Remove the air conditioner from the wall or from the window place it on the ground remove the covers get the hose out and hose the back of the air conditioner off, if it is a older unit it could be heavy depending on the size.
Remove the filter from the air conditioner, and clean it using soapy water. Then take the grille off the conditioner and clean inside with a medium bristled brush. Be careful not to damage the fins, and clean in the same direction that the fins run, not across them. One may then use a specialised mould cleaner to spray on the fins, and leave this for about 20 minutes before pouring warm water onto the fins. This should be done with caution as electricity and water can be fatal to both the machine and the person! Blot off excess water and wipe down the fins. Reassemble the air conditioner. If one can remove the base of the air conditioner, then do so and this can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.
Clean the filter Wipe down the grill and exterior Dust off the fins and coils Clean out the tray and drain Reassemble and spray cleaner on your unit
To effectively clean air conditioner fins, you can use a soft brush or vacuum to remove dirt and debris. Be gentle to avoid bending the fins, and consider using a fin comb to straighten any bent fins. Regular maintenance can help improve the efficiency of your air conditioner.
The fins act to distribute heat from the system or absorb heat into the system from the surrounding air depending on the location and purpose of the coils carrying the coolant. In a heat pump system, the fins function depends on which way the heat is being transferred. For an air conditioner, the indoor fins bring heat to the coolant from the air and expel heat at the outdoor fins into the air
To properly maintain and clean an AC window unit for optimal performance, you should regularly clean or replace the filter, clean the coils and fins, check for any leaks or blockages in the unit, and ensure proper drainage. Additionally, scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year can help keep the unit running efficiently.
White vinegar is a common non-harmful substance that can be used to clean air conditioners. Mix it with water in equal parts and use this solution to clean the coils, fins, and other components of the air conditioner. It is effective in removing dirt, grime, and mildew without causing damage to the unit.
To maintain and clean a window HVAC unit for optimal performance and efficiency, it is best to regularly clean or replace the air filter, clean the coils and fins, check and clean the drainage system, and ensure proper ventilation around the unit. Regular maintenance helps prevent dust and debris buildup, which can reduce the unit's efficiency and lifespan.
Metals in an air conditioner usually include copper, aluminum, and steel:copper in the wires and condenser coils, aluminum or steel fins across the coils, and a aluminum or steel case.Scrap yards always take copper, but aluminum and steel acceptance varies, some won't take any painted metals.
The coils gather dust and make water (condensate) which feeds mold. Change your furnace filter after you spray the coils down with a weak bleach solution. Use a wet-dry vac to pull the wet dust out of the coils. Be gentle with the coils because folding the fins over will reduce the efficiency of the AC. You will usually find the coils in the furnace plenum. Cleaning the coils will improve the efficiency of the system and remove the source of the stink.
Window air conditioner units should be removed from a window for the winter, mainly to cut back on cold drafts but also to prolong the life of the air conditioner. The best place to store an A/C unit is in the basement, not the garage. After removing the unit, you can also clean the air conditioner by taking it outside, removing the cabinet and spraying down the insides with a garden hose (or follow the manufacturer's suggestions). When ready to store, place the air conditioner in a large plastic bag - such as a heavy-duty trash bag - to keep it dust free. Put it on blocks up off of the floor, especially if you tend to get water in your basement. Be careful not to damage the fragile coils or fins. If removal is impractical, wrap the exterior of the unit in a canvas or plastic bag made for air conditioners to lessen drafts and protect the unit. These bags are available at home improvement stores. You may also need to seal the interior of the window with a weather-stripping kit to further prevent drafts. Most adhere to the window via an adhesive strip or are melted on with a heat source such as a hair dryer. In mild southern climates, such as Florida, Texas and coastal California, window air conditioners may be left in place the year 'round, although you may want to cover them as described above.
You can vacuum, blow or brush them clean. Just make sure that you don't bend the fins over. Hosing them out with water would probably make too much of a mess but it could work if you dismount the unit and carry it outside.
The water drain hole outback is probably plugged up an the accumulated water has fermented. Remove the front cover so you can see the cooling coil. You may see the water at he bottom of those fins. Spray a cup of water/clorox mix thru the fins. let it sit for an hour then go find the drain plug and clean it out. Change or clean your filter too. Make sure the ac pan is level or slightly sloped down at the back so the water will flow out.