How To Clean Your Air Conditioner Like A Pro

Jack Frost is nipping at our nose and Santa Clause has just left. The eastern se
aboard has just received their third blizzard for a total of over 125 cm (56 inc
hes) of snow in one week. So, who in their right mind would be thinking about wi
ndow air conditioners at this time of year?
Call me crazy, but I am.
Very little is required to clean a window air conditioner, except lots of patien
ce. If patience is something you lack then it is a job you should turn over to t
he local appliance serviceman.
Tools · Tin can or container (old muffin tin works well also)
· Vacuum cleaner
· Long handled brush (an old toilet brush works well)
· Oil can
· Rags
· De-greaser or spray detergent
· Selection of screwdrivers (Philips, Flat bladed, 1/4" socket head)
· Fin tool (optional)
· New filter (if disposable type)
Lets get started --------------
1. Start by removing the filter from the front grille. If it is a disposable typ
e simply replace it with a new one. Other types are made in a plastic frame and
can be cleaned and reused. To clean a reusable type lay it flat in the sink and
sprinkle surface with laundry detergent. Then cover with about one inch of hot w
ater. Just enough so the filter is submerged. Soak for 15 minutes. Remove from w
ater and rinse with warm water. Hang up to dry while proceeding to next step.
2. Next, remove the front grille from the main body of the air conditioner. They
usually pivot on 2 spring clips at the bottom. It is usually removed by pulling
the grille gently forward while pushing it down at the same time. If there is r
esistance then look for hidden screws. Look near the top edge of the grille or b
ehind the control knob door. Once removed place the grille aside until later.
3. Carefully remove metal cover of air conditioner to expose inner workings. Onc
e all the screws are removed lift the cover straight up. Do not let it hit the o
ther parts as it can have sharp edges. This is where the old can comes in handy
(ice cube container or muffin tin works well also). Use it to keep track of all
the screws you will be removing. An air conditioner will often use a number of d
ifferent types and sizes of screws. Segregate them from each other or confusion
will result when we start reassembly.
4. Check the fan motor for any oil holes or oil plugs. If the motor has oil plug
s they are usually rubber. Use caution when removing because the rubber may have
become brittle. Often they will break off in the oil holes resulting in a block
age. If this occurs try to remove the broken plug by using a pin of the tip of a
small screwdriver.
Once the fan motor oil holes are exposed add a few drops of oil to each end of t
he motor body. Use a general purpose (3in1) oil or clean motor oil. A #30 oil is
sufficient.
The natural tendency is to over-oil. Too much lubrication is as bad as not enoug
h. Therefore only 3 or 4 drops on both ends of the motor body is sufficient. Add
the oil slowly, pausing a few seconds between each drop. If you add it too quic
kly over-lubrication will result.
5. Use the brush to remove surface dust and dirt from the evaporator (front fins
). Use only an up and down motion. Do not go side to side or allow the fins to b
e bent over. The fins are very soft aluminum and can be damaged easily.
Once surface dirt is removed, spray with de-greaser or cleaner. There is a good
product on the market called HVAC cleaner. As the name implies it is meant for H
eating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioner coil cleaning. If this is not available
the Fantastic Spray cleaner used in kitchens and bathrooms works quite well.
Let stand about 15 minutes or as per instructions on de-greaser can. This will a
llow cleaner to loosen any hidden dirt. Remove dirt and excess cleaner by slowly
pouring warm water into fins. Do not allow the water to enter any electrical co
nnections or components that may be near the coil. As an added precaution cover
the motor with one of the cloth rags. to protect it from the water.
Do not use any form of high pressure air or water because this can drive dirt fa
rther into fins. Also, use extreme caution as these coils are filled with high p
ressure refrigerant.
6. Straighten any bent fins. Use a fin comb if available. If no fin comb then us
e something soft such as a Popsicle stick. Straightening the fins will increase
the efficiency of the air flow through the coils. This adds to the overall cooli
ng effect produced by the air conditioner.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the condenser (rear fins) coil. A plastic cowling us
ually surrounds the condenser fins. If so, check the top edge to see if it will
lift or open. If it opens this will allow easier access to the condenser fins. A
gain use caution because the condenser coil is also filled with high pressure re
frigerant.
8. Wipe any dirt buildup from both fan blades using a soft rag. Do not bend blad
es. This would cause a vibration that would harm the motor.
9. Vacuum all surfaces including front and back of grille assembly. Do not forge
t to vacuum underside of metal air conditioner cover. If the cover contains air
holes clean them thoroughly. If necessary use a damp rag.
10. Drain any water left in the base and allow it to dry for few hours.
When completely dry plug in air conditioner and test operation. If everything ap
pears okay unplug and reassemble.
Once reassembly is complete, retest operation to ensure replacing the cover has
not affected anything. Adding the cover will tend to twist the frame and can cau
se interior parts to move out of alignment. This can cause the fan to become noi
sy. To correct for this problem remove the cover and realign to the main body of
the air conditioner. Reinstall the cover and test for noises every time 2 or 3
additional screws are added to the cover.
Finally, cover air conditioner with plastic wrap or an old blanket. Store in a w
arm dry area. Raise it from floor slightly by placing onto a couple of pieces of
 wood. This will protect the floor from the metal edges of the air conditioner,
and also protect the air conditioner from moisture.
You re Finished ----------------
Repeat this simple procedure every year. If you do, the machine will be ready fo
r many more years of dependable service.