Jack Frost is nipping at our nose and Santa Clause has just left. The eastern seaboard has just received their 3rd blizzard for a total of more than 125 cm (56 inches) of snow in 1 week. So, who in their correct thoughts would be pondering about window air conditioners at this time of yr?

Call me insane, but I am.

It is a good time of yr to begin this project. First of all, it retains types thoughts sharp for the coming spring. As well as, it allows you to attempt out these new tools you acquired for Xmas. Mainly though, it is a good winter season project simply because by the time spring arrives you will be too busy to think about this job.

Extremely small is needed to clean a window air conditioner, except plenty of patience. If patience is something you lack then it is a job you ought to turn more than to the local appliance serviceman.

Resources · Tin can or container (old muffin tin works nicely also)

· Vacuum cleaner

· Long dealt with brush (an old toilet brush works nicely)

· Oil can

· Rags

· De-greaser or spray detergent

· Selection of screwdrivers (Philips, Flat bladed, one/4″ socket head)

· Fin device (optional)

· New filter (if disposable type)

Lets get began ————–

one. Begin by getting rid of the filter from the front grille. If it is a disposable type simply replace it with a new 1. Other kinds are produced 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 1 inch of scorching water. Just sufficient so the filter is submerged. Soak for 15 minutes. Eliminate from water and rinse with warm water. Hang up to dry while proceeding to subsequent step.

2. Subsequent, remove the front grille from the primary physique of the air conditioner. They usually pivot on 2 spring clips at the bottom. It is usually eliminated by pulling the grille gently forward while pushing it down at the same time. If there is resistance then appear for concealed screws. Look close to the leading edge of the grille or behind the control knob door. As soon as eliminated location the grille aside till later.

3. Carefully remove metal cover of air conditioner to expose inner workings. As soon as all the screws are eliminated lift the cover directly up. Do not allow it hit the other parts as it can have sharp edges. This is where the old can arrives in useful (ice cube container or muffin tin works nicely also). Use it to maintain track of all the screws you will be getting rid of. An air conditioner will frequently use a quantity of various kinds and dimensions of screws. Segregate them from every other or confusion will result when we begin reassembly.

4. Examine the fan motor for any oil holes or oil plugs. If the motor has oil plugs they are usually rubber. Use caution when getting rid of simply because the rubber might have become brittle. Often they will break off in the oil holes resulting in a blockage. If this happens attempt to remove the broken plug by using a pin of the tip of a little screwdriver.

As soon as the fan motor oil holes are uncovered include a few drops of oil to every end of the motor physique. Use a common purpose (3in1) oil or clean motor oil. A #30 oil is adequate.

The natural tendency is to more than-oil. As well much lubrication is as bad as not sufficient. Consequently only 3 or 4 drops on each ends of the motor physique is adequate. Include the oil slowly, pausing a few seconds between every drop. If you include it too quickly more than-lubrication will result.

5. Use the brush to remove surface dust and dirt from the evaporator (front fins). Use only an up and down movement. Do not go side to side or permit the fins to be bent more than. The fins are extremely soft aluminum and can be damaged easily.

As soon as surface dirt is eliminated, spray with de-greaser or cleaner. There is a good product on the marketplace known as HVAC cleaner. As the title implies it is meant for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioner coil cleansing. If this is not obtainable the Fantastic Spray cleaner utilized in kitchens and bathrooms works really nicely.

Allow stand about 15 minutes or as per directions on de-greaser can. This will permit cleaner to loosen any concealed dirt. Eliminate dirt and extra cleaner by slowly pouring warm water into fins. Do not permit the water to enter any electrical connections or components that might be close to the coil. As an additional precaution cover the motor with 1 of the cloth rags. to protect it from the water.

Do not use any type of high stress air or water simply because this can generate dirt farther into fins. Also, use intense caution as these coils are filled with high stress refrigerant.

6. Straighten any bent fins. Use a fin comb if obtainable. If no fin comb then use something soft this kind of as a Popsicle stick. Straightening the fins will improve the efficiency of the air flow via the coils. This adds to the general cooling impact 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, examine the leading edge to see if it will lift or open. If it opens this will permit simpler access to the condenser fins. Again use caution simply because the condenser coil is also filled with high stress refrigerant.

eight. Wipe any dirt buildup from each fan blades using a soft rag. Do not bend blades. This would cause a vibration that would hurt the motor.

9. Vacuum all surfaces such as front and back of grille assembly. Do not forget to vacuum underside of metal air conditioner cover. If the cover consists of air holes clean them completely. If essential use a damp rag.

10. Drain any water left in the base and permit it to dry for few hours.

When totally dry plug in air conditioner and test operation. If every thing appears okay unplug and reassemble.

As soon as reassembly is total, retest operation to ensure replacing the cover has not impacted something. Including the cover will tend to twist the frame and can cause inside parts to transfer out of alignment. This can cause the fan to become noisy. To right for this issue remove the cover and realign to the primary physique of the air conditioner. Reinstall the cover and test for noises each and every time 2 or 3 additional screws are additional to the cover.

Finally, cover air conditioner with plastic wrap or an old blanket. Store in a warm dry area. Increase it from floor slightly by putting onto a few 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 process each and every yr. If you do, the machine will be ready for many much more years of reliable support.

Copyright 2004 by Donald Grummett. All correct reserved.

Donald Grummett is an appliance support manager in Ottawa, Canada. In the trade more than 30 years as each a technician, company owner, and technical trainer. For much more info about appliances such as FAQ, Stain manual, Recycling, and Newsletter visit http://www.newsletterjournal.com