How to clean a window air conditioner without removing it? Those who reside in high-rise buildings or in residences that do not have a good flow of air from a central HVAC unit may find that window air conditioning units are a necessary addition to their living arrangements. You might also require additional chilly air to maintain a suitable temperature within the house. On the other hand, similar to other things, it has to be cleaned. When compared to the typical HVAC system used in homes, this unit is far simpler to clean and maintain. Given the unit’s weight, is it possible to clean an air conditioner in a window without first removing it? YES!
Let’s have a look at the reasons why this is so important, how to locate the manual, the tools you will require, the procedures to clean the unit without removing it from the window, the benefits of cleaning it, and when to repair or replace it, and some other things to think about. Last but not least, when to seek the assistance of a trained specialist.
Table of Contents
Equipment Required to Clean an Air Conditioner without Removing It
- A nearby bucket or sink that you can fill with warm, soapy water; you can use either one.
- A vacuum that comes equipped with a bristle brush attachment.
- A gentle brush or comb that you rarely make use of
- Spray bottle containing warm water and two drops of dishwashing liquid
- Garments that are susceptible to soiling
- The air conditioning unit requires a newspaper to be placed underneath it.
- A flathead screwdriver
- A container in which to store screws and other small components to prevent their loss.
- Gloves to shield one’s hands from the jagged edges of the fins
- Fin comb for use if the coils require straightening.
How to Clean an Air Conditioner Installed in a Window without Removing It
Unplug the AC from the wall.
Because you will be utilizing a spray bottle and touching various components of the air conditioner, you need to take precautions to avoid becoming electrocuted.
Remove the Grill from the Air Conditioning Unit and then remove the Filter from the Unit.
If there is a smoker living in the house, the filters of the large HVAC unit should be changed once every one to three months. If it is a tiny unit, you should inspect it once per month to ensure that it is not clogged with debris or full of filth. You may try letting it soak in the bucket of soapy water for a while and then let it dry naturally in the air. On the other hand, one might consider getting a replacement at this point. If you find that you need to replace it, make sure you have the model number handy and consult the handbook to determine the appropriate size. There is a wide variety of shapes and sizes available, and you must select the appropriate one. Also, bear in mind that the air filter is what cleans the air, so you want the air to be as clean as it can be. It’s always a good idea to check, even if it doesn’t seem like a little window unit’s filter has to be changed all that often. Some air conditioners have a button labeled “filter rest” that illuminates to indicate when it is time to change the filter as well.
Remove the Cover from the Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit
You can remove the case by utilizing a screwdriver in this manner. The condensation drain and any other removable elements, such as the drain pan, will be visible to you as a result of this action. To clean them, you can try soaking them in some warm soapy water for a while. It is essential to clean the drain pan so that mold does not begin to grow as a result of the water that is left to sit in the pan.
To clean the window air conditioner without removing it, spray it with a cleaning solution.
You may clean the air conditioner in the window with a vacuum and a soft brush attachment without taking it out of the window. If you see dust balls or anything else in the device, be sure to carefully vacuum it out. Then, in a container, mix your water with two drops of dish detergent. Spray this solution into the machine and wipe down the afflicted areas. It’s important to provide equal focus to the fins as well. In addition, a fin comb can be used to clean the area around the fins and verify that they are straight.
Make sure the condenser coils are clean.
Additionally, there is a covering on the reverse side of the device that may be removed. This covering keeps the unit safe from the elements, but it does get dirty over time and needs to be cleaned. The condenser coils can be found hidden beneath the covering. They can be cleaned by spraying the solution that consists of water and detergent. This will make it possible for the filth to be removed. Although some people spray it with a hose, the most efficient way to clean it is with detergent, which should be used instead. After you have finished doing that, let this area air dry.
Reassemble the Unit That Makes the Air Conditioner
After making sure that everything on the inside is dry, you can reassemble everything. Consult the owner’s handbook if you are confused about how the pieces are supposed to fit together. It is essential to ensure that the interior of everything is dry to prevent the growth of mold.
WHAT VARIOUS METHODS OF WIDOW CLEANING ARE THERE TO CHOOSE FROM?
Cleaning on a Weekly and Monthly Basis
When you clean a window air conditioner once a week or once a month, the filter is the part that needs to be cleaned the most because it becomes dirty more frequently. Because of this, the procedure of cleaning will be simpler. The frequency with which you will need to clean the filter will be determined by a variety of factors. Before beginning this job, you should study the instructions that come with the air conditioner to learn how to clean it and find out where the air filter is located. You can check to determine if the filter can be cleaned or if it has to be replaced instead. If your filter can be washed, the window air conditioner that you are using will need to be turned off before you begin. The filter should then be removed, sprayed with a solution of dish soap and water, and then properly rinsed. Allow it to air dry, but hold off on turning on the air conditioner until the filter has achieved total dryness.
The Annual Spring Cleaning
Before the cold weather arrives, you should turn off your window air conditioner, pack it up, and store it in a place where it will be safe and dry. This is something you should already know. You may protect your gadget from the potentially hazardous effects of winter weather in this way, ensuring that it will remain undamaged throughout the season. After a period of cold weather, it is best practice to perform a seasonal cleaning of the window air conditioner before turning it on for the first time. Even if you put window awnings over the device, the filth and debris can still make their way inside the outside unit.
