Clean Window AC the LAZY (but still effective) way!

[@Datju]

This fixed my ac problem. It wasn’t kicking on to cool down, and would trip my breaker if I turned on my tv… thought I was about to drop $450 on a new one, but this guide cleaned it right up and my room was never colder. Bless you

[@HandymanHertz]

Wow, thanks for sharing your experience! Glad you had so much success. Your electrical bill will thank you too 👍🏼

[@techshabby0001]

What does the spray smell like? How long long does it take for the spray smell to go away?

[@Datju]

@@techshabby0001 depending on what you get mine smelled like lemon but it has a strong chemical smell to it. Takes about 3 hours before you don’t notice it as much, but after about 24 I would say it’s completely gone

[@BeccaHetrick]

Why would you spend $450 on an air conditioner?

[@Datju]

@@BeccaHetrickit’s one that doesn’t have the compressor inside so you can hear it. It’s a n shape

[@anenigma3499]

Many of the newer window AC units don't have a condensate drain so that the condenser fan can pick up water accumulated in the pan and fling it onto the condenser coils for higher efficiency. Many units have a ring on the edge of the fan for even better water pickup. I'm sure that works well in dry climes (low humidity), but where I live along the Texas Gulf Coast, all that stagnant water makes for really good slime production and mosquito breeding. The outdoor humidity here is just too high to generate enough water evaporation to keep the pan level in check. As a result, I drill several holes in the pan to drain the water. I'd rather take a slight hit in efficiency over the problems and horrible smell of slime build up and dead mosquitoes/insects, and for keeping a place where even more mosquitoes to reproduce.

[@HandymanHertz]

That's a very good point! We have medium humidity where I live and it works great, but I can totally see where Houston and southeast states would need to drill some holes. I wish manufacturers would put some screw and plugs or something to give you that option. That way people don't drill into their condenser or fan, like a lot of people have told me they do. I guess that's more sold units for them

[@Al_Zidni]

There should be a rubber plug under the unit. Which you can remove instead of drilling holes. Or did yours didn't have one? All my ACs had it.

[@BeccaHetrick]

They still have a drain... My brand new air conditioner still has a drain even with the condensate flinging fan...

[@katialemos474]

​​@@Al_Zidni forgive my English, I'm from Brazil. But when you said " a rubber plug under the unit" you mean a drain hole ?

[@Al_Zidni]

@@katialemos474 Yes. There is a rubber plug on the drain hole.

[@davidmccoy112]

Just took mine apart and cleaned out side and man it's way colder and smells better

[@HandymanHertz]

Alright! 👍🏼

[@geaneliketryto]

“For one week out of the whole year, that 🌳tree makes me really happy.”🥰 🤭

[@HandymanHertz]

Haha glad you enjoyed that

[@shannonm75]

Cottonwood? Those things are awful. My brother has a terrible allergy to it and I think my nephew too. they mess up AC filters.

[@lisavanhusen7483]

Looks like a red bud.

[@HandymanHertz]

Prairie fire crabapple tree

[@HandymanHertz]

Close...Prairie fire crabapple tree

[@KG-th3cr]

Fast AND lazy? Well sign me up.

[@HandymanHertz]

Lol there ya go 👍🏼

[@vee5315]

Yeah this video is made for me lol

[@KG-th3cr]

@@vee5315 Quick, high five! Well, maybe tomorrow.

[@Praise___YaH]

Guys, Here is our Savior HalleluYAH translates “Praise ye YaH” YaH is The Heavenly Father YaH arrives via the TENT OF MEETING YaH was Who they Crucified for our sins - Ancient Semitic Cuneiform of Moshe (Moses) - Isa Scroll (The Original Isaiah) Isaiah 42:8 "I am YaH; that is my Name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. Isaiah 43:11 I, I am YAH, and there is no other Savior but Me. Isaiah 45:5 I am YaH, and there is none else.

[@stanblackburn700]

Same, bro!

[@dhansel4835]

To rise my coils I have a 1 gallon plastic pump sprayer which I put hot water in. I pump it up and set the sprayer tip to give almost a steady stream of hot water. Be sure to put a towel on the bottom front of the air conditioner to catch any water overflow you may have.

