As the summer wears on the window A/C’s become less efficient to operate. This is caused by accumulation of dirt on the coils. There are some steps you can take to clean these without removing it from the window or side of the house. Although you will be able to more thoroughly clean the unit by removing it, it requires two people normally to do that. The following steps will clean the unit enough to get by on till you can get help for removing it to thoroughly clean the unit.
Step 1; turn off then unplug unit from the receptacle.
Step 2; remove the air filter, either clean or replace depending what type you have.
Step 3; remove front grill ( if not already removed ) these usually snap on, if in doubt refer to owners manual, clean grill with soap
and water, set aside to dry.
Step 4; if you see vertical fins make sure no lint/dust is blocking air flow, clean by vacuum cleaner or by carefully brushing with a
plastic scrub brush in line with fins NOT across the fins. If you have what looks like a hair styling brush just use the
vacuum cleaner as this type is very difficult to clean.
Step 5; clean the air discharge shoot using the vacuum cleaner, a wet rag or sponge.
Step 6; your done with the inside section of the A/C for now.
Step 7; looking at the outside of the back of your unit you will most likely see another set of vertical fins, making sure none or
very few of the fins are bent over, if bent very carefully straighten them using the blade of a butter knife ( the fins are
thin and bend easily ).
Step 8; now get a garden hose with a spray nozzle, direct a stream of water into the fins (angled at about the 2 ‘o clock position)
starting at the top slowly work your way from side to side down to the bottom. Notice the amount of dirty water coming out,
when it clears the unit is as clean as you’ll be able to get it without removing it from the window or wall.
Step 9; now time to put the grill on with the clean filter in it.
Step 10; you’re ready to plug in the unit and turn it on when needed.
Next time I’ll cover removing the A/C.
Have a fantastic week,
YourDIYguy