[Step by Step Guide] How To Clean A Window Air Conditioner Without Removing It

Is it possible to clean a window air conditioner without removing it? Yes, absolutely.

After disconnecting the power, remove the front panel and clean it out. The filters should also be removed and cleaned, then dried. Additionally, to clean the evaporator fins, use a spray bottle of water and completely drain the water tray. Afterward, replace the filters as well as the front panel.

Moreover, residents living in high-rise buildings and homes without sufficient airflow from a central HVAC unit may find window air conditioners invaluable.

Having said all that, they do need to be cleaned!

You’ll have nothing but problems if your air conditioner is filthy.

Most of the problems you’ll have will be related to the window air conditioner.

They will most likely cause problems with your energy bill, air quality, and dust levels.

Your equipment should be routinely cleaned to avoid such a scenario.

But cleaning a window air conditioner takes time for most people. On the contrary, by following these few simple steps, you will complete the task in no time.

Related: Why Your Air Conditioner Sounds Like Water Running

When to Replace Your Window Air Conditioner?

It is recommended that you replace your unit after eight to ten years.

However, it would be best if you first troubleshot it.

To get rid of it, follow these recommendations on how you may get rid of nearly anything (if you need to).

For starters, check to see if any warm air is leaking into the unit through the seal around the outside of it.

A loosening sealant should be replaced whenever necessary.

Additionally, you’ll need to remove your filter (usually positioned right beneath the grill) and clean it with a warm, soapy water solution.

Keep an eye out for now-visible evaporator coils while the filter dries.

Your vacuum upholstery brush can help clean them dirty, but be careful not to damage the fragile fins.

However, if your air conditioner’s compressor or refrigerant level is malfunctioning and it’s out of warranty, and it’s time to replace your window air conditioner.

One to five years is the typical warranty period, a little bit of a happy ending.

So you’ll be able to cut costs by upgrading to a more energy-efficient machine.

Look for a model that has been Energy Star certified.

The same is true if you’re thinking about upgrading to a whole-house air conditioner.

Read More: How To Stop A Bed From Squeaking?

Feasible DIY Tips on How to clean a window air conditioner without removing it?

What You’ll Need:

    • Fill a nearby bucket or sink with warm soapy water.
    • A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment is ideal.
    • Brush or comb with a soft bristle that you don’t use
    • Dish detergent in a spray bottle with warm water
    • Newspaper to place beneath the air conditioner unit
    • A screwdriver.
    • A spot where you can store screws and small parts so that they don’t get lost.
    • Gloves to keep your hands safe from the sharp fins
    • If the coils need straightening, use a fin comb.

How to clean a window air conditioner without removing it

  • First, you need to unplug its power cord.

You don’t want to get electrocuted when handling the air conditioner or utilizing a spray bottle.

  • Remove the grill from the air conditioner unit and remove the filter.

Large HVAC units should have filters changed every 1 to 3 months if the home has a smoker inside.

A tiny unit air conditioner should be checked every 30 days for jamming or dirt buildup.

In some cases, you may be able to soak it in a pail of soapy water and let it air dry afterward. Other times a replacement is necessary.

Check your owner’s manual for the correct size, and make sure you know what model it is.

Sizes and types vary, so make sure you purchase the right one for you.

Also, remember that the air filter cleans the air, so you want it as clean as possible.

Small window units may not require as much maintenance, but double-check is always a good idea.

Others have a button to let you know when it is time to replace the filter.

  • Remove the air conditioning unit’s casing by lifting it.

The outer casing can be removed with a screwdriver; thus, you will be able to see what’s inside and remove the drain pan.

Clean them with warm soapy water to prevent any mold growth in the drain pan. It’s essential to clean it regularly.

  • Consider vacuuming and spraying the inside parts.

You can clean up any dust particles or other debris in the window air conditioner without removing it by using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.

Afterward, combine your water with two drops of dish soap.

Then, spray this inside the machine and wipe all the affected areas down. Consider the fins as well. Fins can also be cleaned and straightened with a comb.

Read More: Comprehensive Guide Of The Best Water Vacuum Cleaner

  • Remove and clean the condensers.

The back of the unit has a removable cover.

As a weather barrier, this covering must be cleaned regularly.

Coils are hidden beneath the covering of the condenser.

They can be cleaned by spraying them with a solution of water and detergent.

As a result, the grime will be washed away.

While some people spray it with water from a hose, it is more effective if you use detergent to clean it. Let the area dry after you’ve done that.

  • Reassemble the Air Conditioner Unit

Put the parts back on when everything is dry on the inside of the car.

Please refer to the installation manual for any questions you may have. For mold prevention, make sure that everything inside is completely dry.

Read More: Best Space Heater For A Large Room

Why you should clean your window air conditioner

How to clean a window air conditioner without removing it

  • The air filter is in good condition and is performing its function

A filthy air filter can cause breathing problems, as well as clogging and a lack of airflow.

