Steps for Cleaning Window AC Units
1. Unplug your unit
Once you have all your cleaning supplies ready, start by turning off your circuit breaker and unplugging your unit. If you aren't able to take out the entire unit, you should still be able to clean it without removal. However if you unit is in a window on a second story or higher, or if the outside portion is hard to access, you may want to fully remove the unit for a safer and easier cleaning process.
2. Clean the face panel
The face panel is the plastic or metal cover that shelters the front part of your window unit. Unscrew the panel or remove the clips at the bottom to take the panel off. Once removed, spray it with a cleaning mixture made up of warm water and mild detergent. Avoid using harsh cleaners such as bleach and vinegar as they can corrode metal. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.
If you notice tougher stains on the cover, use a brush to scrub the dirt. You can also take the front grille outside and spray it with a hose. Cleaning the panel weekly will help prevent dirt buildup and keep your unit working properly.
3. Clean the AC filter
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Your AC's filters work to remove dust and pollutants from the indoor air so that they aren't blown through the room. Because the filter is constantly collecting dust and dirt, it should be cleaned every two weeks and replaced every month to ensure efficiency and good indoor air quality.
In some window units, the filter may be inside the face panel, while other units have it behind the face panel. Remove the air filters and use a vacuum to clear any debris, then wash it with warm soapy water. Like your face panel, you can also take the filter outside and spray it with a hose for a deeper cleaning. Make sure to allow the filter to drip/air dry before putting it back.
4. Vacuum the interior cabinet
Once the filter is cleaned, you can begin to clean the inside of the window AC unit. Use a vacuum to remove visible debris from the interior. Make sure to clean around the evaporator on the front side, the fan, the drain pan on the bottom, the blower in the middle, and the condenser on the back.
5. Clean the AC coils and fins
The AC coils, made of small aluminum fins, are important in removing heat from your home and releasing it outside. Over time, the fins can get dirty which will cause them to work less efficiently and decrease your indoor air quality. Be sure to delicately clean the coils, as the fins can easily bend. You should also wear protective gloves to avoid touching the sharp edges. Take a soft brush and lightly scrub the coils then use a coil comb to clean the area between the fins. You can also buy a coil cleaner/spray to use on your window unit.
Another method is to vacuum the debris from the coils. Vacuum in the direction of the fins going up. If any fins bend during the cleaning process, take the fin comb and run it in the same direction as the others.
6. Clean the AC fans
To clean the fans in your window unit, use the same cleaner you bought for the coilers or use a homemade solution of mild detergent and warm water. Your unit will have two fans: a blower near the evaporator and a bladed fan near the compressor. Wet a cloth with the cleaner, scrub the fans clean, and rinse with a hose.
7. Unclog the drain system
Your AC unit works constantly to remove moisture from the indoor air; but that moisture has to go somewhere, right? The moisture is collected in a drain pan and removed through a drain hole outside. Like any other part of your unit, this gets dirty over time and needs to be cleaned.
Take out the drain pan and remove any water or debris. Use a wet-dry vacuum or a damp cloth to clean it out. If you notice rust, it may be a good idea to replace the pan entirely.
Next, it's a good idea to clean the drain hole. Tilt the unit to drain excess water then use a bottle brush or damp cloth to scrub off any buildup. Then spray with water to rinse.
8. Spray with hydrogen peroxide
The last step is to spray the inside and outside of the unit with a hydrogen peroxide solution. This will kill all the germs and prevent mold/mildew growth. Once the unit has dried completely, you can reassemble it and continue to enjoy cool, comfortable air!
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
