DEEP Clean Window AC The Correct Way!

[@gulaginmate953]

Informative video Sir. My wife said she & our granddaughter met you on your flight into Seatac on 6/22/23. Annie said you were kind, sweet & a complete gentleman...you even paid for my granddaughters' meal. Thank you Sir. Good men like you are sometimes hard to find these days. Much appreciated!

[@HandymanHertz]

Hello! Yes, I really enjoyed talking to them! I think your wife said you and o share a first name! Fun to get your message, thanks!

[@user-db4qu2xs1l]

@handymanhertz thanks for this video - the section you sprayed the mold product - can I rinse out with water or just leave the spray product and avoid getting water in that region ?

[@infinity3jif]

My cousin buys new a/c units every 2 or 4 years and I get the old ones and do a detailed cleaning and get them working like new again and sell them 'lol'

[@HandymanHertz]

That’s a sweet side hussle!

[@jasonsnow6208]

Hey man. Smart asf. Another man’s trash another man’s treasure.

[@DonioSalieu]

thats crazy because they last more than 10 years

[@alexshatner3907]

@@HandymanHertz I love when you said "If your really feeling brave" awesome statement, because it could be nerve wracking not knowing if you are going to damage some tube under Freon pressure and your doomed

[@HandymanHertz]

@alexshatner3907 yeah, everyone has different comfort levels I suppose

[@briteidea08]

One thing I have done with my one unit. Take a small piece of window screen material and magnets. Lay the screen material over top the outside of the unit. Hold it down with magnets. Helps keep leaves and small debris from falling into the slots.

[@HandymanHertz]

That's a really good idea! I've thought of something similar, but didn't know how to do it without it looking sloppy. Any tips? Thanks for sharing.

[@briteidea08]

@@HandymanHertz you could try painting the screen white. Then use the harbor freight magnetic tool strips. I’m just using the 99 cent ceramic blocks.

[@HandymanHertz]

@briteidea08 that's true, I may have to give that a try. Thanks.

[@Toad888Creative]

"no, sir, we are not ... and yes, sir, that is a lot of mold on there" -- incredible video. amazingly clear and informative but also funny. thanks a ton for this.

[@vc1586]

While I appreciate your attempt to give folks a way to clean their own units, I have a few tips. 1st, don't tip your unit over, compressors are not designed to be tipped. 2nd get a coil cleaner, its cheap and does all the cleaning without needing to brush. 3rd, do not use a brush, you can easily damage your coil fins. 4th protect your electronics with a bag or something.

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks for the tips. that Dirt/mud need some sort of manual brush, all the soaking in the world wouldn't touch that. Compressor will be fine if you let it drain out, I've never had an issue with that or electronics yet, but that's judt my experience.

[@knh5954]

I think, after you spray and clean the mold with the tri-sodium formula Concromium, you want to spray it again to leave salts on surface to prevent new spores from attaching and to smother the roots of the old mold which prevents it from coming back.

[@HandymanHertz]

That makes sense, thank you for the tip

[@vickyseaman4395]

Wow thanks for your video of how to clean my window air conditioner. I have spent weeks calling so called service companies to get mine cleaned out. No body in my area services widow A/C units. Thank you again.

[@HandymanHertz]

You're welcome, Much easier and cheaper than calling a pro.

[@ajarnt9050]

I've been coughing at night lately and realized last night our window AC may be the issue. I looked in it this morning and saw so much black. 🤢 Thank you for this video. I'm about to hop onto Amazon and buy everything you used.

[@ajarnt9050]

Update: I did it! I kinda dropped the air unit out of the window when I first unscrewed it 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ but otherwise, everything was a success. Thank you again!!

[@HandymanHertz]

Haha oh nooooo! So sorry, but you definitely sent the first one to do that. Good job tackling the project! 💪🏼

[@REXXSEVEN]

@@ajarnt9050 Yes, you were probably coughing because of all that MILD that you were breathing in. For some of these units, the amount of mild around the blower fan can get pretty bad.

[@brabbit3134]

So this is why I feel like I’m dying

[@elw7658]

Me too.

[@peachkitteea9313]

First major appliance deep clean as an adult and your tutorial made it so much easier! I’ll find you when my fridge is next ;)

[@HandymanHertz]

Alright! Good job 👍🏼

[@greysgoils]

Just did the full deep clean with the spray nozzle and foam cleaner, praying I didn't break it 🤣😅💪thanks so much for the tutorial! Can't wait for the broken ac deep clean video!

[@HandymanHertz]

You’re welcome, glad it helped. Good job! 💪🏼

[@GrumpyMcfart]

Simply explained. Not a lot of "ums" and "uhs" and very satisfying to watch, too. Take it. Take my sub.

[@HandymanHertz]

Haha hey thanks! I appreciate ya!