[@HandymanHertz]

That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@TSD4027]

I needed to find this video 3 months ago. I live in a dusty area and this year when I put the AC in it felt like it wasn't cooling well. The screen was pretty clean but while it was sitting for 9 months it got clogged so thick I had to use a tooth brush to gently rub the dirt off. Took a considerable amount of time.

[@HandymanHertz]

At least you figured out hire to clean it 👍🏼

[@mitchv.7492]

Important disclaimer you didn't do: ALWAYS UNPLUG you appliances when you performe maintenance on them. That said, nice video !

[@HandymanHertz]

Yes, terrific point!

[@0annonymous]

Another thing that can help with efficiency is plugging all the holes around where the AC's installed, start there The biggest help is having good draft-free windows and home insulation If your home is well insulated, heating and cooling CAN become MORE energy efficient Good insulation means going BEYOND inside walls.... Good insulation ALSO involves insulating under vinyl siding 😇👍

[@dcastillo6999]

😢After my 4yo 5000btu GE window AC unit in my class A RV began showing (E8) I had to reset the unit every 40 minutes in Henderson Nv (which is 13 miles south east and always 5 degrees hotter 🥵 than triple digits Vegas) between 2pm-6pm, then 3 days ago the E8 started at 11am 😲-6pm, so I began searching for a new AC unit but the reviews were pretty bad about the ones under $200, but I also KZbin the E8 issue where I found problematic videos, then it donned on me to just hose off the back coils where the blackest water began running out 👀 until I saw clear water, and now i haven't seen that dreaded (E8) since then, but I still need to clean those front coils which is why I purchased Frost King Foaming Cleaner from Amazon where I'm going to use your advice to finish the job, So glad i didn't buy another one! THANKS! 💋

[@kalirock1809]

Gonna use this video and the deep clean one to hopefully help my night time allergy breathing problem I'm having along with alot more cleaning in the room. Thank you for this

[@HandymanHertz]

That's a good idea. Let me know your results, I'm interested in hearing.

[@amburcrombie]

Thank you! It's cooling 2-3 degrees more in the heat of the day (and feels better than that!) and 4+ degrees at other times. You saved us $200!

[@HandymanHertz]

Sounds great! A little cleaning goes a long way sometimes! It will save on your utility bill also

[@EMoore-xb6kd]

Can't do a deep clean as its installed upstairs but definitely ordering the cleaner NOW! Can't even sleep with the reaction I'm having.

[@HandymanHertz]

Hope that works well for you!

[@rachelweigand5377]

That was the best, fastest, lazy way to clean an ac unit!! Thank you, handyman! I'm going to buy the cleaner foam now!! 😊

[@HandymanHertz]

Great, thank for you watching! Glad it helped!

[@sippigrrrl]

I’m finally getting around to watching this video, and I swear you have been listening to me, because I was just cleaning the filter of my (almost new) window unit today. Thank you for this, and I ordered a couple cans through your affiliate link. It is on sale for $9.37 (42% off!) so thanks again! We have two window units in opposite ends of the house, and since we replaced them this year, they are so efficient that the central A/C only kicks in 2-3 times a day. We live in New Orleans, so we use A/C for about 10 months, but not needing the central air all day every day has been saving us a lot of money.

[@scottdenise32]

Thank you so much! It worked! You saved me from buying a new ac. 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@HandymanHertz]

Alright! Glad to hear it! You're welcome.

[@kennethdurbin1620]

You will NOT see what I am posting now anywhere on you tube or google. ALL these posts say you have to remove the unit from the window and then unscrew 4 thousand bolts. I had mine start leaking into the bedroom, I have suffered 2 strokes and just had my lower left lung removed, chemo etc. AC staying in window right ??? Yup, the ONLY thing blocking me from using a coat hanger to push in/out debris from the SMALL drain pipe hole were the ... Vents. Sooo, I unplugged the AC, took tin snippers and simply ... simply cut the 4 vents from the bottom up, cutting closest to the front, used a pair of pliers, ... Gently ... bent the vents back halfway ( uh, don't let them poke you in the eye when you get close to look inside ) bent the hanger and pushed it back and forth ... way dead leaves, moldy looking water ETC came out ... used Frost King spray covering everything inside ... waited 10 minutes ... rinsed with hose ... resprayed .. 10 minutes rinsed again and beautiful. GENTLY used pliers to bend vents back and done. No heavy lifting the AC out and back in ... no 4 thousand bolts etc. I'm 65 yoa, 2 strokes, lower left lung removed and it was just that easy. BUT, you won't see this ... fix ... anywhere. You're Welcome

