If you’ve got a window air conditioner that’s not cooling as well as it used to, it might have a dirty air filter.
I used my window AC unit for years before learning it had an air filter inside that needed regular cleaning. When I finally pulled out the filter to check it, I was astounded by the thick mass of gray dust clinging to the spun fiberglass mesh.
Air filters are just what they sound like — fiberglass or paper membranes that keep dust and debris from passing through your AC unit into your home. Like all filters, window AC air filters need regular cleaning to keep doing their job. Neglect them too long, and your AC unit will cool less while drawing more electricity.
If your AC unit has an air filter you haven’t cleaned in a while (or ever), we’ve got you. Here’s what to do. It’s easy!