How to Fix a Window Air Conditioner

When a window air conditioner cools poorly, it doesn't necessarily mean you're in for an expensive trip to the repair shop. It could be the machine just needs a good cleaning and some tender care.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• Plastic Scrub Brush
• Vacuum And Attachments
• Soap
• Fin Comb
• Putty Knife Or Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Remove the front grill. Pry it off with a putty knife if it's held by clips, or use a screwdriver if it is screwed in place.

2. Unplug the air conditioner, slide it out of the window cabinet and set it on a sturdy table. You may need a helper to move the air conditioner if it's heavy.

3. Locate the mesh filter. It covers the radiator-like fins on the machine's evaporator coils.

4. Remove the filter, and wash it and the grill in a mixture of warm, soapy water and bleach--this will remove any mold. Shake out the excess water and set the filter and grill in your dish drain to dry.

5. Vacuum the evaporator coils thoroughly, using a vacuum with brush attachment. Remove any stubborn dirt with a plastic scrub brush.

6. Inspect the fins on the coils. If any fins are bent or flattened, buy a fin comb from an appliance store and run the comb up or down the fins to straighten them.

7. Turn the air conditioner around so the back is facing you. You will see a second set of coils--the machine's condenser coils.

8. Vacuum these coils thoroughly, using the vacuum and brush attachment. Remove any stubborn dirt with a plastic scrub brush.

9. Inspect the fins on the condenser coils, and if any are bent, use the fin comb to straighten them.

10. Remove any dirt or lint from inside the unit, using the vacuum and crevice attachment. Make sure you clean the fan blades, too, using the vacuum and brush attachment.

11. Put the air conditioner back into the window cabinet.

12. Reinstall the filter and front grill, and plug in the machine.

Tips & Warnings

• Having a hard time vacuuming dust deep inside the coils? Take the air conditioner outside and use a leaf blower to blow the dust away.

• Clean the filter monthly when the air conditioner is running. The machine will cool better, and you'll cut energy consumption 5 to 15 percent.

• Take extra care when working around the fins on the evaporator and condenser coils. They are extremely delicate and bend easily.