[@amallette5819]

Thank you! I just deep cleaned my mom’s ac and it no longer has the mildew smell. I had no idea I could clean it this way until your video

[@HandymanHertz]

You're welcome, I know what that smell smells like, so I'm glad you got it fixed 👍🏼

[@beaut-ful-d-saster]

FYI: If you live in Canada like I do, you can buy a similar foaming cleaner at Canadian Tire. Buying the stuff he uses from Amazon will set you back almost $50 but buying the can at Canadian Tire is just under $15 with taxes. Find it in the aisle where they sell standing or desktop fans and other cooling solutions.

[@shannonm75]

The coil cleaner is so satisfying. I've cleaned our family's units for years. The basic cleaning. We need someone to clean them with a hose outside the window after summer.

[@x_HarleyQ_x]

I just cleaned my window unit today but had to come up with a way to get it as clean as possible WITHOUT removing it from the window. (I leave it installed year round because it's 90-125° 7 mo/yr where I live, I just cover the vents for a few months when it gets cold at night.) I always have Simple Green on hand, a habit I picked up from my dad, but I needed to find a way to clean out the inside without having the convenience of being able to take the outer shell off to see what I was doing. My solution? STEAM. I have a high pressure handheld steam cleaner I picked up for about $50 on Amazon that get up to 280° with controllable pressure output. I took the front cover off, protected the circuit board and thermostat, sprayed the F out of the fins and coils behind them with Simple Green, used a soft but dense makeup brush to gently scrub the fins, then blasted the fins/coils, air vent duct, and the fan blades/wheel with high pressure steam. It cleaned all the buildup and mildew that I could see without using harsh or corrosive chemicals, and even in a house with people who smoke, the residue and buildup on the front cover and inner fins/coils just melted off. No damage to the delicate fins, no risky degreasing chemicals. After watching a ton of KZbin videos of people cleaning window A/C units, I'd bet using steam not only cleans and sanitizes the entire unit more thuroughly, but it does so with less than half the work and doesn't introduce any chemicals at all. Even if I could take my A/C out of the window, I'd still clean it the same way I did today. When I compare my results and the amount of work it took to get them, it's no contest.

[@goldeneye1716]

another good cleaner you can make is use a dishwasher tablet and put it in a spray bottle with hot water. super effective at cleaning basically anything.

[@HandymanHertz]

Great tip!

[@jdh6000]

Nicely done! I have a habit of drilling a couple of extra drain holes near the condenser. Obviously, you need to ensure you won't drill into a refrigerant line or electrical wire 😂

[@HandymanHertz]

Thank you! Yeah, I've drilled into a perfectly good fan blade and cracked it once in an old AC. New fan blade was more than the thing was worth. a lot of good AC's in the junk pile do to drilling! 😃

[@noboysallowedhere]

Welp, this wht i'll b doing saturday. I have asthma and kids whom i don't want to have respiratory issues. Thnx for this video! Offically a fan ans gonna check out the rest

[@HandymanHertz]

How did it go? Did it work out well for you?

[@Anna-tc6rz]

I highly recommend taking a 4 inch furnace filter and taping it to a box fan to filter the air if your family has respiratory issues. The one inch filter will cause too much resistance and burn out the fan. It's helped a lot with mine. One minimum for every room works best

[@pcease]

This was so satisfying to watch. Do you take your window A/C units out of your windows in the off season? That level of dirt and grime was significant. Thanks for a great video and the motivation to clean mine.

[@HandymanHertz]

This one came with a house that I bought, and this was the first time cleaning it, so I'm not sure how long it had been. I do take my AC out during the off-season. This one I did not, because it's so heavy and it fits my window almost perfectly, reducing the cold coming in. I have a U-shaped design, that I have two of, and I will not be taking either one of those out, because of its design. I'd recommend those, and have a video on them.

[@RickyNichols-m3f]

I have OCD a bit …Today I did the lazy way,BUT now after watching this and all the nasty disgusting dirt mold and mildew. Yuk! I definitely Going to do this,maybe even tomorrow!!

[@HandymanHertz]

Good luck, it's a very satisfying cleaning task that will help air quality, electricity cost, and cool better

[@G0SuBunnY]

Amazing, I did it and thought I would have a moldy AC forever. Things went amazing but lets see if the AC works when it dries. I'll update!

[@HandymanHertz]

Good job! 👍🏼 let me know how it works.

[@mgman2640]

I Just use water hose with a spray nozzle on front fins through the front,and the back fins spraying inside through to the outside works great everytime.

[@HandymanHertz]

In sure that does a good job. It's definitely better than nothing and quick

[@azclaimjumper]

I sure wish you'd done a BEFORE & AFTR temperature air output. Simple Green, 1 to 1 ratio with water is indeed an excellent degreaser.

[@HandymanHertz]

I agree! 👍🏼

[@jeeper426]

i used to swear by nu-brite coil cleaner, (now i just swear at it) but now i use Simple Green coil cleaner, it works well and really does a good job at breaking up that grime/crust formed on the condensing unit coils, i nolonger use nu-brite because it actually is costic, and it cleans by physically eating away the aluminum of the fins, weakening them but it does clean them (just rinse the hell out of the coils if you use it) also, a trick for using any kind of coil cleaner, use water to wash away any loose debris prior to applying the cleaner, also to "wet out" the fins so the cleaner can flow in where the water was, also, great video showing how to deep-clean a window shaker, i've used the foaming stuff indoors on evap coils and it works well, but the stuff outside i've not had it do much combating the muddy sludge that accumulates on the condensing coils on the back of the unit

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks for your input! Did your AC cleaner ruin your machine?

