coil cleaner (available at your local hardware store)To hire a professional to help with your air conditioner, visit Angie's List to find the best local service provider to fit your needs. The Basic Clean: Disconnect the unit from all power sources. Unplug all power cords going into the unit. If your window unit is wired directly to your home, disconnect the unit from the fuses (or turn off the master circuit breaker). Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for discharging the capacitor. A capacitor is a device that holds an extra charge to help kick-start the AC motor, so this step is critical to ensure that there is no electrical charge left in the unit before you begin cleaning. Clean the outside cover. Wipe down the outside of the window unit with a wet cloth. Be sure to get as much dust and grime off as possible so that it doesn’t fall inside the unit when you open the cover. Remove the front cover. Some covers can be pulled off easily with your hands. Other covers may have plastic hooks or screws that need to be removed.

Place any screws or clamps in a safe place while you work. Note: Some units also have a metal grill that needs to be removed. Use caution as you handle the grill, the metal edges can be sharp! If your unit has a reusable filter, it needs to be cleaned. Remove the filter from the AC unit. Place the filter in a bucket (a sink or bathtub will also work) filled about halfway with warm, soapy water. Swish the filter around to wash off any dirt or buildup. If the filter is really dirty, you may need to use a soft brush to get rid of everything. Set the filter aside and allow it to dry completely before returning it to the AC unit. A wet filter will attract extra dirt and mold! If your unit has a disposable filter, change it regularly. The U.S. department of energy suggests that filters be changed once a month during the cooling season. Vacuum the inside of the unit. Use a vacuum extension to clean the bottom and sides of the unit, the back of the front cover, and the metal grill (if you have one).

If there is lot of dirt, you can also use a moist rag for this step.Allow the unit to completely dry before reassembling. Plug in the window unit’s power source and turn it on. Clean up any debris that may shoot out when the unit is powered on again. Store your unit in a dry place. When it’s time to put your AC unit away, cover it with a sheet of plastic and place it in a dry area to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. The “Above and Beyond” Clean. If you want to go the extra mile with your air conditioner. There are a few extra steps you can take before reassembling your unit. Be gentle as you perform these steps. The coils and fan blades are delicate and easy to bend accidentally. The motor housing is also sensitive and should be avoided while cleaning.Put on your rubber gloves and protective goggles. Add your coil cleaning solution to your water bottle. Lightly spray the coils (and only the coils) with the solution and allow it to sit for about 10-15 minutes.