A/C cleaning/maintenance

[gella]

So we have an a/c in the bedroom for the chins, but lately it's started to feel more humid than it should in there and there is starting to be a musty smell. I'm wondering if it isn't draining properly or needs cleaning.

We are swapping out for the one in the living room while we address this, but does anyone have some tips for a/c smells/cleaning? Someone suggested spraying lysol in there but I don't feel that would be good for chins to breathe in (this suggestion came as an alternative to taking the unit out of the room).

 

[Rickman]

If you can take it out of the window, lay it on the ground in it's regular position, and blow out the fins with compressed air, that'd be the best way! But if you've no access to compressed air, you could get away with high-pressure water, but keep it away from the controls and electric. Put a 2x4 in the front, [inside] to let drain for a couple hours!
I noticed on mine, yesterday, water was accumulating in the bottom, and not draining out. Couldn't find a clogged drain, so carefuly drilled a couple holes in the bottom corners - cured that problem!

 

[gella]

Compressed air like you can buy in a can at Staples? I will give that a try. I am pretty sure it's a drainage issue - we looked the other day and it doesn't seem to be dripping like the other a/c, we fixed the position in the window but I guess that didn't help. Drilling extra holes is a great idea, I might try it.

 

[Rickman]

Should also add; those with central units - keep the unit from clogging with a hose and sprayer! Especially in areas with cottonwood trees - just spray it clean! You're electric bill will decrease and longevity of the unit will increase, as well as your [and your chins] comfort!

 

[BellaBella]

check the fins! Especially with chins, their fur is so fine, it can usually bypass the little filter that comes with most window units and will clog the fins - this makes the unit less efficient and water will build up rather than evaporate properly. I just got a new window unit this year, and the filter that came with it is almost like having nothing up there, so I get goopy blobs of chin fur stuck to the fins, and then it starts to smell like old gym socks.

What I do: turn it off, get an old toothbrush and a spray bottle with water and hydrogen peroxide mixed in (don't need much, maybe two capfuls in a cup or so of water) spray the fins down, and carefully brush in one direction getting as much off the fins as you can, clean around the coil where you can. If your a/c has any access to the fan you can spray and brush that off too. Peroxide cleans just as well as bleach, but no fumes.

 

[Rickman]

Just MAKE SURE TO UNPLUG THE UNIT before attempting anything - don't want to read about anyone having accidents on the window units!
The central units will be fine, as I've even done it while running!

 

[BooBoo*TheKiddo*]

My a/c gets the same way as Jen described.
My daddy just takes it out the window and takes it apart. Then sprays it down with the water hose a bit, then uses a toothbrush to get the fur that gets passed the filter out of it.

 

[addictedtochins]

I used to use a toothbrush but now I have a paintbrush that works so much better.

 

[BooBoo*TheKiddo*]

^humm might have to suggest that to daddy next time. Would probably work faster too hehe