[@jeeper426]

@@HandymanHertz thankfully it did not, but i've seen some where it weakened the fins to a point they literally started to fall out and vibrate loose, also, if you look closely when you use a heavy cleaner like nu-brite you'll see literal smoke coming from the reaction of the cleaning agent, since then i've used a mixture of dawn dish soap and some white vinegar, and now i just use the simple green foaming coil cleaner, great vid still brother, stay safe

[@HandymanHertz]

@@jeeper426 great to know, I’ll keep this in mind. Thanks for sharing!

[@PamLeonard-xm8vr]

Thank you !!! I really appreciate your help! It has been extremely hot here in Texas and .y unit has been working extremely hard.

[@HandymanHertz]

Glad it helped!! Keep cool. Just talked to my grandpa in Texas and it sounds brutal!

[@zenisom8974]

I'm so doing this for all 3 window ac!

[@HandymanHertz]

Nice! They will thank you! 👍🏼

[@vqr50]

Great video all the way! I would add keep all those cleaners away from the fan motor and bearings. The cleaners will remove lubrication and you will stuck w a screaming fan 😅

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks for the Great tip! Hadn't thought about that.

[@bsta030274]

I use this ac cleaner it works great tip for cleaning these things on a regular basis these things werent really made to be taken apart. make sure unit is off what i did was cut out 4 of the airhole slot fins in the left side just big enough to get my shop vac hose thru and bam now u have access to keep this thing clean i recommend running clr overnight twice a month to keep corrosion down. If the unit is covered in crap youll probably have to disassemble and clean like he did my method is to keep it clean i do this without ever pulling it from the window. Use this methond and the outside pan part of the ac will be clean year round it will break up crap that was stuck in there too so be prepared to shop vac it a few timesnfor the first week. there is mildew in the styrofoam front side of ac u can take off the front grill and bleach clean really good and tape a rag to a big screwdriver and use it as a cleaning tool for styrofoam front area and hole.

[@Notsosamurai1]

I have some other brushes I use but thanks for the info on that long fridge coil brush. That will come in handy.

[@HandymanHertz]

It’s the best I’ve found soo far. Cheap also. I think the ones in the description or two for $10.

[@arturo2637]

What brushes do you use ?

[@johnrafferty8664]

Thanks for this video. It was very helpful. I cleaned my AC unit and now it’s ice cold again.

[@HandymanHertz]

Alright! Glad to hear it 👍🏼

[@REXXSEVEN]

7:40 I definitely have to get some of that spray cleaner for the mild inside the AC because it's no joke when the inside of the AC is milded.

[@HandymanHertz]

Yeah, it’s good stuff!

[@elw7658]

Oh thank you , I am so sick right now from my dirt air.conditioner.. I will try to find someone to help me.💜

[@HandymanHertz]

Good luck, I hope that helps 👍🏼

[@JCrea519]

Thank you so much for all of your extremely helpful videos! Is there a best guesstimate on how long to let the unit dry after washing before trying to run it?

[@Briancollectsknives]

Thank you for the informative video. I’m going to clean the ac in my son’s room now 🤗

[@HandymanHertz]

You're welcome. Good job, it's a rewarding job and kind of fun 👍🏼

[@Briancollectsknives]

​@@HandymanHertzjust finished and it's almost like new! Thanks again.

[@HandymanHertz]

@BrianSmith-bl3jt nice!

[@TavoIsVibin]

Thank you so much, you’ve helped more then you may know.

[@HandymanHertz]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching.

[@peterrudy9207]

There are E-Z Detail Brushes similar to that long one you have . They are used by car detailers and workstuff , small brushes to get into tight spaces .

[@HandymanHertz]

I didn't even think of looking for brushes in that industry. Have to check them out. Thanks.

[@peterrudy9207]

@@HandymanHertz ok

[@Sam-Icy]

Could you please post an update video on the cooling now that you have deep cleaned it? I know cleaning the lazy way decreased the temps by about 2 degrees. I wonder what the deep clean did for it!

[@HandymanHertz]

Okay, I’ll see what I can do. I’m thinking of doing a video just in that. Thanks for the input and watching both videos!

[@cavemanvi]

Just a heads up the nozzle doesn’t dictate the pressure as much as your actual water pressure. The spray pattern helps with pressure but depending on your home or businesses water pressure dictates that more.