[@HandymanHertz]

Nice, thanks for sharing

[@believeintendcreate]

Awesome 👏🏼 I have had several window ac in Vegas for 20 years for the bedroom My latest has an odd odor my lungs are not liking but it is not mold. So I have order the foam spray and cleaning commence this weekend 🎉

[@HandymanHertz]

👍🏼 let me know if it helps out at all down the road. What brand is your AC?

[@RaiderYeeee]

Did it help the smell?

[@dudenamecharlie]

Thanks man! We had a small unit which was freezing within 5 minutes. We used the coil cleaner, used a whole can and once it was fully cleaned, we cranked it up and what do you know! It began cooling properly and not freezing anymore. Saved us from buying a whole new unit for now! Thank you!

[@adamburnette]

Cleaned my central until and could tell an immediate difference in the air temp blowing out. I would add that it didn't even look that dirty but like you said you even a little dirt can make a huge difference in efficiency

[@HandymanHertz]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing, I've had similar results 👍🏼

[@tinmania]

Thankfully the last 3 GE ACs I’ve installed have little rubber plugs underneath the AC. If you want the condensate pan to constantly drain you can remove the plug. But I am in Arizona and it never overflows so I leave the plugs in unless I am cleaning the coils in which case I remove the plug.

[@loft306]

Yeah I wish I had some of that foamy cleaner, but I didn't. I was getting ready to use a mild detergent and hot water when I looked down and noticed the steam cleaner. Yeah, worked great I can only get to the evap coil, but my evap coil looked like your condenser on the inside and thus it was freezing up in 95° heat, turning off with a big huge thud. 20 minutes after cleaning and running it on a high and the lowest temp, no lore freez ups and the longer it runs the better and quieter it gets. Tomorrow I'll check the drain hole again to make sure it didn't clog with everything that came down out of the coil, and yes I put an inspection camera in it. And yes, there's a nice puddle in the drain tray and you can hear it swishing around the condenser fan and cooling the condenser with the water spray.

[@HandymanHertz]

A steam cleaner, that's a good idea, I've never heard of that. 👍🏼 glad you got it working properly again

[@gump071]

I’m out here in California. Bless you for the tutorial that helps a lot 👍🏽

[@HandymanHertz]

Great, glad to help! Stay cool!

[@YSLRD]

I pull mine and give them a deep clean in the fall. Depending on dirt level, one sometimes needs it mid summer.

[@HandymanHertz]

that’s the best, for sure!

[@VictoriaLepantoFatima]

Thank you so much for this. I'm feeling dizzy after using this cleaner. I had no idea that I had to rinse it. It's for a indoor condo unit. I'm going to use hot water too.

[@HandymanHertz]

Yes, I would use hot water. Hope it works for you

[@jurassicrock1950]

Great video, I have a Friedrich that's about 8 years old that's been shutting off when the outside temp is above 92-93 degrees and giving me a Error Code 34, I'm going to give this a shot.

[@stevealbaugh9717]

Thank you for the video. I ordered two of those foaming cleaner. I'm a big clean freak. I was always wondering about how dirty my AC unit. I'm looking forward to getting mine cleaned.

[@HandymanHertz]

Good! Yeah, It's very satisfying job and beneficial. Don't forget to do a deep clean on it sometime. I have a couple good videos for that.

[@rimazaynullina576]

I have this but never knew how to use it. So glad came across this video will 100% go and clean it now

[@HandymanHertz]

Alright! sometimes we just need a little nudge 👍🏼

[@youtubechampion9377]

Great job cleaning the coils, I would recommend getting a radiator comb set to straighten out the coil fins. It comes it handy for lots of things, especially car rads/condensers. Having just a few fins bent causes air blockages hurting performance similar to being dirty.

[@HandymanHertz]

I totally agree! I have a comb set, I just forgot to add it into the video. Thanks for reminding us. 👍🏼

[@LikChan]

I didn't even know such a cleaner existed Thanks!

