If you don’t know how to clean a window air conditioner without removing it? This article is for you. Here are 7 simple steps that you can follow to keep clean your window air conditioner without removing it.
Simple window air conditioners can save lots of electricity and water. However, suppose they are not kept in good condition. In that case, the efficiency of your window ac may be reduced, or its performance may even be decreased.
Way to clean a window ac unit is not a quick job for most of us. However, if you follow instructions, you will be able to clean your window air conditioner with ease.
The process of cleaning windows is not easy. It requires a lot of skill and experience. Some people might think that they are good at it, but they have minimal experience in this field.
Necessary materials for Cleaning Air Conditioner without removing window:
Luckily, you probably have all you need to clean your household, and there will be no extra costs to clean a window air conditioner.
A good air conditioner will help keep your home cool and help you stay healthier. Today, there are many different types of air conditioners available, and they can be pricey. You won’t want to spend money on something that you won’t use very often, or that won’t last as long as it could.
If you are a newbie at cleaning a window ac, the following tips will guide you through an excellent idea.
Material
- Vacuum: A vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle or soft brush that can be attached
- bucket: A bucket of warm soapy water
- Brush: A soft brush or comb that you don’t use
- Drip tray An old sheet or newspapers: To protect the carpet under where you will be working place beneath your unit.
- Cloth: A piece of Cloth that can get dirty An old cloth paper towels
- A spray bottle: Spray bottle with warm water and two drops of dish detergent.
- Gloves: Gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- A screwdriver: Need to remove all the screws.
You can use bleach as an excellent choice to clean a window air conditioner since it destroys mold. Unfortunately, it will also destroy metal and some parts of your AC. My advice is to look carefully at the instructions on cleaning your device. If they don’t mention bleach as a possible cleaning option, you should avoid it.
How to clean a window air conditioner without removing it? (7 easy steps):
You really can’t because it must be spray washed with a pressure washer or at least a garden hose. That’s if you want to do it right. Mildew is a big problem with window air conditioners. There’s no way to clean it out thoroughly without washing the inside. It is a time-consuming project, without a doubt. It can take up to 4 hours to complete from start to finish. You have to take apart the air conditioner (somewhat) and wash out mildew.
Remove the front panel after disconnecting electrically. Remove and clean filters, and dry—clean cooling fins of evaporator fins by spraying water. Drain the water tray completely. Put back filters and front panel.
The inside part should have a snap-on, snap-off face cover. Maybe a couple of screws holding it in place. I’m thinking a combination of some vacuuming and the magic of Windex would keep the inside part looking nice. Possibly there is a filter you can clean and or replace after removing the face cover.
It would be best never to remove the unit for general cleaning. The front panel needs to breathe, so things like tree leaves and dust dirt should be removed, which should be something you can do without disassembly.
How To Clean Window Air Conditioner:
Step 1: Turn off your AC
First, Turn off the Power. It would help to make sure the AC power is off for additional safety. Disconnect entirely from the wall. It is the essential step. Unplug the Unit From the Wall to Clean the dirty window air conditioner.
Step 2: Remove Filter:
Remove the air conditioner filter. Soak in warm soapy water. You have to remove the front panel of to clean air conditioner and then remove the air filter, which is more expectedly to be filled with dust and various other particles.
Step 3: Remove the case:
Wipe down with warm soapy water. Take the Case Off the Air Conditioning Unit. Next, Open the conditioner’s casing. Now is when the screwdriver becomes handy, so with the help of the screwdriver, open up the container of the air conditioner. And it would be best if you cleaned the various vertical metal fin comb on its surface.
Step 4: Vacuum and wipe down:
Vacuum and Spray the Inside Parts to Clean the window ac unit Without Removing It. After you’ve wiped down all the surfaces, it’s time to vacuum. Vacuuming helps remove any dirt or debris that may have been missed when wiping down surfaces. Be sure to vacuum all carpets and upholstered furniture. Once you’re finished vacuuming, wipe down any hard surfaces with a damp cloth.
Step 4: Spray with warm soapy water:
You are then, Cleaning up the exterior body. If the filter is covered with a grill, you need to remove the grill and then clean it with a warm foamy mixture because warm water can efficiently remove stains.
Step 5: Clean the AC Interior:
Dust it around with a duster and a specified chemical. I would not recommend using water, even for outside blocks.
If you insist on water, grab a water gun with reasonably high pressure and start cleaning. Make sure your AC is off before doing so.
Wipe the water away, and then let the soil dry out for a couple of hours.