[@HandymanHertz]

True

[@michaeldugger8436]

The water splashing out the back is a bit more complicated... Some newer window A/Cs don't even have anywhere to drain and have a dropped area in the chassis into which the bottom of the coils fit.They also tend to install with a downward angle, making it look sketchy AF. Like they want to fall out. At some point someone realized all that water coming from the cool-side condensate is both quite cold, and more importantly, useful to rapidly cool a hot exterior coil. The idea is that the cold water collect in the little tray and cools off the bottom of the coil a bit. When it collects the fan starts splashing it onto the hot coils and it **hopefully** gets rid of the water through evaporation. However, this isn't always the case depending on outdoor conditions, indoor humidity and design of the unit some are designed to start splashing the water out as it can be preferable to having it drip on, say a wooden deck all Summer. These units will have a an area for a drain-kit to be installed if your situation needs water to drain to a specific spot rather than be splashed out. This all does result in a meaningful efficiency gain, but in window units it means any debris that enters from the outside is there to stay. Unfortunately, if the manual explains this anywhere, I never saw it b/c I only read enough to install the thing. The same strategy is used in larger packaged units like the kinds that get installed on the roof to cool whole house, but the extra space available for these means they can be designed to keep the collection of debris to a minimum. On window units it means it a good idea to at least spray out the exterior side /w some pressure, aiming out the side where hopfully any built up crud will make its way out the large vents. Better is taking it out, flipping it on its side and doing that. Best is, like you've done here, taking the unit apart... unfortunately the units I have recommend AGAINST that due to the need to remove wiring to the capacitor in order to get at any more than the interior side of the unit.

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks for your input!

[@x_HarleyQ_x]

Is there a way to do this WITHOUT taking the unit out of the window? When I installed my unit I acually took both window panes out, made a custom frame around the unit to prevent any possible holes, then used 2x4s and a sheet of 3/4" plywood (with 4 thick coats of waterseal then coated in 100% silicone) to seal off the window completely. I live in the middle of AZ in a mobile home, in the summer, even just a tiny sliver of sunlight can heat up a 15x15' room by up to 20°.

[@HandymanHertz]

No, but you can clean it really good using the "lazy" way, I have a video on that

[@iiitsbriii]

How long did it take you to clean it, and how long do you let it dry? I need to clean mine but it's over 100 over here in texas and i can't sleep without my AC. I don't know what to do, i don't want to break my unit but i know my unit is moldy. I'm stressed.

[@HandymanHertz]

It doesn’t take too long. I’d say if you have all of your cleaning stuff ready, it should take less than an hour to deep clean it once you take it out. It takes me way less than that, I just figure you may not be as quick since you sent familiar with it. If you are worried, I’d suggest you don’t take it out and clean it by watching my “how to clean an AC the lazy way”. Good luck!

[@conniecostner9665]

Same here. The weatherman said it felt like it was 99,° today

[@gilmotier]

Thank you for the tutorial. I bought a couple of items with your affiliate links. ✌️

[@HandymanHertz]

You're welcome. Wow, thank YOU! I appreciate that very much. 👍🏼

[@krynking9973]

Question, do you have any alternate options for spraying if we don't have access to a hose of any kind outside. the only hose i have is the sprayer from the sink, and i'd honestly rather not do that kind of cleaning inside the house if i can help it.

[@HandymanHertz]

If it were me, I would get a cheap adapter that can fit a hose to a sink. Then you can reach your hose outside The other option would be to just spray the AC with foam, and spray the foam residual off with a spray bottle. I show this in my other AC video “how to clean your window AC the lazy way.”

[@regcarreon1540]

You shouldn’t spray the coils at an angle always straight up and down otherwise you will bend the fins over and it won’t dissipate the heat properly and it will run like you never cleaned the coils and if bad enough it will shut down on its limits. There is a coil cleaner you can buy that dissolves all that dirt and a low pressure rinse is all that’s needed.

[@HandymanHertz]

The coil cleaner in the video seems to do that in my experience. You are right though, all fins need to be straight.

[@6400az]

That was awesome man. I'm a complete idiot, dont even know how to connect to that wifi thing.I think I can do this thoug, maybe help my asthma a bit. Thanks.

[@HandymanHertz]

I’m sure you’ll do great 👍🏼

[@6400az]

@@HandymanHertz I thank you Sir . Gonna try it this weekend......o shit🤪

[@HandymanHertz]

👍🏼

[@Anna-tc6rz]

​@6400az best thing I ever did with respiratory issues is use a 4 inch furnace filter on a box fan. The 1 in will reduce airflow too much and burn out the motor.

[@marcopolanco6398]

Yes the cleaning before and after is rewarding. For me it comes down to the economics of time. At my day job, my worth per hour including benefits is roughly $55 an hour. My A/C unit cost $130. Yes it is small but it works. Is it worth my time and the efficiency gain to do all this? I could slap a filtrete purple filter on the front of my unit and substantially reduce mold going in and blowing out at me. But as fun as it is to take apart things and clean them to 80% clean it seems like I'd drop a screw inside, mildly cut a finger on the fins or one of the pieces of the shroud/case etc. and possibly make it not work again vs. selling it for $20 and buying another and everything would be new. The first video with the cleaning in the window got roughly a 3° gain in cooling. I'm assuming that had you done in video #2 the first time around the gain would be better, no? But for me, it's the economics of time. With all that time saved I can enjoy your well-planned video series.

