How to Clean an Interior AC Unit
Interior AC units, which are more commonly known as window AC units, provide an inexpensive alternative for cooling homes that don't have central air conditioning. These units commonly sit in windows or properly sized holes in the exterior wall of the building. They plug into regular 115-volt or 230-volt wall outlets. Like any other appliance, they need occasional maintenance, which includes cleaning. When you clean an interior AC unit, you'll keep your energy costs down and help extend the life of the unit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Remove the AC unit from the wall sleeve or window. Remove the filter and clean it with soap and water. If the filter is torn or damaged, replace it with a new one. Your owner's manual should show you which replacement filter to order.
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Vacuum the fins of the evaporator coil to remove dust and dirt. The evaporator coil is located directly behind the filter.
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Cover the electric motor with a plastic bag. Tape all seams of the plastic bag to make a tight seal: This will keep the motor and the wiring dry inside when you clean the condenser coil.
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Clean the condenser coil by using a hose-end nozzle and spraying water into the condenser coil from the outside. Use a gentle spray setting on the hose-end nozzle to prevent the fins from bending.
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Wipe the unit until it's dry; let it air-dry for a few days before storing it for the winter.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have an air compressor, use it to blow air through the fins to facilitate faster drying.
Keep a regular cleaning schedule. It's best to clean the unit each fall before storage. Doing that will leave you with a fresh, clean unit each spring.
Always make sure the power is off and the unit is unplugged before cleaning it. Water and electricity don't mix well---you could be severely injured if the unit is still powered on.
