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When the temps heat up, there are all kinds of ways to keep your cool. How does a dip in a plunge pool sound? Homemade ice cream, anyone? Of course, relaxing at home in the air-conditioning is a no-brainer.
An alternative to central air, window air conditioners are small, self-contained appliances that attach to your window and keep your space cool by drawing hot air out and blowing cool air in. They're an efficient way to cool a small space. But before you crank yours up, it might be in need of a little maintenance.
Ahead, HVAC professionals provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean window ac unit filters, coils, and condenser trays. They also filled us in on how often to clean a window air conditioner and gave us some intel on why it's so important to keep this appliance in tip-top shape.
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Why Should You Clean a Window AC Unit?
Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate in your window AC unit, clogging the filter and affecting the coils, says certified HVAC technician Josh Mitchell, owner of Air Conditioner Lab. "This can lead to reduced efficiency, meaning the unit has to work harder to cool your room," Mitchell says. When your AC is putting in overtime, you'll probably see higher energy bills.
Also, a dirty AC unit can circulate poor-quality air, which could trigger allergies or cause respiratory problems, Mitchell points out. You should also routinely check to make sure that there's nothing blocking the back of the unit, like leaves or bird nests, which could obstruct the airflow, he adds.
A worst-case scenario? Dust-filled air conditioners run less efficiently and can break down, says Brad Roberson, president of Aire Serv, a Neighborly company. In extreme instances, when a window ac unit is strained, it could potentially cause a fire.
How To Clean Window AC Unit Filters
This job is as easy as cleaning your dryer's lint trap, so there's no excuse to skip it. If you don't do it, you could start to see fuzz coming through your window ac unit's front cover.
Frequency: About Once a Month
In general, you should clean the filter on a window AC unit monthly, says David Heiman, senior director of training at The Refrigeration School, Inc., a Phoenix, Arizona, school that offers training in air-conditioning and heating technologies. If you notice the airflow doesn't feel as strong or cold, try cleaning the filter.
Experts say you may need to clean your filters more frequently in some unique instances (i.e., when air quality is poor because of lingering wildfire smoke or there's a lot of pollen in your neighborhood).
Before you start cleaning, make sure the air conditioner unit is turned off and unplugged. Also, check the instruction manual for any specific cleaning instructions and directions to help you locate your filter.
The Supplies:
- A vacuum with a brush attachment
- Mild detergent or soap
- Water
How To Clean the Filters, According to Heiman:
1. Remove the filter from the unit. Most filters are screen-style filters located on the top or front side of the interior section of the unit.
2. Once the filter is removed, clean it by vacuuming it to remove dust and debris. You can also wash the filter gently with mild detergent or soap and water.
3. Let the filter dry completely, then reinstall it. Always be sure it's completely dry before you put it back in.
Pro tip: While you're cleaning your filter, use the vacuum's brush attachment to clean the interior of the filter compartment too; dust and debris tend to accumulate near the cooling fins, Mitchell says.
How To Clean Window AC Unit Coils
Air conditioner coils, like refrigerator coils, keep your window ac unit from overheating. It's important to keep them clean to help them work efficiently.
Frequency: About Once a Year
Your window ac unit's coils should be cleaned annually, experts say.
Again, make sure your window ac unit is turned off and unplugged before you attempt to clean it, and check the owner's manual for any specific instructions. Cleaning the coils requires the unit to be separated from the window frame, Heiman says. To do this, you usually need to remove several screws on the front of the unit.
The Supplies:
- Soft brush
- Coil cleaner
- Spray bottle with water
How To Clean the Coils, According to Mitchell:
1. The coils can be found behind the filter. Using a soft brush, carefully remove any dust or debris.
2. For stubborn dirt, a coil cleaner (available at most hardware stores) can be sprayed on, left for a few minutes, then rinsed off with a spray bottle of water. There are also no-rinse coil cleaners available at most hardware stores.
3. Wait until your unit is completely dry before reattaching it to the window.
Pro tip: Be cautious not to bend the coil fins while cleaning, Mitchell says.
How To Clean Window AC Unit Condenser Tray
The condenser tray or drip pan catches excess water and prevents leaks.
Frequency: As Needed
How often you need to clean your condenser tray depends on how often you run your window ac unit, but
The Supplies:
- Warm soapy water
- Sponge
You need to empty the condensation tray regularly when your window ac unit is running. Routinely giving it a good wash can prevent things like mold and mildew growth. The condenser pan is usually located at the bottom of the unit, Mitchell says. It can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a sponge and then dried before you reattach it.
Brittany Anas is a former newspaper reporter (The Denver Post, Boulder Daily Camera) turned freelance writer. Before she struck out on her own, she covered just about every beat—from higher education to crime. Now she writes about food, cocktails, travel, and lifestyle topics for Men’s Journal, House Beautiful, Forbes, Simplemost, Shondaland, Livability, Hearst newspapers, TripSavvy and more. In her free time, she coaches basketball, crashes pools, and loves hanging out with her rude-but-adorable Boston Terrier that never got the memo the breed is nicknamed "America’s gentleman."