[@HandymanHertz]

Yup, it's fun! Click my link and go buy some 😊

[@mgman2640]

I take it outside and use a water hose with a spray nozzle tip and spray behind the air filter, it cleans out all the dirt, works great

[@corgizx]

Best video I’ve seen yet, hope to see a deep cleaning video soon.

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks! I hope to work on it within the next week or two.

[@HandymanHertz]

The window a/c deep clean video is out!

[@b.j.hinote4301]

Will just going from the inside help. Cuz im on the 2nd floor and cant reach the outside.

[@HandymanHertz]

Yes, it will help. Definitely worth your time, depending on how bad it is.

[@nathanhatfield1044]

That brush on top of the cleaner bottle works great to straighten out your fins. Doing this will also really help the efficiency of your window ac

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks for the input, I've never used it for that, I'll give it a try

[@kaliconnect9014]

Tuff stuff also works well

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks for the tip

[@E85_STI]

I bought a gallon jug of condenser cleaner and I’m going to clean my coils but you should catch all the foam and water in a bucket then show all the debris is caught

[@HandymanHertz]

That’s a really good idea!

[@techshabby0001]

You should mention you can pop out the plastic grill on the front panel and soak it good, then give it a good scrub.

[@HandymanHertz]

Yep, that's true, good tip 👍🏼

[@Technie87]

120v ac PC blowers are really great for this as well. Probably best to give it shot before you shoot water into there so you don't have dust sticking on the coils whenever you start up the AC. You can also use the PC blower to dry the unit down if you choose to use water

[@MonkeyFlingingPoo]

My A/C has been acting up, turning on and off rapid-fire, so I've had to unplug it. I'm hopeful that once I can get a can of cleaner this will fix the problem, or else I've got a bum A/C coming up on summer. Thanks for this video.

[@HandymanHertz]

Good luck, hope this helps. This could definitely help with short cycling, which it sounds like yours is doing. If if it's too dirty, it can't dissipate the heat enough. Let me know how it goes

[@mage1439]

@@HandymanHertz Hey, sorry. I haven't checked my email so I didn't notice you replied. It worked great. I really appreciate your video.

[@SantanaSam12]

I’m gonna try this on my kids bedroom unit. I’ll return with details .

[@HandymanHertz]

Great, let me know the results!

[@mmm7m672]

Inside of the fan through front is the issue get that cleaned & if you disagree take a picture of the fan on Inside you'll be surprised how much mold

[@HandymanHertz]

True, but that requires disassembly and taking it out. That’s not the purpose of this video

[@KimSevern]

Thanks for the video. About to try the foam. Just spraying through the outside with fins with water got enough of my 4 years build up to get me through the heat wave. I thought it just couldn't keep up. It had gotten hot enough to cut itself off. It was still 160 when I thought to check it about 5 minutes later. I learned the backflow into the house that you showed the hard way. smh After the water wash it hovered around 125 and brought my tiny house down to 70 in 100 heat we were having. I use the drain adapter that came with my arctic king, plus a piece of water hose to run it off to the side of my porch. Not as efficient without the water helping to cool the condenser fins, but I didn't need the water splattering all over my wood walls and porch. I tried it that way first.

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks for watching 👍🏼 let me know how the foam worked out for you

[@Nighthawke70]

Just a caveat about coil cleaners: There are some types of coils that will be damaged beyond repair if you use the WRONG type of cleaner on them. Especially Microchannel coils, you only use cleaners formulated for that type, period. Follow the manufacturers guidelines for cleaning their product, or any warranty will be null and void. For windowshakers still in the window, an foaming alkaline cleaner is recommended. I know acid types would wipe out the crap in a heartbeat, but you run the risk of wrecking the client's wall and lawn. If necessary, take it out and go to a car wash, and use the acid there. Viper Technologies has a broad spectrum of cleaners for all types of coils and conditions. They sport a handy sprayer that connects to your water supply. As with any cleaner, read the instructions and stay within the guidelines, or you'll have a messed up coil.