As a result, the coils will freeze Because it is not working as hard, a clean air filter will help a machine last longer, deliver cleaner air in the home, and make it quieter.

Also, consider purchasing an air filter that captures airborne particles and fits into most window air conditioners and heating devices.

  • Using fins allows air to flow through the vessel.

You can use the fin comb stated above to preserve the cooling fins in the best possible shape after any cleaning or maintenance.

  • Early detection of a mold problem

Has water leaked from the unit and caused mold to grow on the carpet? Please take care of this as soon as possible. Find out why it is leaking by consulting the installation manual. If you still need help, call in a specialist. As a result of water leaks, mold will grow, posing a health hazard.

Approximately how often should I clean the air conditioner’s filters?

Air conditioner filters should be cleaned every two weeks as a general rule.

More frequent filter cleaning is recommended in dustier or polluted areas.

Maintaining your air conditioner’s health begins with cleaning its filters.

Blockages in filters can have a substantial impact on a system’s efficiency.

A clean filter can reduce your air conditioner’s energy use by ranging from 5 to 15 percent.

How Does By Not Cleaning Your AC Filter Affect You?

Think about what would happen to your car if you didn’t ever change the oil.

Why not quit brushing your teeth or having a bath? Well, it’s pretty obvious where this is going – if you stopped doing any of these things, chaos would result. Is there a connection between this and the AC filter?

In the same way, as the examples stated before, you’d be in a world of hurt if you ignored it.

How to clean a window air conditioner without removing it

Clogging of the airways

The air filter captures dust and filth as part of its duty.

For example, it can clog up and stop working if it powers elements such as fan motors or valves.

There is a risk that the system will try to draw more power and burn out or use more energy than necessary.

Frosted Over

There’s a good chance that your air conditioner has frozen up if you haven’t cleaned or replaced the filter in a long time.

Due to blocked airflow, a buildup of cold air may occur within the air conditioner. As a result, ice could form on the coils.

Unhealthy Air Quality in the Home

Are there any members of your family that have allergies or asthma?

A clogged filter can exacerbate the symptoms of a person with asthma.

How? Dirty filters may allow allergens to accumulate in the ventilation system and then be released back in the air you breathe each time the system comes on.

Please use this as a gentle reminder to change or replace your air filter.

Just a few minutes of your time can make a huge difference.

Read More: Signs Your Water Heater Is Going To Explode

Keep Your Window Air Conditioner Running Smoothly For Longer

Best practices should be followed when using your window AC unit to maximize its efficiency. Your air conditioner will run more efficiently if you follow these guidelines.

Set up a schedule for regular inspections.

It’s crucial to keep an eye out for filter blockages and dirt and mold buildup. As a city dweller, I can attest that the filter can become clogged quite rapidly. Air conditioner effectiveness is severely hampered by a clogged filter, resulting in skyrocketing electricity.

Air conditioners should be used routinely.

The answer is yes, even in the dead of winter.

Why would you want to utilize an air conditioning unit when it’s freezing outside in the winter months?

Everyone in our family was affected by the heatwaves that came around every year.

As soon as we turned on the air conditioner after four months of inactivity, we were greeted with a foul odor from the mold that had grown inside.

Mold thrives in the moist, colder winter air, which is ideal for its growth. It only takes a few minutes of AC use once or twice a week to keep your home mold-free.

This way, when summer comes again, you won’t have to worry about mold.

Regular maintenance is recommended. HVAC systems will require a refrigerant recharge every two years.

It should be maintained every year or two.

Ensure you have it serviced at least once a year or two.

Every couple of years, air conditioners will require a refrigerant top-up.

When your air conditioner runs out of refrigerant, your air conditioner will cease working. You can do it yourself, but it’s best left to the professionals.

Ensure it is well protected.

Please keep it safe and secure. Use a more shady window if you can. Sunlight means less heat, which is good for your window unit’s lifespan. Consider storing it in a cold, dry place while not in use. In this way, you can protect it from the freezing temperatures of winter, as well as the early appearance of corrosion.

When using a window air conditioner, should I tilt it?

It’s best to have a slight lean towards the outdoors.

In many cases, when a unit is first installed, it will sit virtually level, and the water will drain out of the unit via drain channels before entering the house.

At some point in time, clogged drains might cause flooding inside your home.

Annually, the drains should be cleaned.

Because of this, you must remove the outer cover, but this is not difficult.

I’ve drilled holes for drainage and painted the raw metal of the holes I drilled to prevent rust from forming. A low location on the case’s floor is where I drill the hole.

Most of the time, it’s a corner that’s the best option.

Conclusion on How To Clean A Window Air Conditioner Without Removing It

A good window air conditioner can make a big difference in the heat of a hot summer day.

The problem is that no one wants to breathe air that smells and is full of dust particles.

I hope that this article has given you some tips on how to clean the window air conditioner without removing it and keeping that baby clean and working well.

Related: House Cleaning Secrets Step-By-Step Guide

Leave a Comment