In the hottest months of the year, owning a window air conditioner is a life-saving straw-but all this heavy use can cause damage to your air conditioning unit. In order to keep your window air conditioner in good working condition, it is important to clean it regularly.

By keeping the air conditioner clean, you can prevent mold from growing inside and get more long-term value from your equipment. In addition, well-maintained window air conditioners use less energy than dirty air conditioners. 

However, if you have never cleaned a window air conditioner before, it can be intimidating. Fortunately, this process is not as complicated as it seems. With the following tips, you can keep your air conditioning equipment clean, fully functional, and energy efficient.

You need some items around the house to thoroughly clean your air conditioner. Before starting, please obtain the following materials: 

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Cleaning the filter in the window air conditioner is the most important thing you can do to keep it working properly. Even if you do not clean the entire equipment, it is best to clean the filter once a month. This is how it is done.

First, make sure your air conditioner is unplugged, then remove the front panel and remove the filter. If it is covered by dust or hair, use a vacuum cleaner to remove as much debris as possible. Then, wash the filter with warm soapy water and dry it. Wait until it is completely dry, and then put it back in the window air conditioner.

It is also a good idea to change the air conditioner filter regularly. The exact frequency will depend on the number of times you use the air conditioner and environmental factors, but your goal should be to replace the filter every six weeks to six months.

When the filter is dry, clean the grill with warm water and a mild detergent. Or, if you don’t want to clean it, you can wipe it clean with a reusable damp cloth-just make sure to thoroughly clean the gaps where the air is exhausted. Let it dry completely before reinstalling. 

After cleaning the grill, wipe the top and sides of the air conditioner. Be careful to enter a small space where dirt and dust can accumulate. Wait until the grill and outside are completely dry before operating the device.

Now is the time to roll up your sleeves and enter the air conditioning unit. You don't need to dust the heat sink and coil every time you clean the air conditioner, but most manufacturers recommend doing it every quarter or half a year.

First, use a wing comb or soft brush to gently comb the aluminum fins in the air conditioner. Take your time in this process because the fins are easy to bend and sharp. If you find any bent fins, gently move them back to their original positions.

Next, spray a can of condensed air inside the device to remove dust on the coil. You should remove as thoroughly as possible any debris that may hinder the normal operation of your equipment.

Empty the drip tray and remove the drain pipe to complete the internal cleaning of the window air conditioner. To remove debris or dirty water from the tray, pick up a wet and dry vacuum cleaner (if available) or a damp cloth, and then pull out all items collected in it. Let it dry before reassembling.

Finally, check the drain pipe to see if anything is blocking it. Wipe around the opening with a cloth to make sure there is a clear channel for water to flow out of your device.

After you have cleaned and dried everything, it is time to reassemble your window air conditioner and spray it one last time to prevent mold growth. 

Take your hydrogen peroxide spray bottle and apply the solution to the area where the air flows in and out. Wait for the peroxide to dry before using your equipment-it's done! Not only will you inhale cleaner, colder air, but you will also extend the life of the air conditioner.

In addition to regular cleaning, there are other steps you can take to keep the air conditioner working properly. For example, in winter or when it is not used for a long time, remove it from the window and store it indoors.

If this seems to be more work than you are willing to put in, you can always hire a professional to clean the windows and air conditioners for you. To find someone, please ask your friends and family for recommendations or consult a reputable service provider in your area.

However, whether you decide to ask an expert or clean it yourself, be sure to follow a regular cleaning schedule. Clean the filter at least once a month and spray your equipment with hydrogen peroxide to prevent mildew.