[@MsLori1973]

This foam IA good for all ac units, n u don't need to wash it out. It was an hvac guy that told me about it. Just to clear that up in case anyone gets misinformed by your comment, as would I. Us women n some men wouldn't have no idea what your talking.about as far as acid cleaners go, but im sure just hearing about acid would detour anyone. Plus, it's bad to breath in. Just my opinion no hard feelings 😊

[@TinusTegenlicht]

Beside extra coolings and saving money on electricity, it is also way healthier to have a clean a/c. Because all sorts of mould, bacteria and viruses can grow between the coils and it will be blown into your house. Plenty people get sick because of a dirty a/c, so clean it regularly!

[@HandymanHertz]

So many benefits to cleaning, so little time and effort required 👍🏼

[@charlesstuart1119]

❤absolutely yes!❤

[@billykulim5202]

learn to clean with small preasure washer is better, i clean ac in my house my self for 10years, witch just small 40bar preasure electric washer, and learning from youtube HVAC technician,

[@AngelWindKiller05]

Thank you for the video. I show it to my dad, and now my room feels cold 🤓

[@HandymanHertz]

You’re welcome!

[@BSF628]

Call me crazy, but I take the filters out of my 2 units weekly to clean and once a month I clean the coils on both. Cleaning them monthly in my opinion eliminates alot of build up on the coils and hopefully is saving money on the electric bill, here in the Philippines we use AC year round so depending on your climate it might make sense...lol

[@HandymanHertz]

Some may call you crazy, I just call it good maintenance 🙂

[@skyirwin1445]

Yes, they have a drainage hole, but if you read the instructions, keeping the plug in helps with efficiency. I would take the plug out while cleaning, but when finished, I would put the plug back.

[@HandymanHertz]

Not every model has a drainage plug, like this one in the video.

[@natesaunders5628]

If you live in a dusty environment you'll be cleaning your unit a couple of times a season. I threw that plug in the trash, not worth the extra effort.

[@mackenziegray2090]

Water at the bottom of the pan acts like a good de-superheater. Better at subcooling the refrigerant.

[@HandymanHertz]

👍🏼

[@hjc4604]

The water in the bottom is picked up by the fan and thrown onto the condenser coil where it evaporates removing more heat than the outside air alone. Many have a ring around the outer edge of the fan blades to facilitate the water pick-up.

[@reginaldbowens6407]

Just cleaned my old maytag...thanks!!

[@HandymanHertz]

Glad I could help!

[@prestonrenify]

Really great video and I thank you for it, though you might have unplugged unit and put a large towel in floor in front of AC. Also noticed standing water in drip tray before you began so you might have addressed the tilt of your unit.

[@Y_N_K_888]

I've been spraying with peroxide and shop vacuuming with some vinyl hose electric taped to it. But this I will def try

[@HandymanHertz]

I’d be a little Leary using peroxide on an AC unit, as it’s corrosive. Too many expensive parts that are metallic that can ruin the whole unit. 👍🏼

[@MexicanChrisKyle]

Just got another subscriber. I really enjoy your way of explaining, concise and say everything you need to. Sounds like youve had a ton of experience doing what you do and we thank you for sharing.

[@HandymanHertz]

Thank you, I appreciate that. I don’t want to lead people astray, so I try to either have a lot of experience or do some research before I just tell people things. 👍🏼

[@aninXasil]

Very helpful video! Thank you! What are the trees called? I think they are very pretty!

[@HandymanHertz]

Thank you! they are prairie fire crabapple trees. Unbelievable gorgeous.

[@FutureDreamZz]

If I had to guess why no drainage hole it’s because the water helps cool the condenser making it use less energy? Probably wrong but please let me know

[@rachelm1991]

Thanks for the video! What about using a shop vac on the inside part once you remove the cover?

[@HandymanHertz]

Good idea! That would work, too, for hair and fuzz 👍🏼

[@pooddescrewch8718]

I have used that particular cleaner and it works well

[@HandymanHertz]

Great, thanks for the feedback!

[@charlesstuart1119]

❤ well l have done it but first l vaccum dust and use toothbrush to losen dirt then spray! Easy❤

[@HandymanHertz]

Nice! I hope you used your spouses tooth brush 😉 that's a good idea, use a brush would help it even more.

[@semlohde1]

THANKS.. at 96 my through wall unit wasn't cooling well at all. I need to clean it !

[@paulinoeugenia2660]

99.000001 % That is. Very good My friend 👍

[@HandymanHertz]

👍🏼 thanks for watching

[@jerryt6709]

Awesome information as always, gave me some great ideas for my central air unit!

