Window Air Conditioner Cleaning For Dallas Homeowners
Exposure to mold in the home can cause serious health problems. One hidden place that mold can grow is within your air conditioner; with air constantly circulating through the unit into your home, mold spores are picked up and pushed into your living areas.
This video shows how to clean a window air conditioner.
Clean Your Window Unit Air Conditioner
The Basic Clean: Disconnect the unit from all power sources. Unplug all power cords going into the unit. If your window unit is wired directly to your home, disconnect the unit from the fuses (or turn off the master circuit breaker). Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for discharging the capacitor. A capacitor is a device that holds an extra charge to help kick-start the AC motor, so this step is critical to ensure that there is no electrical charge left in the unit before you begin cleaning.
Clean the outside cover. Wipe down the outside of the window unit with a wet cloth. Be sure to get as much dust and grime off as possible so that it doesn’t fall inside the unit when you open the cover.
Remove the front cover. Some covers can be pulled off easily with your hands. Other covers may have plastic hooks or screws that need to be removed. Place any screws or clamps in a safe place while you work. Note: Some units also have a metal grill that needs to be removed. Use caution as you handle the grill, the metal edges can be sharp!
If your unit has a reusable filter, it needs to be cleaned. Remove the filter from the AC unit. Place the filter in a bucket (a sink or bathtub will also work) filled about halfway with warm, soapy water. Swish the filter around to wash off any dirt or buildup. If the filter is really dirty, you may need to use a soft brush to get rid of everything. Set the filter aside and allow it to dry completely before returning it to the AC unit. A wet filter will attract extra dirt and mold!
If your unit has a disposable filter, change it regularly. The U.S. department of energy suggests that filters be changed once a month during the cooling season.
Vacuum the inside of the unit. Use a vacuum extension to clean the bottom and sides of the unit, the back of the front cover, and the metal grill (if you have one). If there is lot of dirt, you can also use a moist rag for this step.
Reassemble the unit. Allow the unit to completely dry before reassembling. Plug in the window unit’s power source and turn it on. Clean up any debris that may shoot out when the unit is powered on again.
Store your unit in a dry place. When it’s time to put your AC unit away, cover it with a sheet of plastic and place it in a dry area to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
The “Above and Beyond” Clean. If you want to go the extra mile with your air conditioner. There are a few extra steps you can take before reassembling your unit. Be gentle as you perform these steps. The coils and fan blades are delicate and easy to bend accidentally. The motor housing is also sensitive and should be avoided while cleaning.
Clean the coils. Put on your rubber gloves and protective goggles. Add your coil cleaning solution to your water bottle. Lightly spray the coils (and only the coils) with the solution and allow it to sit for about 10-15 minutes. Then, gently pour warm water over the coils. Make sure all coil cleaner is removed. Note: Avoid getting water on any electrical parts near the coils. Consider placing a dry rag over any electrical parts to avoid water damage.
Clean the fan blades. Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe off any dirt on the fan blades. Wipe gently to avoid bending the blades. A bent blade will make your AC unit even louder!
Use a fin comb to repair any dents in the fins of your coils.
Window Air Conditioner Cleaning Tips
Sprucing up the inside of your window AC unit will help restore it to glory and remove any mildew and mold that may have accumulated inside. Even if your unit is running smoothly, it’s a good idea to give it a clean once a year to make sure it’s running efficiently. Call us for your home service and repair needs.
For more related articles and info visit https://www.berkeys.com/category/air-conditioning-articles/