How To Clean Window AC Unit For Healthy Living

Maintaining your window air conditioning unit on a regular basis is necessary to keep it functioning well. This can be done by cleaning the filter and unit regularly. Some people do it on a daily, monthly, seasonal, or as-needed basis. When looking at how to clean a window air conditioner, it’s important to take steps to prevent any damage to the filter and internal components. Much of the cleaning routine involves the filter, but just how “deep” you clean it depends on the frequency of the cleaning, if you have pets, and even how much dust is around your home.

When your window air conditioner is not being used, it’s best to keep it covered and in a cool, dry place. Before you use it during warmer weather, taking it apart and giving it a preliminary cleaning can be a great way to maintain it so it lasts as long as possible.

How to Clean Window Air Conditioning Unit

There are several different ways you can go with regular cleaning.

Daily Method

If you have the time (and desire), you can clean it daily with a quick hydrogen peroxide spray. This is especially important if there’s a mildew smell noticeable when you turn it on. First, get some hydrogen peroxide and pour it into a spray bottle. A 3 percent solution is recommended, and you can get them in most stores. Note that flammable liquids, such as alcohol, should not be used. Avoid running the risk of starting a fire. Additionally, bleach is a poor choice because of its toxicity and the unit might be damaged. A hydrogen peroxide solution should still be kept out of reach of children and animals and labeled as such.

Start the daily cleaning by turning off the AC. Take the spray bottle and spray the front of the intake/outflow surface. Try not to breathe any in and make sure to protect your eyes. After it has been sprayed and is on the unit, fumes become less of a worry. Wash your hands after using it.

Let the spray dry. Afterward, you can turn the unit on again. A good way to manage this is to spray in the evening and let it dry overnight before you need to use air conditioning. Remember, you can also do a deeper cleaning by removing the filter and spraying further into the unit. It is advisable to have some sort of towel or tray to catch droplets that may stain the floor below.

Lastly, a good way to minimize the buildup of mildew is to avoid turning the air conditioner off and on a lot. Microbes love that little bit of condensation, and if it hasn’t had time to evaporate fully, you’re looking at increasing them and the mildew smell.

Monthly

If a monthly clean is easier, you can do it this way too. First, turn off the AC. Disconnect the power cord before removing the face of the unit, which will allow access to the filter. There should be tabs or screws that keep the panel in place, so just release or remove them and locate the filter. Some filters are removed upwards and others can be pulled downwards. Refer to your manual to see which direction your model is designed with.

Pull out the filter and rinse it with running water. Warm water is best. Then you can use a hose attachment to vacuum the filter if there’s any debris or dirt. A once-a-month cleaning is ideal for most households. The number of monthly cleanings can be increased for people who live in especially dusty areas or if they have pets.

Allow the filter to dry, and then you can slide it back into its slot. You can shake the filter off to remove any extra water and then pat dry with a towel. Find a clean place to let it sit until it’s fully dry. An AC must always have a dry filter before use. If you notice that it’s worn or torn, it’s time to get a new filter.

Seasonal Window AC Cleaning

Otherwise, a seasonal clean is also an option, especially in a warm climate like California, where average year-round temperatures hit over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, so do not neglect maintenance like a spring AC tune up in Coachella, CA so that your unit is ready for the extra cooling demands that summer will place on it.
Cleaning your AC after several months have passed may mean a bit more work, but if that’s what fits your schedule and you don’t have a lot of dust or own any pets, it should be fine. Follow the initial steps for the monthly cleaning (turn off, unplug, and remove the front panel from the unit). Take out the filter, and then be cautious as you remove the unit’s casing. Keep the small screws in a safe place.

Use either a soft bristle brush or a comb to “comb” or clean away dust from the aluminum fins. Use gloves for this step to prevent any cuts from the fins. If you don’t have any compressed air around the house, invest in a bottle and then blow it on the coils and fan. You can spray it into the fins and coils, both from the front and around the backside.

If there’s any dust or debris from the tray, you can use a vacuum hose attachment to suck it up. Thereafter, you’re ready to spray the tray with a household cleaner, give it a good scrub, and then wipe it off with a moist cloth. Dry the tray with a towel and then let it air dry. Remember, it’s important that the unit isn’t put together with any wet parts.

Storage of the AC Unit

If you want to keep the window air conditioner in good condition so it lasts a long time, it should be stored when not in use. Take it down from the window and keep it indoors. An attic or basement is a good idea. It should be covered with something like a tarp or a plastic cover so dust and dirt don’t accumulate. If you’re unable to remove it, consider covering the outside part with a tarp or a cover specifically for air conditioners.

Contact us today for any of your window air conditioner cleaning questions. Entek is there for you.