[@HandymanHertz]

I love this mindset! Like, What’s the true cost, time, energy, opportunity cost, etc? I don’t disagree one bit. If it’s the time you are trying to save, there is time in shopping and buy into a new one, and removing the old one and installing the new AC. There’s also some time marketing the AC to sell, talking to, and meeting with whoever you sell it to. Good stuff 👍🏼

[@LBCAndrew]

$130 for an AC? Must be barely powerful enough to cool a bathroom or small garden shed. Even then it must run constantly to maintain a temperature under 76. I stopped buying junker units like that and got one that's much quieter, energy efficient, and longer lasting. Only downside is a bit of cleaning once a year. Even then, it's probably better if i were to get a mini-split AC and call it a day.

[@jasonbrown467]

i just bought a 10kbtu for $5 at the pawn shop. i figured i would steal parts from it as i plan on experimenting with building my own "mini split" system at some point. but when i got it home i seen it blew cold air. i put probes on it and watch the temps and the wattage used and the wattage kept climing. starts at 600 and over the course of about 10 minutes i hits 1400 watts. its rated for 1000 watts, so i knew there was likely an air flow problem. i took it apart and the hot side heat exchange was absolutely covered in crap. i dont know how it worked at all. on the outside it looked clean but the inside is what matters on the hot side. i am confident that some cleaning will have my high side and low side working better, and use 33% less power, and should last longer. this unit was manufactured in 2019, its hard to believe how filthy it was. now i am just looking for the best ideas on how to gently but thoroughly clean this thing.

[@HandymanHertz]

Nice, What a steal! I’ve been surprised with window ACs, and fridges that are completely caked with crud on their condenser coils they can have and they still work. Like you said, they aren’t as efficient, but they still work. Can’t be good on the compressors either.

[@OzzieBenzC300]

My ac is pretty new. It’s just smelly when I turn it on. I should just use the coil foam. No mold inside or anything

[@HandymanHertz]

Interesting, yes, it may just need a foam coil cleaner. The foam does smells really good, at least the brand I used.

[@us2tohell]

Nice video, just wish you did a temp test to compare it to your other results.

[@HandymanHertz]

I just did a video a few weeks Ago that has the before after results on a deep clean. It's really surprising!

[@stevensims3342]

If you take care to clean your unit like once every 3 months it will last a really long time. You have to get it before it gets bad.

[@HandymanHertz]

Wow, that's a lot of cleaning! But you're right!

[@brinneymudge]

One of my AC units has styrofoam in it and that has mold on it, any tips for that? 😕

[@benny6712]

I have been using an electric pressure washer to knock off the dirt on the fins and no damage was done. The only time you will damage the fins is if you don’t judge your distance correctly between the tip of the pressure washer wand and the fins and you hit the fins. And like how you’ve just demonstrated that blasting the fins at an angle is the reason the fins bend. Well, just be smart about it and spray the fins straight with the pressure washer. Common sense 👍

[@HandymanHertz]

I havnt tried this, but it makes perfect sense! Thanks for sharing your tip.

[@benny6712]

👍 the electric pressure washer will for sure get the fins clean through and shiny way faster than just spraying detergents/degreasers and brushing making the a/c more clean and efficient in cooling. Plus the electric pressure washer will also help in knocking out all of the crap on the bottom tray easily. 2 birds 1 stone 🫡

[@HandymanHertz]

I’ll have to give that a try. Thanks!

[@LBCAndrew]

@@benny6712 I tried that once with my AR Blue 1800psi electric pressure washer using a 45' fan nozzle and while the AC got super clean, it never worked again.

[@benny6712]

@@LBCAndrew I really don’t know what to tell you guys other than you must have done something wrong (too rough and rushing) and/or your a/c unit was on its way out especially since knowing that people don’t like to clean things till it’s too late and then they blame the cleaning method. I honestly used my 2,000psi Bauer electric pressure washer from Harbor Freight with the 25° angle tip on my window a/c unit that hasn’t been cleaned in almost 6 months at a time and now it is blowing colder air and the fan blade isn’t rattling against any rust debris. And this a/c units is 10 years old

[@larisahertz1256]

This is a VERY satisfying video :)

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks! Doing it in person is more satisfying 😛

[@avapadgett104]

Any suggestions on cleaning it without taking it out? We are both disabled and don't know anyone in our area who could help. Our daughter's former boyfriend put it in for us when they lived here. So, I'm not really sure how to clean it. My kids are all in CA, (I'm in WA) otherwise I'd just get one of my boys to do it lol

[@HandymanHertz]

Yes, I have a video on how to clean the lazy way, which just means you don't have to take it out of the window.

[@jasonthewatchmansson8873]

Correct me if I am wrong, but based on this video, it seems that if you live in a city apartment, and don't have and outdoor cleaning area and a hose, etc., there is no way to deep clean your AC. The best you can do is the partial clean as shown in the other video.

