The air conditioners of window need regular cleaning and maintenance to operate at optimum performance form. It is not difficult, but we will take time. Your reward will be a more pure, fresh air and a more efficient cooling system. This method is only to clean the filter and the inner reel of your air conditioning. Unless you have completed a course of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HAVC, for its acronym in English) or a course to repair small engines, do not try to clean or remove the motor housing of your air conditioning. If your team needs a change of refrigerant, please consult a licensed HVAC contractor.
Instructions
- Make sure the air conditioner window is disconnected from any power source before cleaning. If your unit window is connected to internal household electricity instead of a cable, turn off the main circuit breaker or remove the fuse house, if still accounts with this old method. The unit your window can store electricity even when the computer is unplugged. Before cleaning the inside of your air conditioner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure the capacitor is discharged to avoid any risk of electric shock.
- Spend a damp cloth on the outside cover of the air conditioner to remove any dust or loose dirt. Remove the front cover of the air conditioner. Some covers are easily removed; others are mounted using plastic clamps or screws to be removed. Place the screws or other attachments out of reach of pets and small children.
- Fill the kitchen sink or tub with hot soapy water to a third of its size. Dip the filter into the sink bowl or tub and move swirling vigorously to remove all dust and dirt. If necessary, uses a soft catch to remove stubborn dirt and brush. It uses an old toothbrush to loosen dirt found in the corners and hard to reach places. Rinse with a manual spray nozzle. Shake the filter to drop the excess water and let dry upright. Do not ever place the wet filter inside your unit window, moisture will cause a rapid accumulation of dust and dirt and create an enabling environment for mold.
- Use plastic or rubber gloves when working with bleach or harsh cleaners. Dip a old toothbrush in the bleach, disinfectant or fungicide solution and shake gently to use as little water as possible. Slowly and carefully sweeps the dust and dirt of the reels and the internal surfaces of air conditioning that are within your reach. Rinse the toothbrush frequently. Repeat with submerged within the same solution swabs. Change the rinse water each time it is soiled. Continue cleaning with a toothbrush and swabs until you think you’ve removed all the dust and dirt that were within reach. Dry surfaces with a paper towel bun.
- Once the filter is dry, put it back in place. Do the same with the front cover. Be sure to replace all screws and hardware that you had removed earlier. Turn on your unit window and see if blowing dust or dirt. Turn off the unit and clean the dirt, then turn it on again. Clean what you have soiled and discarded all within a wastebasket. Be sure to remove all drops of water or cleaning fluid.
Tips and Warnings
- If your air conditioning needs a change of refrigerant, please consult a licensed HVAC contractor.
- Use rubber or plastic gloves to protect your hands every time you manipulate bleach or other strong cleaner.
- Make sure the room is well ventilated when using bleach or other cleaning fluids. If you can smell gas, it is because you do not have adequate ventilation.
- Make sure the air conditioner window is disconnected from any power source before cleaning.
- Unless you have done a course in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) or small engine repair, do not try to clean or remove the motor housing of your air conditioning.
