Here’s Who to Hire to Clean and Repair a Window AC Unit

Even with the increasing popularity of central air or mini-split ductless systems, there’s a lot to be said for the old standby that is the window AC unit. That is, of course, unless your window AC unit is barely standing by anymore. If temps are soaring and you’re feeling hot under the collar, it’s time to find out who to hire to clean and repair your window AC unit to get the cool air flowing again. 

Benefits of Hiring an AC Repair Pro for Repairing a Window AC Unit

While cleaning an AC unit is easy enough to tackle on your own, fixing a malfunctioning one should be left in the able hands of your local window AC repair company.

The average cost to repair a window AC unit is $235, though the actual costs can range from $100 to $400. However, depending on the size of the unit and the extent of the fix that it needs, it could cost more. In this case, you’ll have to weigh what makes more financial sense—purchasing a new unit or fixing the current one.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth trying to fix on your own, consider this: Aside from always being wary of handling anything with electrical wiring, AC units also contain coolants that are toxic if you come in contact with them. While avoiding personal injury is most important, it’s also worth noting that a heavy AC unit could damage the window frame if it’s mishandled, which will cost more money to repair. 

Can I DIY Window AC Unit Cleaning?

Photo: kharoll Mendoza / Adobe Stock

Yes, it’s easy enough for a DIYer to tackle window AC unit cleaning duties. Here’s how: 

1. Unplug the unit: Safety first. This is a good idea when fiddling with any electrical unit.

2. Take off the front cover: Depending on the unit, it might come off completely or simply fold up or down on a hinge.

3. Clean the filter: The filter should be easy to slide or pop out. Give it a good rinse in the sink or tub, then use a soft sponge or brush to remove any remaining dust and debris. After cleaning, let it air dry.

4. Clean the evaporator coils: This requires a light touch, so use a soft brush, fin comb, or the brush attachment on your vacuum. A can of compressed air might also do the trick on more stubborn dirt. Be gentle so that you don’t damage the coils.

5. Clean the condenser coils: Skip this step if your AC unit is installed on a high floor and you can’t easily access the outside of the window. But if you can, now’s your chance to use a soft brush to remove any leaves or other outside debris that’s accumulated.

6. Clean the unit’s surface: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe off any remaining dust and dirt on the hard surfaces of your AC unit. You can dampen the cloth for more cleaning power, but make sure it’s not sopping wet. You want to avoid dripping water into the AC coils.

7. Reassemble the AC: Put the clean filter back in, close the cover, and plug in the AC unit. 

Even though cleaning your own window unit is pretty simple, it’s still a maintenance task that takes time out of your day. If you’d rather spend that time sun tanning or watching reruns of your favorite reality show, a pro will be more than happy to help out. 

Can I Hire a Handyperson to Repair a Window AC Unit?

You can hire a handyperson if they’re skilled in repairing window AC units. They will likely at least be able to clean the unit for you, including using a ladder to safely reach the exterior coils to remove any dirt and debris stuck there. But unless they have specific skills in HVAC or electrical repair, you should skip the handyperson and go directly to an AC pro instead. Before hiring a handyperson, ask them specific questions about their experience and your window unit’s issue to ensure they know how to resolve it.

How Do AC Pros Fix a Window AC Unit? 

When you hire an AC pro, they will come to your home to diagnose your problem. While their method will depend on what’s actually wrong with your window AC unit, here’s one common scenario:

1. The AC repair pro will attempt to power on and run your AC unit.

2. They will observe how well (or how poorly) it currently cools the space and note any loud or unusual noises, understanding that some older ACs can make quite the racket in comparison to newer, quieter units.

3. They will go outside and see if there are any exterior issues, such as too much water dripping (condensation) or if the coils are blocked by debris.

4. They might clean out the coils and check internal parts, like the condenser, to confirm that everything is working as it should. Otherwise, they’ll troubleshoot any issues or errors they notice.

5. They will attempt to run the AC again and monitor for improvement or worsening symptoms.

At this point, the pro will be able to recommend either a fix or a full replacement. No matter what solution you need, it’s a good idea to hire the AC pro as soon as possible before the hot weather arrives and ushers in their busy season.