Window air Conditioner maintenance

Routine maintenance of window air conditioners is easier to perform than that of central air conditioners. If you are reasonably skilled, you can perform the maintenance yourself.

Periodicity

Washing the filters (or replacing them) regularly will prevent dust and other debris from accumulating in the indoor coil, reducing the cleaning needs. The periodicity depends largely on use and dust and dirt in the outdoor and indoor air.

Removing the unit

Inspect the coil from the outdoors, through the louvered openings, to see if the outdoor coils are dirty and need cleaning.

If the outdoor coil isn’t dirty, you don't have to remove the unit; you just have to clean the indoor coil and/or to the filters. If the outdoor coil is dirty, it's best to remove the air conditioner from the wall or window. It makes cleaning a much easier job.

Filters cleaning

Cleaning - by washing them - or replacing the filters is crucial in window air conditioner maintenance. Your unit will work better, with less electricity, and you will not have to clean the coils so often.

Indoor coils cleaning

Use a brush to remove the dirt. Pay attention to the direction of the fins: brushing should be done carefully enough, according to their direction, to avoid bending them. Use a comb to straighten any damaged fin.

Outdoor coils cleaning

Removing the room air conditioner from the wall or window can be messy, but that's in most cases the only way to access to the outdoor coils and to clean them.

Before beginning the cleaning tasks, cover the electric elements near the coil with a plastic cover, well secured with appropriate bands.

Spray a detergent or a coil cleaner over the coil, and wait some minutes, before washing lightly with water. Let the air conditioner dry in the sun.

Make sure that the water or any liquid used to clean the coil runs into the pan.