Home Care

How to Clean a Window-Type Air Conditioner Effectively

Keep your air conditioner running smoothly by learning how thoroughly and often you should clean it

Photography: Shutterstock (Main Photo)

The Philippines is notorious for its hot and humid weather, specifically, its even hotter summers. Most days the only way to combat the heat is by turning on the trusty AC. If you have a window-type unit, it might need to work a little harder. Even the best air conditioners can fail during some of the hottest afternoons.

To ensure your air conditioners can always be trusted to keep you cool on blistering summer days, regular cleaning and maintenance are a must. Whether you hire a professional or decide to DIY, knowing how to clean a window-type air conditioner comes in handy.

ALSO READ:

5 Signs You Need To Replace Your AC Unit

How To Make Your Air Con Cool A Room Faster And More Efficiently

Window Type or Split Type: Which Air Con Should You Buy?

How to clean a window-type air conditioner efficiently:

window-type ac unit in bedrooms must be cleaned regularly

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Clean the filter regularly.

It’s always advisable to clean your air conditioners’ filters every 4 weeks. If you use your unit daily, you can raise that cleaning schedule to every two weeks. Either way, keeping the filter clean ensures your unit is getting enough air circulation for it to operate well.

How to clean a window-type air conditioner filter? It’s simple. Just lift the front panel, remove the filter, and run it under warm water. All the dust and accumulated mildew should wash right off. Then pat it dry with a paper towel.

READ: A Guide on How to Clean Aircon Filters

For added measure, you can spritz a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to disinfect any possible mildew remains. You can also use this mixture to clean all the other areas under the front panel. Just spray the mixture in the vent and onto the condenser fins and set it to dry.

CONTINUE READING BELOW
watch now

Deep clean the interior.

The best way to clean a window-type air conditioner is to get into the interiors and this should be done every eight to twelve months. Getting a professional is advisable, but if you’re willing to do a lot of heavy lifting, it’s not hard to do it on your own.

First, remove the unit from its location and place it in an area where it can be washed with a hose. Remove the front panel and scrub that with warm water and oxygenated cleaner. Next, carefully remove the exterior cover and hose down the dust and dirt that’s accumulated outside and inside. Use soapy water to clean all the interior parts.

Scrubbing may be necessary to clean the vents and fan. Just be sure to be careful of the wires and condenser. Then drain and let dry before assembling and returning.

Dirty filters can cause air conditioners to malfunction

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

READ: ‘Why Is My Air Con Leaking Water?’

Keep your unit dry.

You can keep a window-type air conditioner clean by preventing it from accumulating dirt. The best way is to keep it dry. Given that air conditioner units are positioned with most of the body exposed to the outdoors, it can’t be prevented from getting rained on. Even so, we must ensure it should be able to dry off after.

A position where it can reach direct sunlight is the best to keep it from accumulating too much moisture. Thorough drying should also be done after regular cleaning. Keeping moisture trapped in air conditioners can cause it to build up mildew and mold.

If mold starts to develop, especially in the vent or fan area, you risk exposing yourself and your household to mold spores which may cause troubled breathing or other worse illnesses. Make sure to always keep your unit dry.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

READ: These Are The Features To Look For When Buying An Air conditioner

Straighten out the condenser fins.

Now that you know the simple ways how to clean a window-type air conditioner, here’s a tip on how to keep it working at its best. Beneath the front panel and filter, you’ll find the condenser fins of your unit. In time, those fins can bend due to different reasons. To help improve airflow in your air conditioner, you can straighten out the fins by using a coil fin tool.

Be sure to wear gloves while doing this because condenser fins can be sharp. Carefully use the coil fin tool to comb and straighten out any bent fins. You can also clean them in the process by using some oxygenated cleaner. Once done, replace the filter and panel and test your air conditioner for improvements in air circulation.

More on Realliving.com.ph

Shares

Latest Stories

Exploring the Exquisite Interiors of Parqal

It's now open to the public.

7 Condo-Friendly Vacuum Cleaners You Can Buy Online

They won't take up too much space, and they're also very affordable.

9 Simple Steps to an Organized Kitchen

Keep your cooking corner spotless with these handy hints and ideas.

We Found The Exact Lighting Pieces Mimiyuuuh Used in Her Bedroom

And where you can buy similar ones online.

Common Misconceptions About Minimalism, According to an Interior Designer

A minimalist home can most definitely still have splashes of color, and as long as it's done with restraint, those well-placed hues can actually be the highlight of your home.

Did You Know That Yassi Pressman Has A Lakehouse Airbnb in Canada?

Get a tour of Redkey Lakehouse in Ontario.

Ward Off Mosquitoes: Products to Buy During the Rainy Season

Because we want our homes to be safe havens.

Minimalist Furniture 101: How to Pick the Right Pieces for Your Home

Create a space that exudes simplicity and sophistication by choosing the right minimalist furniture for your home.

We Tested Different Mattresses, Here Are Our Top 5 Picks

Our writer tested (and lay down on) the beds in these mattress showrooms to see what feels good and which ones would fit within your budget

20 Common Construction Terms, Decoded

Don't get lost in translation with your foreman and avoid mistakes with this handy, on-site guide by a project manager

Here Are 7 Hotel-Like Bedsheets You Can Buy Online

Invest in your sleep and add these to your cart.
Load More Stories