How to Make a Window A/C Heating Unit Work Better

Older air conditioners could use a good cleaning to restore their full cooling power. Dirty coils weaken the unit’s ability to cool the room and should be cleaned approximately once a year before the unit is used for hot summer months. As the cleaning of the coils can become messy, this process should be done outside where water can drain properly. The unit might need to be removed from its outer cabinet cover before it can be washed.

Coil cleaner
Water hose
Faucet
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Press the power button on the front of the unit to turn off the power. Unplug it from the wall outlet.
- 2
  Pry open the front grille with your fingertips and examine the inside of the unit. Remove the air filter. The front cover can either come off with a snap or it must be unscrewed. Since the front cover is sometimes made out of plastic, it’s easy to break it. Pull the cover off or insert a screwdriver into the screws and unscrew them from the cover. Set the cover and screws aside.
- 3
  Pull the lower lip of the unit with your fingers. If the unit pulls out, remove it completely from the cabinet and take it outside. If the unit doesn’t budge when pulled, it could be attached to the cabinet with screws. Examine the inside and outside of the unit for attachment screws, insert a screwdriver into the unit and unscrew them. Set the screws aside and carry the unit outside.
- 4
  Set the air conditioner on the ground, right side up. Lift the front of the unit and insert a block underneath to elevate the front coil so that it’s higher-up than the back coils. The safety of the electronic parts is the main concern. Confirm that they are elevated enough so that water won’t wash over them during drainage.
- 5
  Spray the coil cleaner all over the front coils and the condenser fan blades. Allow the coil cleaner to soak for about five minutes. Consult the cleaner instruction manual for exact time.
- 6
  Screw the water hose onto a working faucet and turn the knob of the faucet to turn it on. Carry the hose over to the unit and gently spray the cleaner off of the coils and the blades. The water drains out of the back of the unit.
- 7
  Tilt the air conditioner back to ensure that all water drains from the unit. Let the air conditioner air out until completely dry.
- 8
  Lift the unit up and take it back inside. Load the unit back into the cabinet and replace the cabinet screws. Remount the front cover onto the unit and replace any screws necessary.
- 9
  Run water over both sides of the air filter, until all dirt is removed and the filter is clean. Allow the filter to air dry and reinsert it behind the front grille.
- 10
  Plug the unit back into a power outlet and press the power button.

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