How Bad Is It Really To Never Clean Your Window Air Conditioner? - Livestrong.com

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The first day of the year when it's warm enough to turn on the air conditioning can be a bit exciting (yes, spring!). However, if you have a Windows drive, you should thoroughly clean the drive first.

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According to experts, window air conditioners work best when cleaned monthly and deep cleaned once or twice a year.

"When cold air collides with warmer air around the machine, condensation can occur," says Michael Rubino, founder of All American Restoration and author of The Mold Medic . This mix of penetrating moisture and dust particles already in the machine is an ideal environment for mold growth.

This can have a negative impact on air quality . "Once the mold has formed, the colony begins to produce potentially microscopic spores and toxins, which then spread throughout the room," says Rubino.

And if you have a mold allergy, that can also trigger or worsen your symptoms.

Aside from indoor air quality, keeping your device clean will help keep it running efficiently and for as long as possible.

"Delaying maintenance can result in expensive long-term repairs and a shorter lifespan for your unit," says Sarah Jameson, marketing manager for Green Building Elements . "Plus, accumulated dust and dirt reduces the quality of cooling," he adds, keeping your room uncomfortably warm. (In that case, here are some tips for cooling down a room without air conditioning .)

Frequent and regular cleanings can help prevent these problems, say Rubino and Jameson. So what exactly should you do and when? Here are his tips for preventing mold in a window air conditioner, as well as tips for cleaning a window air conditioner without removing it.

Quickly clean your window air conditioner once a month

Quick maintenance cleanings can prevent mold and dirt from building up in your air conditioner, which can help keep it running efficiently and can easily be given a deep clean when the time comes.

Fortunately, you don't have to hold the device out of the window to get the job done, says Jameson. This is like:

• Unplug the device and remove the filter first. Read the manufacturer's instructions to find your device's filter and the best way to remove it. "The grille tends to come loose or unscrew, freeing up access to the interior," says Rubino.
  
• Clean the filter . Refer to the manufacturer's manual for washing instructions. Typically, he recommends washing the filter with a brush or cloth dampened with soap and water or a mild detergent, Jameson says. If your filter isn't washable, vacuum it thoroughly with a HEPA vacuum, says Rubino. While you're at it, consult your manual to determine when the filter should be replaced. For most units, this is every three months.
  
• Let the filter dry. Reinserting a damp filter into the unit can encourage the growth of mold and mildew so allow it to sit until it is completely dry. It goes faster if you can expose it to the sun in dry weather.
  
• Clean inside. While the filter dries, take a quick peek inside the unit. Vacuum it with a HEPA vacuum (use the soft-bristled attachment), paying special attention to the ribs (the thin strips of metal on the outside of the unit). Then spray the interior with 8% hydrogen peroxide (it breaks down built-up particles), leave for five to 10 minutes, and then wipe with a microfiber cloth, Rubino recommends. Let the interior dry completely.
  
• Replace filter and close unit. Once the filter and the inside of the device are dry, you can reinsert the filter and close the front grille.
  

Thoroughly clean your window air conditioner at least once a year

Even with regular maintenance cleaning, dust and dirt can accumulate. A thorough cleaning once or twice a year can get the problem under control, say Jameson and Rubino. This is like:

• Disconnect the device and remove it from the window. It's a bit bulky, but to give it a thorough clean you'll have to take the device out the window, say Jameson and Rubino.
  
• Remove and replace filters. Regardless, most filters need to be replaced every few months, so chances are you've got a new one.
  
• Remove and clean the grill. Spray the grill with 8% hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for five to 10 minutes before wiping it down with a microfiber cloth, Rubino recommends. Use a small brush to treat hard-to-reach areas.
  
• Vacuum HEPA inside the machine. Proceed in the same way as with the monthly cleaning.
  
• Clean internal parts. Spray the inside of the unit, condenser coils and drain pan with an 8% hydrogen peroxide solution. Leave the solution on for five to ten minutes and gently wipe off with a microfiber cloth. Again, you can use a small, soft-bristled brush to treat hard-to-reach areas, Rubino says.
  
• Reassemble everything. To reassemble the unit, replace the filter, drip tray, and any other removed parts (per the manufacturer's instructions). If any of the fins bent during the cleaning process, use a fin comb ($8.99, Amazon ) to gently smooth them out, Jameson recommends.
  
• Wash the outside of the device. Do this the same way you cleaned the internals, Rubino recommends.
  
• Put the device back in the window and plug it in. Now you can enjoy fresh, clean air.
  

So how bad is it to never clean your window air conditioner?

Skipping cleaning your window air conditioner is bad for the unit and the air in the room.

A dusty or moldy air conditioner is less efficient and will fail sooner than a clean, well-maintained air conditioner. In addition, it negatively impacts indoor air quality and potentially worsens symptoms of mold allergy.

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