How To Clean a Window Air Conditioner Filter

One of the more important things to be done is to clean the filter from dust and other debris that can block the airflow.

When airflow is blocked, an A/C unit can not work properly and can fail to cool a room as well as when it was new.
 
How To Clean a Window Air Conditioner Filter

1. Be sure to unplug the unit before the front cover is removed. Remove the front cover. Each unit will have its own clips or the unique way the cover is attached.



2. Slide the filter out.



3. The filter can be cleaned in a sink with water. Mild dish soap can be used with the water if it is rinsed off, as chemicals that are left on the filter will circulate in the room after it is cleaned.



4. After cleaning the filter, install it back into the unit once it is dry. Be sure it is aligned correctly, so no debris gets past it while it is operating.

 
Summary
How often the filter is cleaned will depend on the climate lived in. Keep in mind, the filter is usually checked about every two weeks to every 30 days.

For example, a desert environment has much more debris in the air than a high mountain region.

Keeping the filter clean is very important since an A/C unit works with airflow to transfer hot and cold air to the right places.

A dirty filter interrupts this process and can lead to an underperforming unit.

Never run a window air conditioner without the filter as the fins that air flows through can become clogged.

This can lead to more problems since the small fins are not easily cleaned, and if no air is able to pass through the unit, it will not work.

Cleaning the filter can also add to the life of the unit since it will not need to work as hard to pump cool it into a room.

It can also help the window air conditioner unit operate more quietly.