[@n.s.8015]

Part of the reason that I left the city. Window a/c's made me so ill from mold and there was no way to clean them without paying someone hundreds of dollars - if you could even find someone. I had a handy guy wash it for me and he fried the electronics and that was that. - sigh - Maybe try taking it apart in the bathtub?

[@n.s.8015]

Another option that I've looked into is that there are units that can be used in windows OR walls. In these units the guts/coils slide out of the casing so you do not need to completely take it apart. The unit has to be window & wall in order to be able to use it in your window and slide the chasis out.

[@HandymanHertz]

I’d say that’s correct. If it’s extremely bad, and a person wanted to, they could do it in their sink. I wouldn’t use high pressure water, of course. But letting it soak and scrubbing it with that brush doesn’t require much of a mess. But you’re right…it may be better just to replace it with a new one and sell the old one.

[@HandymanHertz]

Also, a bathtub may work better, depending on how big the unit is.

[@jasonthewatchmansson8873]

@@HandymanHertz Thanks so much for the reply. The bathtub might very well work for a small window unit, but a larger AC might be a tight squeeze. In any event, I appreciate your very informative video.

[@dshow4404]

Man this was a great video. Liked commented subscribed.

[@AliYassinToma]

I clean mine with a pressure washer but thats a central ac unit.. never had a problem with bending fins just spray from the top down straight.

[@HandymanHertz]

I find that the city water pressure is enough to do a good clean, so I don’t have to bust out the power washer. But I wouldn’t be afraid of using a power washer either. I just wouldn’t recommend everyone do it, as common sense doesn’t seem so common anymore.

[@AliYassinToma]

@@HandymanHertz true, if u mention a pressure washer i can imagine people spraying their ac units left to right..

[@HandymanHertz]

@@AliYassinToma yes, I’m sure I’d get some angry comments lol

[@jesse.marcus]

Thanks. Will use links to purchase items needed. Can't seem to find a through the wall a/c which fits hole. We have old school Sears Kenmore A/C units. Will try and clean first.

[@HandymanHertz]

Good luck! And thanks for using the links, that really helps me out! Let me know how it goes for you.

[@dmonteiro1788]

Hi! I love the video, but I was hoping to not dismantle the whole ac.....I cleaned most of the parts and do stay consistent with the filter...Looking inside from the vents where the cool air flows in you can see a curved styrofoam piece (inside the unit) and I noticed some discoloration....black spots? I did the best I could using a long flat head screwdriver with a wet thin towel attatched....Hard to reach all the way in and I cleaned what I could....Lysol wipes, bleach, vinegar?? Any opinions or thoughts....I appreciate you and your advice! Thanks! Deb~Rhode Island

[@HandymanHertz]

I personally wouldn't use bleach or vinegar, as they are corrosive to metal. Maybe some concrobium (link in description) would do the trick. Every unit is a little different, but I'm sure you can keep digging and disassemble it a little more. Good luck.

[@danieldrouin6857]

Did you do another test after your major clean up? I would be curious to see the results. Thanks, great info video.

[@jasonbrown467]

i guarantee you it restored its efficiency. my unit is a 10kbtu and the label says it should use 1000watts, but i noticed it was using 1400watts continuous and the cold side was only 50f, should have been closer to 30 to 35 in the environment it was in when i was doing my tests. the inside of my hot side heat exchance was worse than what we see in the video. so it it runs continuously for 24hrs, at 1000 watts it would cost me 24kwh x .12 = $2.88 per day, or $86.40 a month. with it using 1.4kwh, that would be 33kwh for 24hrs = 33kwh x .12 = $4.032 per day or $120.96 per month. plus it will last longer if we make this stuff work easier

[@HandymanHertz]

True true! I love how analytical and detail oriented you are. 👍🏼

[@donnasanchez5484]

Do Not use CLOROX on any kind of mold from walls to wood to a/c units because it tends to feed the mold and don't get me wrong it will clean off the mold, but the mold will come back faster and will be twice as thick. You're better off using Lysol, which will work faster and be gone longer.

[@HandymanHertz]

👍🏼 thanks for your input.

[@hunterbedsole6897]

Bleach any kind of bleach is a bad for these due to it being corrosive to basically any kind of metal (some exclusions) degreasers are much better and safer option

[@fagittarius555]

I was worried to spray the foaming cleanser near the fan, good to know! Im prolly going to just do the lazy hosing off while its installed in the window and deep clean it this fall.. thanks for the vid

[@HandymanHertz]

The lazy way is still a really good and effective clean. 👍🏼

[@casanovatime2038]

Good job bro and thanks for the info 💪🏻

[@HandymanHertz]

You're welcome thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@jojopuppyfish]

What model is your GE? I think I have 2 of them that are similar. One of them I need to replace that electric panel. Anyways thanks for the tutorial. I will try it out. So you think those old GE AC are well built?

[@metronui]

Is there a way to declog the drain pan without taking it apart?

[@HandymanHertz]

I think it depends on your AC unit. On mine, I can take the front face off and see the evaporator core oils. If you were to shoot some pressurized water or air into that bottom corner, you might be able to blow out the crud. Maybe get that brush I gave in the video description, I’d think that may be able to help without taking it out of the window.

