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A Pro’s Guide to Cleaning Your Air Conditioner

The nose is getting nipped by Jack Frost, and Santa has already left. With this latest snowfall, the Eastern Seaboard has reached almost 125 cm (56 inches) of snow in just one week. So, asking why anyone would be considering window air conditioners is reasonable.

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Yes, I am completely insane.

Now is a great time to launch this endeavor. For starters, it helps you maintain your mental acuity till spring. The new tools you received for the holidays can finally be used! The main reason why this is a beautiful winter activity is that by the time spring rolls around, you will be too busy to give the task much thought.

Cleaning a window air conditioner requires little more than time and persistence. You should call in a professional if you lack the patience needed for this task.

Equipment A tin can or container (an old muffin tin can do in a pinch)

Suction cleaner

Brush with a long handle (a discarded one from the bathroom will do).

Oil drum

· Rags

Spray cleaners or degreasers

Screwdrivers in various shapes and sizes (Phillips, flat, and 1/4″ socket head)

Optional Fin Instrument

A new filter (if the type used is disposable)

Allow me to initiate: ————–

First, take the filter off the grille on the front of the vehicle. Toss it and get a new one if it’s the throwaway variety. Some varieties come with a plastic framework for easy cleaning and reuse. Use laundry detergent to clean a reusable type by laying it flat in the sink. Then pour in enough boiling water to cover by an inch. Just enough to submerge the filter. Prepare a 15-minute soak. Drain and flush with hot water. Dry on a rack as you finish up the following step.

Second, disconnect the air conditioner’s front grille from its housing. Two spring clips at the base allow them to pivot. The grille is typically removed by pushing it down and drawing it gently forward. If you encounter resistance, try searching for any concealed screws. Try looking behind the door that covers the control knob or towards the top edge of the grille. The grille should be set aside once it has been taken off.

Third, take off the metal casing of the AC carefully to see the inner workings. Once the screws are out, the cover may be raised vertically. It may have sharp edges, so be careful not to let it collide with anything else. An old can (or a muffin tin or ice cube tray) comes in handy here. Make use of it as a checklist as you dismantle screws. The screws used in an AC unit might range in size and style. If we don’t separate them, reassembling them will be chaotic.

4 Determine if the fan motor has oil holes or oil plugs. Oil plugs, if present, are typically made of rubber. Rubber may have hardened and grown brittle, so handle it with care when removing. They frequently become dislodged in the oil holes, where they cause obstructions. If this happens, you can try prying out the broken plug with the pointy end of a small screwdriver.

A few drops of oil should be added to the ends of the fan motor body once the oil pores have been exposed. Clean engine oil or multi-purpose oil (3-in-1) will do. Use an oil with a #30 suffix.

Over-oiling is almost second nature. Over-lubrication is just as terrible as under-lubrication. So, just a few drops on either end of the motor body will do the trick. Carefully drizzle in the oil, waiting a few seconds between additions. Over-lubrication will occur if you add it too rapidly.

5. Brush the evaporator’s front fins to remove loose dust and grime. Just go up and down the whole time. Avoid swaying side to side or bending the fins over. The fins are made of a pliable metal and are easily dented.

Spray de-greaser or cleanser after removing surface grime. A product called HVAC cleaning is available and does a good job. The name indicates its intended use: cleaning the coils of HVAC systems. If you can’t find it, you can get decent results from the Fantastic Spray cleanser in bathrooms and kitchens.

Set aside at least 15 minutes on the de-greaser container for as long as directed. That way, the cleaner can get to any dirt that’s hiding. Slowly pouring warm water over the fins will wash away the debris and cleaner residue. Keep the water away from the coil and anything electrical nearby. Cover the motor with one of the cloth rags as an extra precaution against water damage.

High-pressure air or water will only force the dirt deeper into the fins, so don’t use it. These coils contain high-pressure refrigerant; therefore, exercise extra caution when handling them.

Fix any crooked fins, please. If you have a fin comb, use it. A Popsicle stick must-do if you don’t have a fin comb. If you straighten the fins, more air can pass through the coils. This helps the air conditioner cool the room even more.

Step 7: Do it again with the condenser coil (the back fins). The condenser fins will usually be enclosed in a plastic cowling. If that’s the case, see if the top edge lifts or opens. The condenser fins can be reached more quickly and easily if opened. The condenser coil contains high-pressure refrigerant, so be careful.

Use a clean, soft cloth to remove dust or debris from both fan blades. Blades should not be bent. The motor would be damaged by the vibrations this causes.

The grille assembly’s front and back sides must be vacuumed along with its other surfaces. Remember also to vacuum the underside of the metal AC cover. If the lid has ventilation holes, make sure you scrub them clean. A wet rag can be used if necessary.

10 Wait a few hours for the remaining water to evaporate from the base.

Once everything is dry, please turn on the AC and make sure it works. Disconnect and reconnect if everything checks out.

Recheck the functionality after reassembly to ensure the cover replacement did not break anything. Attaching the cover will cause the frame to twist, perhaps dislodging internal components. Because of this, the fan may start to make noise. To fix this, take the cover off the AC and realign it with the central unit. Every time an extra two or three screws are added to the lid, it must be reinstalled and checked for noise.

Wrap the air conditioner in plastic or an old blanket for the final step. Put away in a dry, warm place. Raise it off the ground by setting it on several wood blocks. This will prevent the air conditioner’s metal edges from scratching the floor and keep the unit dry.

It’s Over for You —————-

This easy process should be repeated annually. If you follow these steps, you may count on the machine for years.

Donald Grummett 2004 Copyright. The right to everything is reserved.

Appliance service manager in Ottawa, Canada, Donald Grummett. Working as a technician, business owner, and instructor for the past 30 years. Visit for a wealth of appliance-related resources, such as a FAQ, a Stain Guide, a Recycling Guide, and a Newsletter.

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