How to Clean your Air Conditioner
Jack Frost is nipping at our nose and Santa Clause has just
left. The eastern seaboard has just received their third
blizzard for a total of over 125 cm (56 inches) of snow in one
week. So, who in their right mind would be thinking about window
air conditioners at this time of year?
Call me crazy, but I am.
It is a good time of year to start this project. Firstly, it
keeps ones mind sharp for the coming spring. Plus, it allows you
to try out those new tools you got for Christmas. Mainly though,
it is a good winter project because by the time spring arrives
you will be too busy to think about this job.
Very little is required to clean a window air conditioner,
except lots of patience. If patience is something you lack then
it is a job you should turn over to the 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 type 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 water. Just enough so the filter is submerged. Soak for
15 minutes. Remove from water 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 resistance then
look for hidden screws. Look near the top edge of the grille or
behind the control knob door. Once removed place the grille
aside until later.
3. Carefully remove metal cover of air conditioner to expose
inner workings. Once all the screws are removed lift the cover
straight up. Do not let it hit the other 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 different 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 plugs 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 blockage. 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 the 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 enough. 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 quickly over-lubrication will result.
5. Use the brush to remove surface dust and dirt from the
evaporator (front fins). Use an up and down motion. Do not go
side to side or allow the fins to be bent. 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 Heating, 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
allow 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 connections 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 farther into fins. Also, use extreme caution as these coils
are filled with high pressure refrigerant.
6. Straighten any bent fins. Use a fin comb if available. If no
fin comb then use 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 cooling effect
produced by the air conditioner.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the condenser (rear fins) coil. A
plastic cowling usually 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. Again use
caution because the condenser coil is also filled with high
pressure refrigerant.
8. Wipe any dirt buildup from both fan blades using a soft rag.
Do not bend blades. This would cause a vibration that would harm
the motor. 9. Vacuum all surfaces including front and back of
grille assembly. Do not forget 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 appears 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 cause interior parts to
move out of alignment. This can cause the fan to become noisy.
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 warm 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 for many more years of dependable service.
Addendum
The filter inside the front grille should be removed and cleaned
(as in step 1) every month throughout the cooling season. If you
are a smoker it should be cleaned every week.
Although the above procedure is for a window air conditioner,
the same basic method is used to clean a central air system. Due
to additional dangers inherent in the central air conditioner
systems, they should be cleaned only by a professional service
company.
About the author:
Copyright 2004 by Donald Grummett. All right reserved. Donald
Grummett is an appliance service manager in Ottawa, Canada. In
the trade over 30 years as both a technician, business owner,
and technical trainer. For more information about appliances
including FAQ, Stain guide, Recycling, and Newsletter visit
http://www.mgservices.ca
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