How to clean a window air conditioner without removing it?

It is much easier to install a window air conditioner unit than a central heating system, air system, or ceiling fan. A window air conditioner is a great option for cooling a room quickly during sweating hot months. However, they can become dirty very quickly if not taken down in the offseason.

Do you find it difficult to breathe when the air conditioner is turned on? Is your room smelling musty or dusty? Is your window AC getting noisy and less efficient lately? It’s likely that your air conditioning unit is screaming for help and needs to be cleaned!

Although there are many reasons for a loud AC, proper cleaning should be your first priority before you panic and call a technician. Sometimes, the most simple thing can solve all our problems.

The outside of your unit is designed to withstand inclement weather. However, it needs to be cleaned inside and out. Our guide will show you how to clean a window air conditioner without removing it. This knowledge will save you time and money when maintaining your system.

Let’s face facts. Window air conditioners can be heavy and bulky. It’s not easy to remove a window conditioner. Obviously, it is a laborious task. You may be asking yourself these questions: How to clean a window air conditioner without removing it? What is the best way to get started?

We are here to help you learn everything you need about window ac maintenance and cleaning. Let’s get started, so don’t delay.

How often do I need to clean my Window AC?

Your air conditioner should be treated in the same way as your other home appliances and office equipment. Although your air conditioner might not require daily cleaning, it is worth cleaning at least once a month.

You will find many benefits by regular cleaning of your – here are some suggestions:

• Clean air conditioners ensure that you are breathing clean air at your home or office. This reduces the chance of allergic reactions or asthma attacks. Your well-being is directly affected by the quality of your air. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma will find unhealthy indoor air quality from dirty air conditioner filters.
• Clean your window AC will save you money on your electricity bills. Clean air conditioners are more efficient and can cool your home in a shorter amount of time. You won’t need to run it 24/7. If your air conditioner’s performance is deteriorating, you need to clean it immediately.
• Filthy and clogged air conditioner filters can cause the air conditioner to work harder and could lead to damage. It will save you money and extend the life of your air conditioner. Clogged or dirty filters are the most common cause of damage to air conditioners. You can prolong the life of your unit by cleaning it regularly.
• Clean air conditioners keep your home and workplace clean and fresh-smelling. Imagine being in a clean office and knowing that the air you breathe is polluted. This can make you feel very uncomfortable. A dirty window conditioner can ruin a clean and tidy house or office. There are many health effects that a dirty air conditioner can have on your health, including the ever-present flu. Another aspect is the smell. The ACs can help maintain a clean environment.

How to clean a window air conditioner without removing it?

It’s tempting, however, to use a spray bottle, rag, or bucket full of soapy water for cleaning your AC unit. This could prove to be a huge mistake. While most units can be cleaned in the same way, it is a good idea to understand what each part does. Fortunately, not all parts will need to be cleaned and most are hidden.

Parts for Window Air Conditioners

Let’s have a look at the below image showing the main parts of the window air conditioner.

Air conditioner filter is a part of every AC unit that sits on a windowsill. It’s easy for you to locate. Although it’s not easy to clean, this filter is essential to maintain your AC unit’s efficiency. This is located behind the grill and should be cleaned occasionally. However, a quick visual inspection will let you know when it’s done.

You should also pay attention to the front of the unit including the control panel. However, this will vary between models. The cabinet will take some abuse from the outdoors, and may need to be cleaned or maintained depending on where you live. Drain plugs and pans are the only visible parts that are easy to access or clean on most models.

Get prepared

Here is the list of 8 essential items you will need to clean your AC window:

1. Dishwashing soap – An easy, economical cleaning agent
2. Mildew and mold remover A mold/mildew removal product is the best friend for those with hard dirt spots or if you have mold growth in your AC.
3. Spray bottle (at least 2). Two spray bottles are needed, one for water, and one for mold/mildew solutions. Spray bottles can be used to spot clean certain areas of the AC’s exterior or behind its front panel.
4. Fin comb A fin comb is a tool that can be used to clean your AC window. This handy tool can be used to clean and straighten the fins of your AC.
5. Screwdriver You’ll need a screwdriver to access the AC’s front panel (moe on the picture below). We’ll show how to do it!
6. Safety goggles To keep dust, dirt, or mold spores out of your eyes.
7. Latex gloves Gloves are strongly recommended to help prevent contact with mold spores and chemical detergents.
8. Face mask Avoid inhaling dust, mold spores and chemicals when cleaning your AC.

You’re now ready to start!

7 easy steps to clean the dirty window air conditioner

These are the steps to follow.

1. Turn off your air conditioner and unplug it. You must ensure that no electricity is passing through the area while you are working.

2.Next, you will need to take out the front grille to allow you to access the coils and filters inside the window air conditioner. This can often be accomplished by pulling the grille out. However, if the grille is screwed in you will need a screwdriver.

3. Take out the filter. Two types of filters are commonly used in window ACs: reusable and disposable. If you have a disposable filter and the AC shows signs of mold or other dirt, it is time to get a new one. You must clean your filter if it is reusable. You can clean it with warm water and detergent, or dishwashing soap. Use a sponge or soft brush to apply the solution. It can also be left to soak in warm water with detergent to loosen any grime.

4. Now take your vaccum cleaner and clean out any dirt or dust that might have built up inside the unit.

5. Use warm water to soften the dirt. Clean your AC’s interior thoroughly to remove any dirt or visible mold.

Warm water mixed with some bleach is one of the best ways to combat mold. This not only cleans but also kills mold spores. It also stops any future mold growth from happening.

6.After cleaning, you can start to enjoy your clean window air conditioner. Use a towel to dry it. Make sure to dry a reusable filter after washing it.

7.After your filter and unit are completely dry, you can replace the filter. Screw the grille on the front and plug it back in. This will not only eliminate any undesirable side effects of mold but it will also make your air conditioner work more efficiently.

Make sure your window AC runs well for a longer time

These best practices will help you get the most from your window AC unit. These tips will help your AC last longer.

• Regular maintenance checks should be scheduled. You must keep your filter clean and free from dirt or mold buildup. I have found that the filter can become blocked quite quickly in my experience living in the city. Blockage of the filter can cause a reduction in efficiency and increase your electricity bill.
• Regularly use your air conditioner, even in winter! However, it is absurd to use an air conditioner when it is cold outside. We used to experience this every year when summer arrived. After 4 months, the AC would stop working and the air would smell bad from the mold. Mold thrives in the cooler, damp winter air. You can prevent mold from becoming an issue in the summer by only using your AC for a few minutes each day.
• It should be serviced at least once a year. Refrigerant will need to be topped up every two years for AC units. The chemical that cools the air conditioner will run out of refrigerant. Although it is a simple task to refill, it should be handled by professionals.
• It should be well kept. It is best to install it in a more shaded window. Shade is better for your window unit’s lifespan. It’s a good idea to keep it dry and cool when not in use. This will protect it against the winter harshness and early onset of rust.

FAQs

Conclusion

Window ACs that are dirty are a part of everyday life. They can become clogged with dirt, mold, and other debris as part of normal operation.

This article explains how to clean your AC like an expert, the tools you will need, and discusses the benefits of regular cleaning.

Follow our guide to get the most out of your window AC for many years.

Note: You should call an expert immediately if your air conditioner is experiencing cooling issues after cleaning.