How To Repair Window Unit Air Conditioner

A malfunctioning window air conditioner generally tends to be cheaper to fix than a central air system.

Often you'll see a sudden reduction of the volume of cool air or air that is no longer as cool as it once was.

Fixing your window air conditioner in this case may be as simple as cleaning it, rather than an all-out repair.

How to Repair Window Unit Air Conditioner

Unplug air conditioner

Unplug the air conditioner. Unscrew and remove the front grill. Depending on the model and age, you may need to pry off the grill with the flat end of a screwdriver.

Slide air conditioner unit out of its place inside window

Slide the air conditioner unit out of its place inside the window. Have someone help you move the unit to a sturdy and durable surface.

Look for air conditioner's mesh filter covering fins on evaporator coil

Look for the air conditioner's mesh filter covering the fins on the evaporator coil.

Remove the filter.

Wash the filter with warm water, detergent and a drop or two of bleach.

Shake the filter to remove excess water and allow to dry.

Use a hand-held vacuum or attach a brush attachment to your full-sized vacuum cleaner.

Run the vacuum over the evaporator coils.

Use a heavy-duty brush to remove any dirt that remains on the coils after vacuuming.

Take a closer look at the fins of the evaporator coil.

Look for any fins that are bent, and use a special tool known as a fin comb to straighten bent fins.

Run the fin comb either up or down the fins to straighten them.

Use a hand-held vacuum or attach a brush attachment to your full-sized vacuum cleaner.

Run the vacuum over the evaporator coils.

Use a heavy-duty brush to remove any dirt that remains on the coils after vacuuming.

Take a closer look at the fins of the evaporator coil.

Look for any fins that are bent, and use a special tool known as a fin comb to straighten bent fins.

Run the fin comb either up or down the fins to straighten them.