If your home’s airflow isn’t optimized, the summer can be a sweltering, sweaty season. One of the best ways to keep your house cool during the hot summer months is by keeping your window air conditioner running efficiently. However, window air conditioners can collect a lot of dirt, dust, and pet hair, which can cause them to work less efficiently or even break down.
A clean air conditioning unit will not only operate more efficiently, but it will also save you time and money in the long run by reducing the number of breakdowns that you experience.
Luckily, a window air conditioner can be cleaned quite easily by following a few helpful tips.
What you’ll need:
- Warm water
- A bristle brush
- Soap or detergent
- A can of compressed air
- A cleaning cloth or rag
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
1. Remove and Clean the Front Panel
The first step in cleaning your window air conditioner is to remove the front panel. The front panel will be secured with a couple of screws or clips or both. Make sure to consult your unit’s user manual on how to remove the panel. On some models, the filter may be lodged in the front panel. If so, ensure you remove the filter before cleaning the front panel.
Once you’ve removed the front panel, use warm water, detergent, and a clean cloth or rag to clean it. Rinse the front panel thoroughly, then allow it to air dry as you wash the rest of your unit.
2. Remove and Clean the Filter
It’s essential to consult your AC unit’s user manual for instructions on removing the filter so that you don’t damage your appliance or cause it to malfunction. Once removed, use a vacuum to remove all heavy sediment deposits that may have collected on the filter, and then wipe it with a wet rag to clean any remaining dirt and dust from the filter.
Spray the filter with a water sprayer or garden hose if you need a deeper clean. Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.
3. Vacuum the Unit’s Interior
After removing the filter, vacuum the unit’s interior thoroughly. This includes the evaporator in the front, the fan and blower in the middle, the condenser in the back, and the drain tray on the bottom of the AC unit.
Once you’ve completed vacuuming, use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to sweep any loose dirt or debris from the unit’s fins. Ensure you vacuum in the same direction as the fins of your unit to avoid damaging or bending the fin. If the fins are stiff in a vertical direction, you’ll want to vacuum vertically with the vacuum brush. If the fins are stiff in an up-down direction, then you’ll want to vacuum the fins up and down with the vacuum brush.
4. Spray Hydrogen Peroxide
Treat the exterior housing and interior cabinet by spraying hydrogen peroxide all over the unit. Place emphasis on the areas where air flows through to protect against mildew and mold. Use a cloth to wipe down everything you can where you can reach, and then let the unit air dry.
5. Reassemble
Allow enough time for all parts of the unit to air dry completely before reassembling. Make sure to reference your AC unit’s user manual for specific instructions on how to reassemble your unit. Now relax and enjoy the cool breeze of your newly cleaned window air conditioner!
Your Professional AC Service Team
At Variable Comfort Solutions, our highly trained and professional technicians are ready to help you maintain your AC unit. We provide a wide range of AC related services, including installations, maintenance, and repairs. We also offer a variety of indoor air quality solutions.
We work with trusted brands like Lennox and others to ensure every project is an outstanding experience for our customers. By working with high-quality products and parts, we guarantee exceptional HVAC service. We also have an outstanding customer service team that ensures that every client is always happy and satisfied with the job we’ve done on their home, business, or other property. We provide free estimates for all services as well as upfront pricing. Our locally owned company is dedicated to caring for our customers in Huntington, WV and the surrounding areas. Call us today to find out more about our services or schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