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks, Jerry! Yeah, a can of that works great for a central unit too.

[@Fireangel2009]

My window is slanted on the outside how much do I have to worry about the excess water? I’m trying to keep my AC from giving up on life and I’m thinking this may help.

[@0annonymous]

It's always smart to have a backup of every single appliance you own if possible Let's say you're AC went out, it's smart to have a SPARE to install immediately versus waiting until you get the money to get a new AC I think I personally would rather have a spare sitting somewhere out of the way, especially if I ever needed it on one of the hottest days of the year

[@Fireangel2009]

@@0annonymous I do it’s just rather large I don’t know if it fits my window but my dad wants to replace all the window AC’s so I’m trying to make it last until he decides when he’s going to do it.

[@carolingram5948]

Thanks so much for this video!!! My 10yr old whirlpool 10,000 BTU AC was cooling very poorly on our recent 90 degree day. I opened it up and was grossly dirty, but I knew i could not get it out of the window by myself. So that day I brushed the surface dirt off the fins which helped a bit. After watching your video and a can of the cleaner I was able to clean it myself. It is cooling alot better!!! Going to get another can to clean my smaller bedroom unit. Thanks.

[@HandymanHertz]

I’m glad to help. It’s people like you who are the reason why make these videos. 👍🏼

[@BeccaHetrick]

When I moved into my first crapartment, I was happy to see that it came with two air conditioners. The one in the living room worked fairly well, I just assumed that's how it was because it was an older unit and I didn't have any information on it because it was just in the apartment when I moved in. One day I decided to research window air conditioners because I had grown up my whole life with central air, and I saw that there's a filter you can clean. I pulled the cover off and I could literally see half an inch of dirt and dust on this filter. Literally as soon as I removed the filter from the air conditioner it was like a fucking hurricane. The airflow was probably 50 times stronger. Apparently the person who bought that air conditioner also didn't know that you're supposed to clean the filter...vMy landlord stopped by a few days later and when he fell down cool it was in the living room he asked if I had bought anywhere conditioner. I said no, I just cleaned the filter in that one. I told him there was literally half an inch of dust on the filter as if no one had ever cleaned it before... So now I clean my air conditioner filters every 30 days even if the indicator light isn't on... And my new air conditioner has Wi-Fi so it sends me a message on my phone when the filter needs to be cleaned...

[@OscarPerez-uq7zt]

I always clean my ac s but I take them apart and it works

[@HandymanHertz]

👍🏼

[@cyphre]

For the coils, have you tried using a garment steamer?

[@HandymanHertz]

No, I havnt, have you?

[@Gator-357]

I couldn't tell you the number of ACs I've found and had given to me becuse they "didn't work". Almost every single one of them ended up working like new after I took them apart and cleaned them. I've always had an over abundance of AC units during the summer because of people tossing them. It's almost like a second income. Clean them, make sure they blow cold and sell the ones I don't need for cheap or "fix" them for enough money to make it worth my while. I have about 10 or 15 in my garage, ready to go and people come for one or two two, three, four times a week. It's not a bad gig, 30 to 80 bucks for 20-30 monutes of work, if that.

[@floridaorbust5038]

First unplug the air conditioner

[@HandymanHertz]

Oops, correct. Thank you.

[@TheBuLoS1]

New sub here, Mahalo for the great video info. Have a blessed rest of your day. Aloha! 🤙🏽

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks for the sub. Glad to have another packers fan subscribed!

[@susiemartinez8983]

Is there a way to do this to a portable air unit?

[@HandymanHertz]

Interesting question, I’ve never done one. I’m sure someone has a video on it though.

[@bellavalentineroyaltyvlogs4910]

How do you know when the a/c unit is fully drained?

[@HandymanHertz]

It should stop leaking water. Just make sure no debris is blocking the drainage hole. You can also peak through the fins and see the water level

[@danram247]

I actually vaccum my window a/c the interior part where the filter is it. If you vacuum it often it shouldn't get that dirty to need a soap wash.

[@HandymanHertz]

I agree, but the soap wash cleans the dirt/grease/grime on the inside of the coils that insulated it from being able to cool properly. The dust bunnies and other stuff you can vacuum doesn’t really do all that much, unless it’s caked on for some reason.

