A DIY Guide on How To Clean an Air Conditioner Window Unit

A DIY Guide on How To Clean an Air Conditioner Window Unit

Have you ever noticed your window air conditioner isn’t keeping things as cool and fresh as it used to? Don’t sweat it!

Cleaning your window A/C unit might seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly simple and totally worth it. A little DIY maintenance can make a big difference in keeping your home cooler, your energy bills lower, and your air quality healthier. 

We’ve put together this DIY guide to help you learn how to clean an air conditioner window unit. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

How Often Should You Clean Your Window A/C?

Ideally, your A/C window unit should be cleaned every three to six months. If you really don’t have time for that or don’t use your A/C that often, clean it at least once a year before the summer months start.

When you notice these signs, it’s definitely time for a clean!

• Reduced airflow and cooling efficiency

• Loud or unusual sounds

• A musty odour

• Increased, unexplained energy bills

• Visible dust or dirt around the vents

• Water dripping from the unit

What Tools You’ll Need

• Screwdriver (Phillips or flat-head, depending on your unit)

• Soft cleaning brush

• Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment

• Cloth

• Paper towel

• Hose

• Warm water

• Mild detergent

• Spray bottle

The Cleaning Process

1. Unplug the Unit From the Powerpoint

Turn off your system and unplug its power cord from the wall powerpoint to prevent electrical shock.

If the unit is hardwired, turn off the circuit breaker labelled for the A/C or the room it’s connected to.

2. Remove the Front Cover

Unclip the front cover of the unit. If the cover is screwed into place, use a screwdriver to remove the screws. Be sure to put any screws somewhere they won’t get lost.

Set the front cover aside; you’ll clean it later.

3. Take Out the Filter and Clean It

The air filter sits directly behind the front cover. Slide or lift it out.

Rinse the filter under running water to remove dust. You can do this in a big sink, like in your laundry, or take the filter outside and rinse it with a hose.

Keep the tap or hose’s pressure light to avoid damaging the filter’s fibres. Keep rinsing the filter until the water runs clear. 

For stubborn dirt and grime, spray a mild cleaning solution on the filter first, gently scrub it with a soft cleaning brush, and then rinse.

Shake off any excess water and leave the filter to dry in the shade, or place it on a towel in a well-ventilated area inside, away from direct sunlight.

The filter must be completely dry before you place it back into the unit, as a wet filter can grow mould.

4. Clean the Evaporator

The evaporator is found behind the filter. It’s made up of a series of coils and aluminium fins.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove surface dust and debris from between the aluminium fins. Be gentle to avoid bending them. Don’t use a dustpan brush or any other brush, as it will only push dust further into the evaporator.

After vacuuming, spray the fins with a mild, non-foaming detergent in a spray bottle and let that sit for a few minutes. Then, spray away the detergent with water from a spray bottle.

You can use a specialised coil cleaner instead of a mild detergent. The cleaner will come with instructions on how to use it. 

5. Clean the Condenser

You’ll need to head outside to the back of the unit to access the condenser. The condenser looks similar to the evaporator in nature and sits behind the condenser fan, exposed to the elements. 

Remove any leaves or dirt from the condenser. Then hose it down with light water pressure, being careful not to wet any electrics.

If the unit is up high and can't be accessed from the outside, you’ll need to remove the entire unit from its sleeve from the inside. This is pretty easy to do, but you’ll need another pair of hands as the unit is heavy. 

There’ll be a few screws attaching the unit to its sleeve. Remove these. On the front of the unit, you should see a small indentation you can pop your fingers in to slide the unit forward. 

Slide the unit out completely and, with help, sit it on a towel on the floor or take it outside. 

Now you have access to the condenser, you can clean it.

6. Clean Out the Drain

Depending on how your unit was installed, it may have a drain hose that runs from the base of the unit to the ground.

Remove the drain hose and pour hot water down it to flush out any dirt and debris. You can add bleach or a mild detergent to the water mixture. 

As you’re outside, it may be easier to stick your hose head in the drain hose and turn the water on full pressure.

Once the drain hose is clear, push it back into place.

7. Put Everything Back Together

Return the clean filter to its original position. Clip the front cover back into place or replace the screws. 

If you removed the unit from its sleeve to clean the drain, slide it back into place and replace the screws.

Plug the unit back into the powerpoint and turn it on to check that it's operating smoothly.

8. Clean the Front Cover of the Unit

Wipe down the unit's front cover with a damp cloth, warm water, and mild detergent. Then, dry it with paper towel.

Does Your Window Box A/C Need an Upgrade? Midea Can Help!

If you notice new sounds coming from your A/C, a stale smell in the air when it’s running, or reduced cooling efficiency, it’s time to clean your unit!

Wondering how to clean an air conditioner window unit? Just follow this easy air conditioner cleaning guide! You’ll save money on a professional A/C service and cleaning, prevent expensive repairs, and extend the lifespan of your system.

What if your A/C window unit has reached the end of its life? 

Midea can help. Browse our range of affordable, high-energy-rated window box air conditioners online today, or check out our split and ducted air conditioning systems if you’re ready for a change. 

Then call 1300 726 002 to speak to a helpful Midea team member, or complete this online form and we’ll contact you soon.