How To Clean Window Ac Filter

How to Clean a Window AC Unit to Continue It Running Smoothly All Summer Long

Remove dust, debris, and mildew from your air conditioner in merely a few simple steps.

Throughout the warm summer months, your air conditioning keeps you and your loved ones cool and comfortable. But if it's been a while since yous cleaned your window air conditioner, it's fourth dimension to requite your AC a little TLC. Consistently cleaning a window Air-conditioning unit not but allows it to operate efficiently and use less energy, but it likewise prevents unwanted mold and mildew, which can have agin health furnishings, from forming and growing inside of your unit.

With a few mutual household materials and this easy step-by-step guide, you can intendance for your window Air-conditioning and brand sure it's ready and able to keep you cool during the hottest months of the year and beyond.

removing filter from window air conditioner unit

Credit: Courtesy of Walmart

How to Clean a Window Air-conditioning Unit

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

What You'll Need

Screwdriver (optional)
Mitt vacuum or vacuum with hand attachment
Saucepan of warm water
Lather or detergent
Bristle brush
Toothbrush
Can of compressed air
Cleaning rag or textile
Spray bottle
Hydrogen peroxide (three%)

Pace 1: Clean the air filter.

Before cleaning your air conditioner, ensure that it is unplugged from the power source. Next, locate and remove the filter on your AC unit. Some window units feature filters that simply pull out; others might showtime require the removal of the front cover with a screwdriver. Look at the manufacturer's manual for your model to determine the all-time method for removing your AC unit of measurement's filter.

After removing the filter, use a mitt vacuum to extract as much dust and debris as possible. Side by side, grab a bucket with soapy water and a bristle brush and wash the filter in the sudsy water, gently brushing information technology as needed until make clean. Air-dry out the filter completely earlier re-installing it.

Step ii: Clean air-conditioner coils and fins.

Locate the evaporator coils and fins in your unit, which convert hot air into cool air, and clean them using a toothbrush or other soft-bristle brush. Be 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 whatever remaining dirt and grit.

Step 3: Make clean the exterior and grill.

Clean the grill of your air conditioner with a clammy cloth or rag. If the grime is substantial, remove the grill according to the manufacturer's instructions and submerge it in warm soapy h2o, using a brush or rag to make clean between the grill's gaps. Dry the grill completely before reinstalling information technology.

Side by side, wipe down the top and sides of the window AC unit of measurement with a damp cloth. If your AC has a drain and/or drip tray, be sure to make clean those equally well by elimination them and wiping them clean. Permit dry completely before returning to the AC unit.

Pace iv: Prevent mildew and reassemble.

Using hydrogen peroxide in a spray canteen, treat the outside areas of the air conditioner where air flows through to protect confronting mold and mildew. Allow enough time for all parts to dry completely before putting them back in place. Now, all that's left to practise is kick back, relax, and enjoy your clean Air conditioning unit as it blows fresh, cool air into your home.

How Frequently Should I Clean My Window Air Conditioner?

While there are several components of your window AC unit that crave attention on a regular basis, the most critical piece to clean routinely is the filter. Information technology 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 likewise somewhen need to be replaced. Many units have a light that comes on to indicate when information technology is time to replace the filter, so yous'll know exactly when to bandy it out for a new i.

During months when your window Air-conditioning unit is not in use, you tin cull to remove and shop it or invest in a window cover for off-season protection. Both options option will lessen the amount of clay and debris that makes its way into and onto the unit.