Step 6: Clean the Condenser Coils:
Get access to the coil. Usually, performing a little bit of disassembling is enough. However, please do not get carried away with that, or you will be surrounded with parts with your AC, unable to put them back together.
Cleaning coils. As you clean the fins, start moving to the locks. If you have any trouble locating the waves, it is the perfect time to use the user manual and discover rings.
Step 7: Reassemble the Air Conditioner Unit
Let your window AC completely dry before reassembling and reinstalling it. Leave everything to dry, then reassemble.
Finally, Bind it all up.When you have cleaned all the parts, wait a few minutes and allow the pieces to dry up. And as the details will dry up, vacuum the interior for the last time, and as you do so, now start placing all the elements in the right places.
Advantages of Cleaning the Window Air Conditioner Unit:
Cleaning your window air conditioner regularly isn’t just crucial for prolonging the window unit life. Still, it is vital to protect the health of your home’s inhabitants.
One of the main problems with window AC units is that they are vulnerable to mold. A build-up of moisture and lack of airflow can cause smell mold spores to form and release into your home and living space.
Mold spores can damage your property and your respiratory health, so you must reduce the chances of them spreading.
If your window AC starts producing a dank, musty smell when it’s turned on, or you can see mold forming on the exterior, it’s time to clean.
Cleaning your window ac unit will improve your health and your property. Still, it will also ensure your AC will last as long as possible, negating the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Window Air Conditioner Cleaning Products:
When your window ac unit is just a little dusty, you can tidy it up with everyday things lying around your household. If you need to clean the backside of your unit, things get tricky, which is where specialized cleaning products come into play within just a few minutes.
The best product to clean up coils and blades on this style of the air conditioner is a foaming cleanser. There is no shortage of options to choose from, but Frost King’s ACF19 cleaner is a popular option. However, you can also mix your own if you prefer a squirt bottle to aerosol spray.
A nylon brush can handle light-duty work on fins, but most household brushes aren’t designed for it.
There are a few companies that sell thin metal whisks. Still, we prefer a traditional condenser fin cleaning brush as they aren’t fancy, but they are highly effective and reusable.
The only other tool used during maintenance would be a fin comb. Fins outside your home can become damaged, and a set of fin combs can help you straighten them out. You can buy a single tool, but a collection has brushes for different fins per inch, covering a broader range of systems.
Final tips
In addition to cleaning, it regularly, there are other steps you can take to keep your air conditioner in proper working order. For instance, remove it from your window and store it inside during the winter months or when you won’t use it for long periods.
If this seems like more work than you’re willing to put in, you can always hire a professional to clean your dirty window air conditioner without removing it. Ask your friends and family for referrals or check with reputable service providers in your area to find someone.
But whether you decide to bring in an expert or clean it yourself, make sure to stick to a regular monthly cleaning schedule. At a minimum, clean your filter monthly and spray your unit with hydrogen peroxide to fend off mildew.
When to Call a Professional?
You can always call a professional if you have issues with the window air conditioner. Just keep in mind that the service call will cost you a little less than a new unit, depending on the model and size you have. However, regular servicing helps you prolong the life of your air conditioner unit.
If your window ac is not cooling as well as it used to, you may need to have the coolant levels checked. If there are no leaks and the coolant is at the right level, then you might need to replace a part or get a new unit.
Another reason to call a professional is if your window ac starts making strange noises. This could be a sign that there is something wrong with the compressor or other parts inside the unit.
When it comes to deciding when to call a professional, it really depends on how much money you want to spend and how often you use your window ac. If you only use it occasionally, then you can probably get by without calling
Conclusion:
The air conditioner is one of the most significant appliances in your home. You’ll get more long-term value if you have a well-maintained window air conditioner. Keeping your air conditioning unit clean will prevent mold and mildew from growing inside and get more long-term value out of your appliance. You can control the temperature and shut it off when needed.
You should be aware that air-conditioner cooling can save energy. A suitable cooling unit can reduce your utility bills and save you money.
FAQ:
Can I spray bleach on my window air conditioner?
You can use bleach as an excellent choice to clean a window air conditioner without removing it since it destroys mold. Unfortunately, it will also destroy metal and some parts of your AC.
Can you hose down a window air conditioner?
When your air conditioner gets dirty, especially if it’s an outside unit, you may be wondering if it’s safe to hose it down. After all, it is an electrical appliance. Could you hose it down and short it out? Rest assured that you can hose your air conditioner down as one of many methods to clean it off.
How do I clean my outside AC unit without a hose?
Pull the plug out or flip the switch to the “off” position. Use gloved hands to remove any large pieces of debris. Delicately vacuum cleaner the condenser fins with a soft brush attachment.