Having a window AC can be crucial during the hot summer months. However, using it all day long can take a heavy toll on the unit. To keep the window AC in good working condition, it’s advisable to clean it frequently. Cleaning your window AC helps prevent mildew and mold from growing. Besides, it provides you with long-term value for the AC. A well-maintained AC also uses less energy while keeping you and your loved ones comfortable. Even though the process might seem daunting when doing it for the first time, following these instructions will make it less complicated.
Required Materials
Most of the materials necessary for cleaning the AC unit are available around the house.
They include the following.
- Screwdriver
- Reusable cloth
- Compressed air
- Warm water
- Mild detergent or soap
- Soft bristle brush or fin comb
- 3% hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle
- Drip tray
1. Clean the Air Filter
This is the most crucial thing to do when cleaning your window AC unit. It helps the unit work smoothly, and it’s advisable to clean the filter monthly. To clean the filter, you need to unplug the AC and remove the front panel. If the filter is covered in hair and dust, you can use a vacuum to remove most debris. After this, you can wash the air filter with warm, soapy water and let it dry. When it’s fully dry, you can put it back in the AC. It’s also advisable to frequently replace the air filter. The timeline will depend on how frequently you use the AC.
2. Wipe the Exterior and Grill
After cleaning the air filter, you can wipe down the exterior of the AC and wash the grill. Use mild detergent and warm water when washing the grill. You can also wipe the grill down; the goal is to ensure that it’s thoroughly clean between all the gaps. After the cleaning, you can let it dry and reattach it. You should also focus on cleaning the small crevices since this is where dust and dirt collect. Ensure that everything is dry before you run the AC.
3. Clean the Fins and Coils
Now, it’s time to get inside the AC unit. Most manufacturers recommend you clean the fins and coils quarterly or semiannually. To clean the fins and coils, use the brush to comb the fins gently. The process is crucial, and you should be careful not to bend the fins. If you bend a few fins, you can gently move them back into place using a knife or a fin comb. Next, you can spray the compressed air into the AC to clean the coils. You should be thorough in removing all the dirt that might prevent your AC from working properly.
4. Clean the Drain
After cleaning the interior of the AC, you should proceed to empty the drain. It ensures that you remove all the dirt and debris. You can use a damp cloth or a wet/dry vacuum and leave everything to dry before reassembly. You should also confirm that nothing is blocking the drain, thus allowing the AC to work properly.
5. Reassembly
After cleaning the AC and waiting for all the components to dry, it’s time to reassemble everything. After reassembly, you should spray the hydrogen peroxide everywhere air passes. It helps prevent mould and mildew from growing. Besides, it allows you to breathe in colder and cleaner air while extending the life of the AC.
Benefits of Cleaning Your Window AC
Cleaning your AC is part of its maintenance. It helps you ensure that all parts are working together in harmony. Therefore, besides enjoying the best air quality, you also get to extend the life of the AC. Below are more advantages of frequently cleaning your AC.
Lower Energy Bills
In most households, air conditioners consume a large part of the monthly utility costs. Furthermore, a dirty air conditioner consumes more power since it has to work harder to cool your home. Such an air conditioner can consume anywhere between 5% to 25% more energy. Cleaning your window AC more frequently allows it to work normally, thus minimizing your electricity bill.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Your window AC does more than cool your home. It also helps keep the air clean and healthy within the house. If your AC is dirty, it’s the perfect breeding ground for germs, bacteria, fungi, and mould. In return, you breathe in dirty air that can have serious health repercussions. Frequently cleaning the AC means that you don’t have any contaminants in the air. Besides cleaning the AC, you should also change the filter frequently, thus making it more effective.
Greater AC Efficiency
Besides enjoying fresher air and lower energy bills, frequently cleaning your AC can help make it more durable. Cleaning the AC helps it perform more efficiently without any pressure or stress. When the AC gets dirty, the debris and dirt make it hard for it to cool your home. A dirty AC has to work harder to try to meet the demands of your household. This can affect the internal components, which will reduce their efficiency.
Reasonable Repair and Replacement Costs
Leaving your window AC dirty can lead to larger problems or even complete unit failure. As the AC accumulates debris and dirt, it can become harder to clean, thus leading to higher maintenance costs. Besides, some parts might fail to work or even overheat, leading to the inability of your Ac to dissipate heat effectively. All these issues can pile up and necessitate some costly replacement parts. If your window AC is extremely dirty, it’s advisable to have a professional clean it. This allows them to look at all the components and ensure that nothing is damaged.
The Frequency of Cleaning Your Window AC
During the season when it is in operation, cleaning your AC should occur every month or two. If your AC is always on, you can change the air filter at least twice that often to guarantee its efficiency. Cleaning the air filter from time to time is crucial since it helps improve the air quality within your home. If you have fur-bearing pets or smokers in your residence, you should clean the air filter more frequently. You should also check the manual to know more about when you need to get the AC serviced by a professional. When your window AC is not in use, you can opt to remove it or use a window cover to protect it. This helps lessen the debris and dirt that ends up within the unit.
Your Trusted AC Professionals
At Western Pacific Heating, Cooling & Airflow, we aim to offer everyone the best heating and cooling services in Vancouver, BC. Our services cover industrial, commercial and residential customers. They also include air purification, VRF systems, and water heaters. When you choose us, you gain control over the comfort of your home. Contact us today for the best heating and cooling products and services.
