Clean every surface of an air conditioner to eliminate black mold. Air conditioner vents can be breeding grounds for black mold. Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system, creating a habitat for moisture-loving mold. Black mold can cause severe respiratory symptoms, particularly in people who are allergic to mold. After you clean your air conditioner vents, inspect walls and insulation to find the source of the black mold infestation. Wear long sleeves and pants and put on a high-efficiency dust mask to protect yourself from black mold spores. Make sure all household members with mold allergies or respiratory problems are out of the house before you begin to clean the air conditioner vents. Remove the vent cover of a window air conditioner by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver or pressing in on pressure clips. Place the vent cover in a basin or tub, sprinkle with laundry detergent and add enough water to cover the vent cover. After 15 minutes, rinse and allow the filter and vent cover to air-dry.

Remove dust from the inside of the air conditioner, as the dust in the moist environment allows mold to thrive. ac unit one roomSpray the blades and duct opening with water to prevent dry mold from escaping into the air. air conditioner for room without windowsWipe the blades and duct opening as thoroughly as possible with soapy water. cost of a central ac unitMold spores are microscopic and not visible to the naked eye, so clean surfaces even if you do not see mold. Combine 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Wipe the blades, duct opening and the inside of the vent with a long, flexible mop soaked in the bleach solution. Allow the inside of the vent to dry thoroughly before reattaching the vent cover. Black mold can grow in any remaining moisture.

Discard mold-infested materials in heavy-duty plastic bags. Take the bags outdoors through a window or door in the room in which you just cleaned to avoid contaminating other areas of the house. Open the windows to create ventilation after you finish cleaning the vents. : Duct CleaningCalifornia Department of Public Health: Mold in My Home — What Do I Do? How to Properly Clean Your Window Air Conditioner If your window unit air conditioner isn't working as well as it used to, it may just need a deep cleaning. Air conditioners that aren't cooling the room very well may need more refrigerant, but a buildup of dust and other debris on the appliance's filter, coils and other hardware could also be the culprit. Not only is a dirty air conditioner inefficient, but it can also be dangerous to your health, as it could be circulating mold spores into your home. A few times a year, take your window unit apart and inspect it to keep it running like new. Unplug the air conditioner. Then remove the air unit's plastic trim panel, most likely by snapping it off.

Have a family member or friend help you slide the air conditioner out of the window and set it onto a worktable. Remove the unit's mounting frame and case by using a screwdriver to undo the screws that hold them into place; the screws are typically located along the bottom edge of the case. Set the screws in a safe location so you don't lose them. Straighten any bent cooling fins using a specialized fin comb. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove any dust and debris from both of the unit's coils. Spray the two coils liberally with a can of foaming air conditioner coil cleaner. Allow the cleaner to sit on the coils as recommended by the manufacturer. Wipe down the air conditioner's fan blades using a general household spray cleaner and a soft cloth. Open any of the fan motor's plastic- or rubber-capped oiling ports and lubricate them with a drop or two of electric motor oil for lubrication. Vacuum the unit's filter or replace it with a new one, especially if you see any mold spores on it or smell mildew in the air.

Pour a cup of bleach into the access opening of the condensation drain line to kill any mold and mildew that's growing in it. Put on a pair of protective latex or plastic gloves and wipe the water drip pan using a cloth dipped into bleach. Allow all of the parts to thoroughly dry before reassembling the air conditioner unit and placing it back into the window. The Family Handyman: How to Clean a Room Air Conditioner Home Tips: How to Repair Window & Room Air Conditioners Today's Homeowner: How to Clean an AC Condensation Drain Line How to Clean a Window Unit Air Conditioner. Window unit air conditioners need regular cleaning and maintenance to operate at optimum efficiency. Cleaning your air conditioner can cut down on energy costs and repair bills. How to Properly Clean Your Window Air Conditioner.... The purpose of your window air conditioner is simple. You turn it on to cool down the air inside your home on... Cleaning the condenser coils on a window air conditioning unit helps the appliance draw air and cool the room more efficiently.