[@bfreefles]

This was what I came here for! A friend of mine cleaned my old unit a couple of years ago without taking it out of the window, but I wasn't "supervising" LOL over his shoulder so I wasn't exactly sure how he got access (I *think* my unit may have a panel on the back that unscrews vs taking the whole housing off)... Great video!

[@HandymanHertz]

Thank you!

[@JCrea519]

A wire hanger worked wonders for mine 😂

[@justtere]

I hope all the screws were exactly the same. Because if not, maybe you should add putting the screws in some way of knowing which screw goes where. It should be obvious how I learned this. The long brush is also for dryer vents.

[@HandymanHertz]

True. True.

[@garrettgiuffre7298]

Refrigerator coils and also clean your dryer lint trap so your house doesn't catch fire, fun fact or any other coil for that fact

[@HandymanHertz]

True. True.

[@ronallens6204]

I just leave the case in the window and pull the ac out of it.. even built a cart the height of the ac so I don't have to lift it. The box it sits on sits on a furniture dolly so I can pull it out to the porch to clean it

[@HandymanHertz]

Interesting… How do you access all of the screws out for the shell when you leave the AC in the windows?

[@ronallens6204]

@@HandymanHertz the ones I have do not have the case mounted to the base of the ac. There is an open grid on the bottom of the case and sheet metal case on The rest of it. The inside cover latches to the case and has 2 screws on the front to keep it in place.. one is an Electrolux and Frigidaire 18k and 25k. Little ones maybe different.

[@guycore5478]

9:22 This video was awesome! Still waiting for that second window AC video. Happy subscriber here.

[@HandymanHertz]

Hey thanks! I appreciate you watching. I was waiting for it to cool down a little bit. I should just bite the bullet and do it!

[@commandertaco1762]

Thankfully my unit's cage comes off like a VCR where it pulls off the top after removing the screws

[@HandymanHertz]

Nice, those are the best kinds!

[@young_sb7856]

I plan on doing this tm bc i bought mine from someone on Facebook market place and its so bad it leaks condensation out of the front bc the back clogged and it doesnt circulate air

[@HandymanHertz]

This is a good idea. Make sure you unplugged the passage from the front to the back, or it will continue to leak inside unless it's not properly tilted

[@shannahwilliamson9665]

What are the parts to avoid getting wet? I’ve always been scared to clean mine like this because I don’t want to break it

[@HandymanHertz]

Make sure you stay away from all of the electrical, especially in the front. Everything in the back is used to be an outside in the wind and rain for years and years. Just don't get too crazy with the water and you'll be fine. Give it a go. 👍🏼

[@abbispangler6836]

The adjustable vents that can move side to side has mildew. Do I need to take the front of the ac off to be able to get to it? I’m in an apartment and not super savvy. Maintenance wasn’t much help in the cleaning department

[@HandymanHertz]

Yes, and the reason is because the fan is going to have way more mold/mildew than the vents. If you watch the part of the video, you can see the fan blades are cover.

[@Deadly_doodle]

So this helps it blow out cold air again too? Mine is about 1-1 1/2 years old and it’s starting to blow out warm air.

[@HandymanHertz]

Yes, there's 100% correlation between warm air and a dirty condenser coil and evaporator coil and air filter 👍🏼 in fact, I have a video where I compare it before and after a deep clean and there was a huge difference. You can find if you like.

[@nicksmith8993]

Just tried this. I had a TON of build up and leaves in the bottom of the pan. Letting everything dry. Touch back shortly.

[@HandymanHertz]

Nice! It will ruin a lot cooler and efficient and lifespan will increase 👍🏼

[@stringlocker]

That's what I do I take it apart and clean everything. Put in my 70 years of life I can't find anybody else that does it. That's why I googled this looking for an easier way. I was hoping Google would say don't bother it doesn't make any difference

[@HandymanHertz]

Seems like a lot of people neglect theirs and never clean it, but I figure anything you do helps some. I would think it does make a difference in efficiency and longevity.

[@darlenequinn193]

I have styrofoam in my air conditioner that seems to have black mold on it. How do I clean the styrofoam? I just bought 2 new window air conditioners but if I clean my other two I can use them in other rooms. Now if I can only get someone to take my units outside, as I cannot lift them. Thanks.

[@HandymanHertz]

The styrofoam is usually about impossible to get to, in my experience, without taking them apart. The blower is also usually covered in mold too. I have a deep clean video that shows how to clean this and everything you need to know. Good luck

[@darlenequinn193]

@@HandymanHertz Thank you. But isn't that the video that I just watched and you are replying to?

[@n.s.8015]

THis is an issue that's made me ill for years, so it's something I've had to research. I was just told that manufacturers of newer units now coat the styrofoam to help prevent mold. It's the condensation that collects in the styrofoam that causes the problem. My first window unit was a solid plastic core - I never had issues and never felt sick using it. I'm curious to see how these units with plastic treated styrofoam perform. I just bought two. But also, bought ones where the coils slide out so that I can more easily and regularly clean them (fingers crossed.) So far I've only found that Fredericks make units where the guts slide out. I'm hopefull that I'll be able to clean them without taking them out of the window/house since I can't carry them out either.

