Get matched with top heating and air conditioning pros in Crawford, CO

A window AC unit is not completely silent. You’ll hear the sound of air blowing, and if you put your ear right up next to the unit, you may hear a slight hiss or gurgle as the refrigerant flows through the system. That said, if your system is making a running water sound, a loud banging sound, a grinding sound, or physically vibrating, you may be facing an issue or malfunction with your AC unit.

Here’s how AC professionals will clean your AC coils:

1. Unplug the AC unit or turn off the breaker to the unit in your circuit breaker box.

2. Remove the faceplate.

3. Spray a vacuum hose attachment or compressed air can to remove debris, dust, dirt, and grime.

4. Use a soft-bristled fin comb to remove stubborn caked-on debris.

5. Use the vacuum hose to suck up any extra debris.

6. Take a coil-safe cleaning solution and spray it onto the coils. Try to choose a no-rinse solution.

7. Let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes.

8. Gently wipe away loosened grime and debris with a microfiber cloth.

9. Reattach the faceplate, plug in your AC system, or turn the breaker back on.

Winterizing can still help you save money on energy costs and help prepare your AC for its work next year when you turn it back on. We suggest planning for at least some maintenance, even if winters are mild in your area.

While all portable AC units will collect moisture as part of their cooling and dehumidifying process, whether and how often you need to drain them depends on what kind of unit you have and the natural humidity levels where you live. For example, if you live in a very dry area and have a self-evaporating unit, you may not need to drain your portable AC very often at all. Some units may automatically drain collected moisture out the window through their exhaust vent.