[@sylviarivera3107]

Thanks for the video. My AC is attracting many flies and smells horrible outside. AC is two months old!!! What is attracting the flies?

[@HandymanHertz]

Do you live in a humid climate? I’ve not had this issue.

[@roseannapage3662]

So, I never knew that the inside of these needed to be cleaned. I always cleaned the filter and those coils that I can see after removing the filter. But, at the end of last summer it started draining water in the house. So, I was going to try and buy a new one but money is a little funny right now and I saw your video (not this one, another one) on how to clean an air conditioner properly. I started taking it apart but the top just wouldn't come off fully. I used my flashlight to see inside and it is bad. We've used this AC for 3 years now with only doing the filter/coil cleaning. My question is, is there anything that would make an air conditioner unsalvageable? I would show you pics but not sure if I can in the comments. I have asthma and wouldn't want to use this after what I just saw inside of it. It looks like rust and some sort of build up. If you are able to see this message and reply I would be so grateful.

[@johnpope4464]

The water is used to help lower the temperature to get better cooling temps

[@HandymanHertz]

True 👍🏼

[@guruofendtimes819]

It takes a lot more than this to clean the unit. Find the tiny drain holes in the styrofoam and stick something through them to clear them out. The inside and outside coils need to be cleaned also. You need to clean and disinfect the unit every few weeks

[@BUBBAFARTS]

I took apart 5 window units And powerwashed them all for the first time in years. Didnt know they got so dirty

[@HandymanHertz]

Yeah, it’s surprising.

[@EvaMurphy-pn5tl]

Ok thanks

[@HandymanHertz]

👍🏼

[@RPD1122]

This video is very helpful! Ordering all of the items listed. I already pulled my 2 AC units out of the windows. Aside from everything you did here, since units are out already, what else should I do to deep clean before summer heat arrives here in CA? Recommendations for the styrofoam parts?

[@HandymanHertz]

Thank you!! While you have it out it’s best to take off the shell and clean any mold on the fan or the styrofoam around the fan. Dryer climates may not have this issue, but it’s what you breath. Also, clean the confessor fins with a brush where the fan blows into. It’s easier to reach with the shell off. I’ll leave a video posted tomorrow on a FULL deep clean. There’s also a channel where you will need to clean that tends to build up and can leak into the house. That’s too hard to explain with text, you’ll have to watch the video for that 👍🏼

[@kennethdurbin1620]

Next time instead of removing the units out of the window, simply cut the vents with a tin snipper ... closest to the front ... start at the bottom, cut up and least 4 then gently pull the4 vents back half way. spray inside, wait 10 minutes then spray with water, spray foam again and wait 10 minutes. While waiting take a close hanger, unwind and bend it to reach the drain pipe. Move it around to clear the small pipe hole. Rinse and gently move vents back into place. Easy, and the unit never left the window.

[@HandymanHertz]

I’ve never heard of this, but I love it! I may have to think about making a video on this. Thanks!

[@tomkeating65]

Buy central air

[@parisvenecia6105]

My husband is being done it for almost 4 years and surprisingly ac still working,, he use the pressure washer until water comes out clear let it dry for a day then he installed it and ready for another year 🤣

[@HandymanHertz]

Nice, does he use a cleaning product?

[@charlesstuart1119]

❤ you can also do the same with a tower fan if you put it upside down to protect the motor!❤

[@anio1349]

Any suggestions for a second story unit, like in an apartment???

[@HandymanHertz]

You can take it out from the inside and carry it downstairs or in your run if you are really ambitious and do a deep clean (I have a video on that). I would probably just buy the foam spray and clean the front (inside) and call it good if you don’t want to take it out and clean it right.

[@yiqwaba3833]

I promise I totally forgot until reminded to like and sub, thanks for the info.

[@HandymanHertz]

You're welcome, thanks for watching

[@bondarenkodf]

Try liquid cleaning agents for air conditioning. They do a better job. See what professionals use in your area.

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks, I’ll look into them

[@elyanaisrael664]

I’m going to try this cause I have an horrible smell coming from my ac

[@HandymanHertz]

Hope it helps. Let me know if it works or not.

[@elyanaisrael664]

@@HandymanHertz will do!

[@cupcakesblessings9652]

Much appreciated sir🫡

[@HandymanHertz]

You're welcome!