Advantages of Keeping Your Window Air Conditioner Unit Clean
The Air Filter is Tidy and Functioning Properly
A dirty air filter makes it difficult to breathe and can also become clogged, which reduces the amount of air that can pass through it. Therefore, as a direct consequence, the coils froze. If the air filter is kept clean, the machine will have a longer lifespan, it will be able to offer cleaner air in the home, and it will run more quietly because it will not have to work as hard. Also, give some thought to purchasing a window-mounted air filter that is designed to trap airborne particles and is compatible with most window units.
The Fins Permit Air to Flow through the Structure
After performing any necessary cleaning, use the fin comb that was described before to ensure that the cooling fins are as straight as possible.
Detect Mold Problems as Soon as Possible
Is there mold growing on the carpet as a result of water leaking from the unit onto the carpet? You are going to want to take care of this as soon as possible! Check the owner’s handbook to determine the cause of the leaking, and if it doesn’t solve the problem, get in touch with a qualified technician. A leak in the water supply will result in health problems due to the formation of mold.
Why Is It Necessary to Clean an Air Conditioner That Is Installed in a Window?
Maintenance is required for the window air conditioner, just like it is for most other electronic devices. As a result, you ought to be prepared to clean it consistently for a variety of reasons.
Unpolluted Air
Because you and the other members of your home breathe the air that is produced by your window air conditioner, you must ensure that it does not contain any contaminants that could be dangerous. If it is not properly cleaned and maintained, the air conditioner has the potential to spread a variety of infections. You should make an extra effort to clean a window air conditioner if someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma. This will ensure that they can breathe easier. Always keep in mind that using a gadget that is unclean can make allergic reactions and asthma episodes worse. Furthermore, those with these disorders are not the only ones who are in danger. Even persons who are otherwise healthy run the danger of contracting respiratory ailments that are brought on by polluted air. As a result, you should look out for both your physical and mental well-being.
Budgeting and Damage
Regular maintenance is essential to the optimal performance of any piece of machinery, as you well know. Therefore, regular maintenance of a window air conditioner is essential. Keep in mind that the energy consumption rate and overall performance of a gadget will increase if it is unclear. On top of that, you’ll need extra money in case of an accident to pay for medical bills and necessary replacements. Therefore, cleaning a window-mounted AC unit can save you money by reducing the likelihood of costly breakdowns and repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why cleaning A Window AC is Important?
Window air conditioners, like all other types of home appliances, require regular cleaning and maintenance. In the heart of winter, you don’t want to be engaging in activities like this if you reside in a location that gets chilly. It is a smart idea to include it in your spring cleaning to get it ready for the coming winter.
When Should Something Be Replaced, and Why?
If the HVAC technician knows you by your first name or if the air conditioning unit is more than eight to ten years old, it is probably time to start thinking about replacing it with a brand-new one. Depending on the style and the size, they can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,000.
When is it Appropriate to Contact a Professional?
If you are having problems with the air conditioner in the window, you may always call a professional for assistance. You should keep in mind that the cost of the service visit will be slightly less than the cost of purchasing a new unit, but the exact amount will vary depending on the brand and size of the unit in question. On the other hand, performing routine maintenance on it could help you extend the life of your machine.
Which Pieces of Protective Equipment Should I Make Use of while cleaning the Windows?
- Rubber gloves
- Mask
- Eye protection in the form of goggles or glasses
- Outdated towels made of fabric or paper
Is it Possible to Clean without Taking out the Window Air Conditioner?
Yes, it is possible. Just follow the following steps:
- Since a significant volume of water is required, cleaning a window air conditioner without first detaching it from the wall can be a challenge. However, to accomplish this, a little bit more work will be required.
- Put some buckets under your air conditioner before beginning the work on the project. The filter should then be removed from the frontal casing or mask after the screws have been removed.
- After that, you are required to spray the gadget while simultaneously wiping it down with a dry cloth. Continue the process until you can see that both the frontal and the internal portions are completely clean. It is imperative that you not overlook rinsing and spraying the filter. It is a great notion to do so in the bathtub or the sink in your home.
- The following thing you need to do is go outdoors and spray the air conditioner without taking off the cover. Perform the procedure anywhere you notice a hole. Allow the mixture of the liquid and the powder to soak into each component of the apparatus for approximately fifteen minutes.
- The apparatus should next be washed using the water from the hose or the bucket. Make sure that you do not pour a significant volume of water all at once. It is preferable to reduce water consumption over a longer period. You will notice that the dirt is coming out of the bottom openings of the exterior unit while you are doing this.
- When the water that drains out of a window air conditioner is clear, you will know that it has been properly cleaned. You can repeat the soaking process as many times as necessary, but you must always rinse the detergent or bleach off afterward.
- After you have done cleaning all of the components, you need to give them at least two to four hours to air dry before putting them away. Your spring cleaning is accomplished when you have put away all of the components and put them back together.
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