Window AC Cleaning and Winterizing is another service we offer at Clear Air Duct Cleaning. This is something you can defiantly can DIY but most of us don’t. You have probably experienced this before. It is the end of the season and you know you need to pull the AC out of the window, but you put it off until the last min. As you do you see there is a bunch of dust and debris in the unit, Maybe even some mold.
You know you should clean it out but you don’t really have the time or energy. So you pack it up and tell yourself you will clean it the spring. It comes time to put it back in the window and now the mode and dust is even worse. The weather has become so hot you need to just get it in the window and start cooling off, so you put it back in and turn it on. And you smell that really bad smell. Been there? We have too.
With one simple call we will come out, remove the unit, take it to our facility and professionally clean it out pack it up like new and return it to you ready for the next season. Or for a small fee we will even store it for you and come back out in the spring and install it back in your window. Our professional service will dissemble the unit and thoroughly clean, check for any issues that might impair it’s functionality and pack it up back up.
Window AC Cleaning and Winterizing Steps
If you don’t want us to do it for you, here are the steps you should take to clean and store your window AC unit.
Once a year, clean your air conditioner (window or wall unit) to extend its life and save maintenance expenses. It will also ensure that it is running at full capacity. When the evaporator and condenser coils or cooling fins are dirty or clogged, it may be difficult to create cold air. Cleaning them carefully and straightening bent fins will go a long way toward keeping the equipment running smoothly.
DISABLE THE WINDOW AC POWER SOURCE
Disconnect the unit from all power sources. Unplug the power cords or if the AC is on a dedicated circuit turn off the corresponding breaker.
TOWELS SHOULD BE PLACED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE WINDOW
Prepare the floor with a big towel or cloth. This is to absorb any water that may seep from the device, particularly if it has just been used.
REMOVE THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT
Unless you’re a Superman, you should never attempt to remove an air conditioner on your own. Someone to pull the AC out of the window and someone to keep the window open will be required.
Once the air conditioner is loose, tilt it away from you and slightly outside the window to drain any water that may have accumulated within. Wear gloves with excellent grip and closed-toe shoes for safety.
TAKE YOUR AIR CONDITIONER OUTSIDE TO CLEAN IT
Because you’ll need alot of fresh water to clean off the air conditioner, this is best done outside with a hose. If going outside isn’t an option, put your air conditioner in the tub for cleaning.
GET THE TOOLS NEEDED
You will need at least a Philips screw driver, a couple brushes (Soft and possible a wire brush), Gloves, Soap and bucket, sometimes it is helpful to have a foaming spray cleaner for the coils.
OPEN UP THE AC UNIT
You will need to remove the outside housing of the AC to reallyu clean the unit properly. This is where it begins to get really dirty. Once the unit is open do not touch anything until you read the next step. Remove the front part of the AC and the cover.
DISCHARGE THE CAPACITOR
This important device holds an extra charge that helps kick-start the motor. It is crucial to discharge this component before you begin to clean. If you do not you could get a really bad zap. these can can sometimes hold 440 volts of power and could cause your heart to stop if you get zapped by them. Please be careful! If this scares you, hire a professional to do your cleaning. After that is done it is safe to get in and start cleaning out all the junk.
Note: It is perfectly fine to spray down the AC with water. You will not damage any of the electric parts.
WINDOW AC CLEANING FILTER
Remove the filter. The filter is the dirtiest portion of an air conditioner since it gathers dust and particles in the air. Using flowing water or a hose, clean it.
With a hard-bristled brush or toothbrush, remove caked-on grime and dust. If the dirt is obstinate, add some soap. Rinse thoroughly with water. Soak the filter in equal parts water and vinegar for at least an hour to destroy bacteria and allergies. While you clean the remainder of the AC, let the filter dry completely.
CLEAN THE WATER PAN AND CONDENSER COILS
Using a combination of water and a few drops of soap, spray the coils down.
To remove dirt and dust from the condenser coil, brush it.
Using a hose, spray it down until all particles are gone.
With a little soap and water, clean the water pan.
Allow everything to air dry completely.
WINDOW AC CLEANING THE OUTSIDE OF AIR CONDITIONER
To clean the outside, use a damp towel, sponge, or microfiber cloth to wipe the unit’s outside.
Spray it down with a hose and scrub stubborn dirt away with a cloth or brush.
Allow all parts to air dry in the sun for a couple of hours before reassembling.
STORE THE AIR CONDITIONER
Store the air conditioner in a cool, dry room in a box. It is not advisable to discard the box when purchasing a new device. The finest storage container you can buy for your device is the original packing. It should be packed neatly and firmly to keep bugs and insects out of the unit, as well as rats from chewing up and destroying the wires.
The ideal location to keep it is in a utility closet or storage room, but if you must store it in the garage, position it on a raised platform or block so that car fluid and other corrosive chemicals cannot readily seep into the air conditioner’s base and damage it.
KEEP THE UNIT UPRIGHT WHILE NOT IN USE
This ensures that the oil is spread uniformly and settles. The compressor might be damaged if the air conditioner is stored on its side or back. If it’s impossible to avoid storing the unit on its side, make sure to let it lie upright for at least an hour before using it again to allow the oil to settle.
While we have given you all the steps to do the job yourself, if it seems like it this is something you don’t have the time and energy to do, feel free to call us or get a free quote