[@MarcP5267]

How do you recommend cleaning once a month while it’s in use ?

[@HandymanHertz]

You can clean it the fast and lazy way once a month if you'd like. I have a video on that in the description. You don't have to take it out of the window

[@MarcP5267]

@@HandymanHertz I assume it can’t be running. I’ll check out the video.

[@BBQNBLUES]

If only you were in my city ! Considering how much we depend on these window units.

[@HandymanHertz]

Where do you live?

[@Jay-yy9ol]

Nice. But what about getting electronics wet?

[@HandymanHertz]

Stay away from them, youll be fine.

[@arturo2637]

The water won't mess up the electrical devices?

[@HandymanHertz]

The back of the unit is meant to be out in the rain. But stay away from anything electrical, especially the front control box

[@YaelSharon3410]

Taking apart and cleaning is not what worries me, what worries me is that I won't be able to put it back together...

[@HandymanHertz]

Just lay things out and put them in in reverse, you'll be fine.

[@patriciadumatrait9594]

Thank you...where do you get the muscles to do this ...I am 67 and 114lbs..old lady...lol

[@HandymanHertz]

you're welcome. I'm sure there's some muscles you can bribe some where to help you?

[@HandymanHertz]

Another option is to watch my video on how to clean it the easy way. It does not require it being taken out.

[@lisapoirier8048]

Thanks so much much!!wanna guess what I'm going to do this weekend? 😊

[@HandymanHertz]

Alright! Go get that thing cleaned! Your utility bill will thank you.

[@TomKlintworth-sf9tr]

I bought a new AC, should I Spray the cleaner/preventive on the coils and interior when it is installed?

[@HandymanHertz]

No, I don't think that would be worth your time.

[@TomKlintworth-sf9tr]

@@HandymanHertz thanks

[@HandymanHertz]

@TomKlintworth-sf9tr 👍🏼

[@LeemWills]

I always buy used AC clean them up and they work for years

[@HandymanHertz]

That's really smart. seems like a good deep clean is what these babies need to keep humming along.

[@barzoly]

Great video , now I know .

[@HandymanHertz]

Thanks for watching!

[@thephilosophicalpugilist]

Wheres the video for the other a/c unit that is supposed to non operational?

[@HandymanHertz]

I never got around to cleaning that one yet. Next spring is when I see that video coming out.

[@futuresuperstar4life]

If the fins are so plyable that water can bend it, How is it that you can scrub it so hard with such a hard wire brush??

[@HandymanHertz]

You scrub parallel with the fins, so you don't have any side force to bend them. You can spray high-pressure as long as it's not at an angle.

[@jeanniewah]

can you use water on the moldy fan??

[@HandymanHertz]

Yes, You can.

[@blade5054]

Unfortunately mine doesn't disassemble as good as that.

[@HandymanHertz]

Shoot, sorry I couldn't help you out much.

[@sinner13halloweenfiend76]

Ok I can't take mine out of the window so should I just do it the so called lazy way ?

[@HandymanHertz]

Yes, just get some foam cleaner and call it good.

[@brenla255]

Hi - I’m looking for the products you referenced, but I don’t see them in the comments

[@HandymanHertz]

Hi, they are in the description. The description is underneath Handyman Hertz right under the video. You should be able to click on them. 👍🏼

[@karurosur1510]

The water in the back looks moldy dark color but it was a pain to put it in my window as it’s sideways and I closed it with foam board and foam on the sides so it can be closed. Is there a way I can clean it with out taking it out

[@karurosur1510]

It started today but it had this smelly smell but after running it, it stopped

[@HandymanHertz]

Yes, I have a great video that is in this videos description on how to clean it the lazy way. Which means, you don’t need to take it out of the window. It should help you.

[@karurosur1510]

@@HandymanHertz thank you very much

[@debrabennett285]

Excellent Video

[@HandymanHertz]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@pinoykayaker]

I cleaned my ac with dawn dishwasher soap and vinegar. Best degreaser that you already have. Saved me some money.

[@HandymanHertz]

👍🏼

[@MotorCityMetalArt]

Great video!

[@HandymanHertz]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@howardpinder1237]

where can I get the temperature probe part that sticks into the grill; I accidentally pressure washed mine off and I can't find it. Whirlpool acm122pt 1

[@HandymanHertz]

Google your model number and go to a parts store, they have diagrams of it and should find the part number if they still manufacture it

[@tonynguyen3144]

Thank you❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😊

[@HandymanHertz]

Yup, thanks for watching!

[@EightyNinthZombie]

My ac desperately needs cleaning but I don't own a water hose. How do I spray it down??

[@HandymanHertz]

You can spray it with the foam cleaner I have linked in the description, and then get some water and rinse it after it sits (preferred) It technically says you don't have to rinse it, so there's that option.