[@robertpronovost3839]

Nice video but you should add a drain

[@HandymanHertz]

thanks. If you drain it, you lose efficiency and have to deal with water. The slinger right splashes it on the condenser and helps reduce electricity use.

[@865WALTER]

Thank you very much for your help!!!

[@HandymanHertz]

Glad it helped!

[@travismcgraw478]

I feel like they should reverse the air flow direction through the condensor. All the dirt and debris would be on the outside of the unit and so much easier to clean.

[@xv6brandon]

can you spray the part where the air comes out? where the styrofoam is? mine is really dirty....

[@HandymanHertz]

No, it would require a deep clean. I have a video on that

[@MsLori1973]

Cqnqdian tire carrys it too for 12 bucks. Qmazon has a greennkinf thats even better i hear but its alot more. Like 45 bucks in ontario canada. Hope that helps great video n thank you so much. I looked u up after an hvac giy told me.about this stuff tomight. Im fed up im.hot..i bought snother floor.model thinkin min3 was dirty sucked old n couldnt come clean. I am.so glad i seen this n he told me. I would have thrown another 2 out n been sick with 🥵 as well as.my dog n cat. I cant gontonwoeknwprryijg about my dog. My breaker alsonwas tripping becdue theybwere running overtime sucking the electrical n causing them to overheat the plugs i believe. Im in an apt a very small.one i shouldn't even need 2 ac units of this btu. So i will buy some tom n see how they work n btw i had no drainage hole in my window ac window unit. I cpuodnt figure it out till i realized it uses its own water. I think. Same.wirh the one floor.model.i have. What i dont get is why they glue the thermostat on with a rubber glue n it falls.off.n not soldered. I fixed mine a few times. It was brand new but after about 5x taking it apart i threw it out. Lol dumb i know a solder gun would a been better but i was frustrated n so hot. So i bout a second unit stronger used from a friend

[@brickriver9627]

Great video. 👍

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks 👍

[@1marcelfilms]

Should have done a power consumption test with before and after

[@HandymanHertz]

Yeah I should have! 😕

[@sachabalmacedalopez5661]

I will try

[@HandymanHertz]

👍🏼

[@jim0311]

Try this on the car's AC condenser

[@sr.6816]

What about mold that collects in the upper areas? That is a big concern. It doesn't clean those areas. How do you go about that in an easy way??

[@HandymanHertz]

You can’t in an easy way because when you do a deep clean, you’ll see most of the mold and mildew is hidden on the blower fan and housing. Watch my deep clean video and I explain how to clean it and also how to hopefully eliminated from coming back as soon with the product I use.

[@RichardGibson-ml1nw]

I cleaned my Parents the other day and it is putting out now

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Good tips thanks for the help

[@HandymanHertz]

No problem 👍

[@vickyseaman4395]

Thanks!

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks, I really appreciate the $2.00 tip. :)

[@michaeljohnson2136]

How do you clean that temp sensor you remove?

[@HandymanHertz]

That’s a great question, I can’t say the best way, I’ve only just wiped Mike with a damp rag. Maybe google it.

[@icerexiomo6987]

Please confirm, will the water drain out going to the back if I spray on the inside coil?

[@HandymanHertz]

If you spray the inside evaporator coils, use a spray bottle like i did. It will drain to the back of the AC unit. You can use a hose if you’re careful to clean the external condenser coils. Don’t fill up the unit with too much water, as it will leak inside. Allow it to drain if it gets too full. Hope this helps.

[@icerexiomo6987]

@@HandymanHertz Thank you so much for this info. This is a great help and will save money

[@anthonyd.5140]

How can I safely clean the white styrofoam part where the air comes out ? Thank you

[@HandymanHertz]

I Use concrobium. It kills mold and leave a residual that helps prevent it from coming back. The best way is to take it apart and clean the fan, which is usually the worst part. I have a video of that I uploaded a couple weeks ago and the products are in the description.

[@september27ish]

My window unit is cooling way too much now. I also never cleaned it the past two years. Would this be a suggestion for me to try?

[@HandymanHertz]

Yes, it should be done every year. I think you'll find it's dirtier than you think. I'd actually suggest you deep clean it if it's too bad ( I have a video if you do )but you can do this first.