How to Clean a Room Air Conditioner?

A room air conditioner that doesn't cool may need to be recharged with refrigerant--a task you should leave to a professional--but often just needs to be cleaned.

To clean the coils and filter:
* Unplug the unit. You may need to remove it from the window (be careful--it's heavy!)

* Remove the air inlet grill and remove the filter;

* Wash the filter or replace it with a disposable one;

* Vacuum the coils' fins with a soft brush attachment;

* Spray water back through the fins from the fan side (cover the wiring and motor with plastic);

* Check to be sure that the drains are clean;

* Lubricate the motor--check the owner's manual for instructions; and

* Reassemble and reinstall the unit.