No Excuses — Clean Your Air Conditioner. Here's How
But the real question is how well does your air conditioner perform? After all, if you run your AC for a long time, allergens, hair and dust can begin to accumulate in the air filter. This is why regular cleaning of AC units is necessary, just like other appliances. Neglecting your AC by not cleaning it can lead to energy waste and increased costs. As heating and cooling account for the largest share of home energy use, and with a CNET survey reporting that 78% of Americans are concerned about rising energy bills, maintaining your system is more important than ever.
With the rising costs of, well, absolutely everything thanks to inflation, it's more crucial than ever to save where possible. A CNET survey revealed that 93% of Americans are concerned about inflation, and given the current situation in the US, many of us will struggle to get by. If you plan to continue using your air conditioner, ensure it's operating efficiently to avoid high electricity bills.
CNET
Changing the filter on a regular basis is the most important factor in ensuring your AC delivers as much cool air as possible but there are other ways an AC gets dirty and backed up. Giving your AC a full cleaning on a regular basis will ensure it lasts as long as possible and functions as it's supposed to.
It's important to change the filter regularly, as it is key to keeping your AC working efficiently and providing plenty of cool air. Besides that, your AC can get dirty and clogged in other ways, which is why giving it a thorough cleaning often will help it last longer and perform at its best.
For other ways to help keep you cool throughout the summer, check out our window AC buying guide. We also have guides and how-tos on how to fix a noisy air conditioner and how to tell if it's time to replace your AC.
Read more: Lower Your Electric Bill This Summer With These Air Conditioning Tips
Gather your AC cleaning materials
You'll need a few items from around the house to give your air conditioner a thorough clean. Before you get started, grab the following materials:
Compressed air
Drip tray to place beneath your unit
Fin comb
Mild soap or detergent
Reusable cloth
Screwdriver
Spray bottle filled with 3% hydrogen peroxide
Warm water
1. Clean the filter
A dirty filter is the No. 1 reason AC units stop working properly.
mphillips007/Getty Images
Cleaning the filter inside your window AC unit is the most critical thing you can do to keep it working smoothly. It's a good idea to wash the filter monthly, even if you don't clean the entire appliance. Here's how to do it.
First, make sure your air conditioner is unplugged, then take off the front panel and remove the filter. If it's covered in dust or hair, use a vacuum to clear away as much debris as you can. From there, wash your filter with warm, soapy water and set it out to dry. Wait until it's fully dry before putting it back into your window AC unit.
It's also a good idea to replace your air conditioner filter regularly. The exact frequency will depend on how much you use your AC and environmental factors but you should strive to swap your filter out every six weeks to six months.
2. Wipe down the grill and exterior
Wiping down the front grill can help air flow better.While your filter is drying, wash the grill with warm water and mild detergent. Or if you don't want to wash it, you can instead use a damp reusable cloth to wipe it down -- just make sure to clean thoroughly in between the gaps where air comes out. Let it dry completely before reattaching it.
Once you've cleaned the grill, wipe down the top and sides of the air conditioner. Take care to get inside small spaces where it's easy for dirt and dust to collect. Wait until the grill and exterior are fully dry before running the unit.
3. Dust off the fins and coils
Don't forget the back of your AC unit if you can get to it.
Screenshot by David Watsky/CNET
Now it's time to roll up your sleeves and get inside your AC unit. You don't need to dust the fins and coils every time you clean your air conditioner but most manufacturers recommend doing it quarterly or semiannually.
First, take a fin comb or soft bristle brush and gently comb the aluminum fins inside your AC. Take your time during this process because the fins bend easily and can be sharp. If you notice any bent fins, gently move them back into place.
Next, spray your can of condensed air inside the unit to dust off the coils. You should be as thorough as possible to remove any debris that could be preventing your appliance from working correctly.
Paint your house instead of installing air conditioning Paint your house instead of installing air conditioning
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Paint your house instead of installing air conditioning
4. Clean out the tray and drain
Finish the interior clean of your window AC unit by emptying the drip tray and clearing the drain. To remove debris or dirty water from your tray, grab a wet-dry vacuum (if you have one) or a damp cloth and pull out everything that's collected inside. Leave it to dry before reassembling.
Finally, check the drain to see if anything is blocking it. Use your cloth to wipe around the opening and make sure there's a clear pathway for water to exit your unit.
5. Reassemble and spray cleaner on your unit
A clean AC unit will power you through the hottest summer days.
Martin LaMonica/CNET
After you've cleaned and dried everything, it's time to reassemble your window AC unit and give it a final spray to prevent mildew from growing.
Grab your hydrogen peroxide spray bottle and apply the solution to the areas where air flows in and out. Wait for the peroxide to dry before using your appliance -- and you're done. Not only will you breathe in cleaner and colder air but you'll extend the life of your air conditioner as well.
Final tips
In addition to cleaning it regularly, there are other steps you can take to keep your air conditioner in proper working order. For instance, remove it from your window and store it inside during the winter months or when you won't be using it for long periods of time.
If this seems like more work than you're willing to put in, you can always hire a professional to clean your window air conditioner for you. To find someone, ask your friends and family for referrals or check with reputable service providers in your area.
Whether you decide to bring in an expert or clean it yourself, just make sure to stick to a regular cleaning schedule. At a minimum, clean your filter monthly and spray your unit with hydrogen peroxide to fend off mildew.
FAQs
What is the most important part of the AC to keep clean?
The filter is the most important part to keep clean in your air conditioner. It can easily become clogged with hair, dust and other debris, and this can affect the AC's cool air flow and energy efficiency.
How often should I be cleaning the inside of my air conditioner?
You should be cleaning the inside of your air conditioner at least twice a year, according to most AC manufacturers.
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