Are you wondering about how to clean a window air conditioner without removing it? Well, you’re in luck. Today we are going to explain the whole process of cleaning a window AC in great detail.
Does it feel like your window AC isn’t blowing enough cold air, even though you regularly clean your AC’s air filters and you have the right freon level without any leaks?
The reason for that is that your AC unit has clogged airflow. It reduces the efficiency of your air conditioning unit by 30% and it also increases your electricity bill exponentially.
And so, you must clean the air filters, the evaporator coils, blowers, as well as the condensers every 3 months.
Without any further ado, let’s dive right in!
Contents
How to Clean a Window Air Conditioner Without Removing it
Cleaning the window air conditioner might seem like too much work. And some might get discouraged and end up not cleaning the AC altogether. But we are here to tell you that the process is not as tough as it may seem at first glance.
By following some simple steps, you can easily accomplish that task.
What you’ll need
Before you starting cleaning the air conditioner, you must first have all the necessary tools at your disposal. That includesthe following things:
- A vacuum cleaner (That has a smaller nozzle)
- Screwdriver
- Old rag
- Some old newspapers (to protect the flooring/carpets)
- The user manual of your air conditioner
- A bucket of water
- Soap
- A spray bottle
- Gloves and goggles
How to Clean a Window AC Unit
Now, let’s get down and dirty and start cleaning the window air conditioning unit. The best part about this process is that you won’t even have to remove the unit while cleaning it. And you can do so, just by using the tools and cleaning products that are lying around in your house.
Here are the steps that you need to follow:
1. Switch off the air conditioning unit
You need to first turn the AC unit off and then disconnect the unit from the electrical power source. This is necessary because if you don’t do this, you might be at risk of being electrocuted in the process.
2. Remove the grill on the front
Next, you have to carefully remove the grill from the front of the AC. This will provide you access to the coils and filters. If the grill is not screwed-in, then you can remove it just by pulling it downwards.
On the other hand, if it is screwed-in, then you have to use the screwdriver.
3. Remove the filter of the AC unit
The next step is to take the filter and carefully remove it from the air conditioner. Make sure that the air filter doesn’t have any dents or leaks in it.
If your air conditioner has a disposable air filter and it’s showing signs of build-up and molds, then you should just replace the filter.
In contrast, if your filter is reusable, you can simply clean the filter and make it as good as new again. You can use a sponge and dishwasher soap while cleaning the air filter. If you find it hard to get the stubborn molds out of the air filter, then we suggest you leave the filter submerged in warm water for 30 minutes before cleaning.
4. Use the vacuum cleaner
This is pretty straight-forward, you simply use thevacuum cleanerto clean the dust and debrisfrom the inside of the air conditioner. You have to do it as thoroughly as possible.
5. Wipe the AC down
Take a pinch of bleach and mix it with some warm water. Then take a rag and dip it into the solution. After that, wipe down the mold and dirt from inside the AC. The bleach also makes sure that the mold does grow back in the future.
6. Dry it out
Once you’re done cleaning the inside part of the AC, it’s time to wipe it with a towel to make it dry. And if you’ve also cleaned the filter, you have to make sure that the filter is dry as well before you put it back on the AC.
7. Put it all back together
Now it’s time to put the filter back inside the air conditioner and screw the front grill back onto the AC. Once you’ve done all of this, you have to put the plug back into the outlet. And then turn the AC on to check how it performs.
Tips About Cleaning Window Air Conditioners
If you’ve followed our guide to the letter, then you should have a squeaky-clean air-conditioning unit on your hands. And that’s all you have to do, right? Well, we have some tips for you about cleaning window AC:
(1) First of all, you have to completely disconnect the air conditioner from any kind of power source.
(2) You should also remove the filter before you start the cleaning process and clean the filter separately.
(3) Take the front grille out of the AC before cleaning. This will make your job much easier.
(4) Try to keep the AC on as much as possible, as that will prevent it from getting filthy.
(5) Keep the AC in the shade as the sunlight could damage it.
(6) When not in use, store the window AC in a cool, dry place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a plastic bucket and pour a few cups of water into it. Then mix half a tablespoon of bleach into it and use the solution to clean the mold out.
Is it ok to spray water on your air conditioner?
It’s okay. You can safely spray water on your air conditioner while cleaning. That won’t cause any damage to your air conditioning unit.
What is the black stuff coming out of my window air conditioning vents?
The black stuff that’s coming out of your AC vents is probably soot, dust, or mold spores. If you notice that stuff, you should immediately start cleaning the AC.
Does vinegar kill mold in the air conditioner?
The answer is yes. And you can use vinegar to clean mold out of your air conditioner instead of bleach.
Final Thoughts
If you want your window air conditioning unit to be working effectively, cleaning the air conditioner on a regular basis is a must. Otherwise, your AC won’t be of any use when you need it the most.
And trust us; the process isn’t that challenging. With just a bit of patience, you’ll be able to do it. Hopefully, our guide about how to clean a window air conditioner without removing it was helpful. Until next time, goodbye.
