In case you missed itA step-by-step guide to removing your A/C unit—without any scary slip-ups We're far enough into September that we we can probably stop worrying about one last heat wave coming back to spite us, which means it's time to take out our window air-conditioners for the season. But, given some horror stories about A/Cs being dropped on passing pedestrians, you'll want to make sure you remove yours as carefully and safely as possible:First: Get another person to help you shoulder the load. (No shame in not being able to manage an unwieldy, precariously perched, 40-pound behemoth of an appliance on your own, after all.) Turn off the power, then unplug the unit.Afterward, lay down a fresh towel to sop up any water that's accumulated in the appliance, Gizmodo recommends, making sure you're wearing a long sleeved shirt, close-toed shoes, and maybe even some protective gloves.Unscrew the air-conditioner (if necessary), and stand on the cord for extra leverage in case it falls, then hold the unit from behind while the other person lifts up the window.

Be prepared for the A/C to naturally tilt back at this point. Carefully scoot the unit out of the window, then place it on the towel to let any excess water drain out. For good measure, send someone outside to give neighbors or pedestrians a heads up. After all, just because your apartment insurance would cover this kind of accident doesn't mean you shouldn't avoid one. New York City apartment insurance broker Jeff Schneider of Gotham Brokerage (a Brick Underground sponsor) tells usLest you think you're off scot-free because you've got a PTAC air conditioner—an all-in-one heating and cooling unit located against the wall like a radiator—don't forget that it's crucial to change the filter at least twice a year, or risk incurring water damage (and mold).Once you've got the air-conditioner safely indoors, clean the filters or, if you're feeling spendy, send it out for a pricey cleaning. (These services will also store your A/C for the season once they've cleaned it.) If you'd rather not shove it under the bed or deal with the hassle of heading to a storage unit, you can also look into services like Boxbee and Makespace, which will deliver you a box, then cart away your A/C (or any other unwanted goods) for storage.

And with that all squared away? Time to figure out exactly where you left the space heater last spring.***This story was first published in September 2014, and was updated in September 2016.Exposure to mold in the home can cause serious health problems. One hidden place that mold can grow is within your air conditioner; with air constantly circulating through the unit into your home, mold spores are picked up and pushed into your living areas. Be watchful for signs that mold could be lurking in your AC, including a musty smell when the unit is running or visible mold on the exterior of the unit. best rated window ac unitsIf you notice these signs, the following steps will help you safely clean mold from your window air conditioner unit.when is it time to replace my ac unit Clean Mold from Your Window Air Conditioner: A Step By Step Guide10 year old ac unit

Vacuum cleaner with attachments The following mold removal process should be performed in an area with good ventilation. Put on your safety gear (mask, eyewear, and gloves). Turn off the air conditioner and unplug the unit from its power source. Take off the front body grille of your unit. On most units, this can be done easily by pulling it forward and pushing down slightly. If the grille is screwed in, use the screwdriver to remove the screws. Remove the filter that is located in the air conditioner’s front grille. (some of these filters are disposable, if – so, install a new one.) If your filter is washable, as most window unit’s filters are…place the filter in your sink and sprinkle it with laundry detergent. Fill the sink with enough hot water to cover the filter. Let the filter soak for 15 minutes. Next, use the scrub brush to clean both sides of the filter. Rinse out the filter with clean water and hang it to dry. Next, go back to your air conditioner unit and unscrew the metal cover located behind the front body grill and lift it directly upwards.

Use the vacuum and attachments to clean out as much dirt and debris from the interior of the unit as possible. Wipe out any visible mold growth. In your bucket, mix a solution of ½ cup bleach, 1 tablespoon mild dish soap, and 3 gallons hot water. Using a cloth, brush, or sponge, soak up the solution and scrub the moldy areas of your air conditioner well. Also clean the air conditioner front grille if that has mold on it. Allow the solution to sit on these surfaces for approximately 10 minutes, then rinse with water and a damp cloth. Let the unit, filter, grille, and metal cover dry completely. Reassemble the air conditioning unit and plug back into its power source. Click The Image Below To Download A One Page Printable PDF Guide for How To Clean Mold From Your Window Air Conditioner We hope this step by step guide on how to clean mold from your window air conditioner was helpful! For more information about air conditioning systems and maintenance procedures, check out our Complete Guide to Air Conditioning here!

If your air conditioner is beginning to smell, then it's time to find and clear the source of the bad odor. Air conditioning odors usually come from mold and mildew that accumulate from condensation on the refrigerator coils, in a clogged drain pan, or leak in the system. But, animals can also get in the unit and die, creating a really bad odor. You'll need to check for both conditions before cleaning. If you have a window unit, cleaning is a little easier. Depending on the style and model, open the covers, top or access panels of your air conditioning unit. Using a flashlight, look inside the unit for signs of what might be causing the odor. Look for any dead animals (mice, rats, bats, squirrels, or snakes,), decaying vegetation, mold or mildew. If you have a window unit, remove the unit from the window and place it on the ground or a flat outdoor surface. Removing access panels to a window unit may take a little more work because of the amount of screws. Draw a diagram to indicate what screws and snaps go to what panel to make reassembly easier.

While wearing latex gloves, remove any visible debris or dead animals you can reach. When you've removed as much of any debris you can find, use your foaming coil cleaner and spray the air conditioner's coil. Allow the foam to work for about 10 to 15 minutes. This should loosen any dirt, oil or grime. Rinse until the water from the unit runs clear. Find and remove your air conditioner's condensation drain line. Flush the line with bleach and hot water, or with undiluted distilled white vinegar if you don't want to use bleach, to kill any fungi, mold or mildew that may be in the line. Allow the line to dry. While you have the line off, install a three-way clean-out valve to allow for future cleaning without having to remove the line. In a window unit you won't have a line, but will be able to see the built in drain pan and drainage hole. Make sure the pan and hole are clean. Use an old toothbrush if needed. Find the drip or drain pan or tray. Remove and wash thoroughly with hot, soapy water.