How to get better air quality from your window air conditioner
Steven E / Tuesday April 16, 2024
As the summer months approach, many of us rely on our window air conditioners to keep our homes cool and comfortable. But did you know that your window air conditioner can also affect the air quality in your home?
Let’s find out how you can get the best air quality from your window air conditioner so you can breathe easily and feel confident that the air in your home is clean and healthy.
If you need any replacement parts for your air conditioner, you can use your model number to find what you’re looking for at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your appliances yourself.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for all types of appliances, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in cleaning recommendations. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the use and care manual for your specific appliance model.
How a window air conditioner can affect air quality
Filter condition
A dirty or clogged filter can allow dust, allergens, and other pollutants to circulate in the air, and diminish indoor air quality. Regularly clean and replace the filter to prevent the buildup of contaminants.
Maintenance and cleaning habits
Proper maintenance and regular cleaning of the window air conditioner help you experience the best air quality from using your appliance. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the coils, vents, and other parts, which can reduce the unit’s efficiency and potentially release pollutants into the air. If you have allergies or are sensitive to this kind of debris, you may experience minor symptoms like coughing, sneezing or a stuffy or runny nose in response.
Mold and mildew growth
Window air conditioners can become a haven for mold and mildew growth if they’re not cleaned and maintained well enough. The condensation and moisture provide a great environment for these substances to flourish and can lead to serious and even life-threatening health issues if not treated quickly. Mold and mildew inside a window AC can release spores into the air and damage the appearance of your machine over time.
Ventilation
Since window air conditioners primarily recirculate indoor air, insufficient ventilation in your space can quickly lead to the accumulation of indoor pollutants and stale air. If you have bad ventilation, consider opening windows periodically or using exhaust fans to bring in fresh air.
Age and overall condition of the unit
If you have an older AC unit or one that’s damaged or failing, it may negatively impact indoor air quality. Older units may have worn-out parts or less efficient filtration systems.
If your unit is outdated or in poor condition, upgrading to a newer model with advanced filtration capabilities can help your space stay clean and safe to breathe.
External environmental factors
Indoor air quality can also be influenced by external environmental factors, such as high pollution, pollen levels and proximity to industrial areas or busy roads. A window air conditioner can’t control these external factors, but it can help filter some tiny airborne pollutants from entering your home. The effectiveness of your AC may vary based on the specific unit’s filtration capabilities.
Sizing and installation
Always select the right size unit for your space. If you have a window AC that’s too small for your space, it may struggle to effectively cool and filter the air. And if it’s too big, the unit may turn on and off more often, which can cause extra wear and tear on its parts.
Improperly installed units may have gaps that allow outdoor pollutants to enter. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best fit and installation.
Read more: How To Replace An Air Conditioner Condenser Fan Blade
How to clean the air conditioner
- Turn off the window AC and unplug it to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
- Find the air filter in your air conditioner unit. Depending on the model, the filter may be accessible from the front or rear of the unit. Carefully remove the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which should be included in the unit’s owner manual.
- If the filter is reusable, you can use a vacuum cleaner to suck up all the loose debris first, then use a brush to gently scrub it with mild soap and water.
- Allow the reusable filter to dry completely before reinstalling it. If the filter is disposable or damaged, replace it with a new one.
- Wipe down the exterior surfaces of the unit with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner, like a baking soda & water paste or diluted vinegar. Don’t let water or cleaners enter any control areas.
- Check the condenser coils, which are located on the back or side of the unit. If these are coated with debris, they can hinder the unit’s efficiency. Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to carefully remove any dirt or debris from the coils. Take care not to bend or damage the fins.
- Find the drainage holes or channels on the unit and make sure they’re clear of any blockages. You can use a small brush or toothpick to remove any debris or buildup that may be blocking the drainage path. This helps prevent water from accumulating and potentially causing mold or mildew growth.
- Inspect the ventilation louvers on the front of the unit. If they’re dirty or blocked, use a soft brush or cloth to gently clean them.
- After the unit is dry, plug it back in and turn it on.
Read more: Diy Mrcool Units: Do Your Own Heating And Air Conditioning
FAQs
Q: Should I turn my window AC unit off if the outside air quality is bad?
A: During periods of poor outdoor air quality from heavy pollution, wildfire smoke or extremely high levels of allergens you may consider switching off your AC.
While window AC air filtration systems can usually capture larger particles like dust and pollen, they may not be as effective in filtering out very fine particles or harmful gases. If the outdoor air quality is severely compromised, consider turning off the unit to avoid drawing in more pollutants from outside. This is particularly important if you or anyone in your household has respiratory issues or sensitivities to pollutants.
The effectiveness of turning off the AC unit to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering your home depends on how well your windows and doors are sealed. If there are significant gaps or poor insulation, outside pollutants can still make their way indoors even with the AC unit turned off. In such cases, it may be better to keep the unit running to maintain a controlled indoor environment.
It’s strongly recommended to consult local health authorities, environmental agencies or news outlets for guidance if there is poor outdoor air quality in your area. They can provide specific recommendations based on the severity of the local air pollution.
Q: Can window AC parts be replaced?
A: In most cases, window AC parts are replaceable. However, some window air conditioner models are designed as non-serviceable units. These units may have sealed components – such as the compressor or refrigerant lines – that aren’t intended to be repaired or replaced by the user.
If you have a non-serviceable window air conditioner, it’s recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s diagrams to determine the available repair options. They can tell you whether certain parts can be replaced or if it may be more practical to replace the entire unit.
Q: What kind of DIY repairs can I make to my window air conditioner?
A: You can perform some basic repairs on your window air conditioner yourself such as cleaning the filters, coils and condensate drain and replacing simple parts like the thermostat or fan blades. For more complex issues, or if you’re ever stumped by a part of the repair process, you should reach out to a licensed HVAC technician to avoid damaging your air conditioner or injuring yourself.
Q: What should I do if my window AC isn’t blowing cold air?
A: First, make sure the temperature settings are set correctly. Check the air filter to make sure it’s clean and free of any debris.
You can also inspect the condenser coils for dirt or debris and clean them if necessary. If the issue persists, you may need to test and/or replace parts.
Q: How can I fix a window air conditioner that keeps freezing up?
A: Freezing can be caused by restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels. You should check the air filter and clean or replace it if needed. Also make sure the vents and coils are clean and unobstructed. If the problem persists, you may have a refrigerant leak. In that case, you’ll need to contact a licensed HVAC technician due to refrigerant regulations.
Q: What should I do if my window AC keeps tripping the circuit breaker?
A: First, see if the electrical outlet is dedicated to the air conditioner and not shared with other high-power appliances. You’ll want to have an outlet specifically for the AC whenever possible.
Also check that the circuit breaker is rated to handle the air conditioner’s power requirements. If you keep running into the same problem, it could mean there’s a problem with one or more of the air conditioner’s electrical parts, like a short in the wiring or a bad control board.
Read more: Choosing An Air Conditioner: How Many BTUs Do I Need?
Additional information
Thanks for reading! If you need replacement parts for any of your appliances, check out AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can enter your model number to find exactly what you’re looking for. Most orders arrive in two business days, and we have thousands of free resources to show you how to install your new parts.
You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.
With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.