Window air conditioners dump hot air and condensation through drains and vents on the underside of the unit. Sears window air conditioners, sometimes manufactured under the brand name Kenmore, can suffer from issues with their condensation pans. This is not a problem specific to Sears air conditioners, but is a maintenance issue eventually faced by any homeowner with a window unit. As a byproduct of the cooling process, all air conditioners produce condensation. When this condensation is not drained from the system properly, leaks from the unit can occur. Most of the time, the leak can be stopped with a few simple fixes. Ensure Proper Installation To function properly, a window air conditioner must be installed properly. This means following the manufacturer's instructions and ensuring the air conditioner is mounted correctly to the windowsill. Window air conditioners are designed to sit with a slight pitch toward the outside of the home. This enables condensation, drained from the coils to the condensation pan, to flow to the back of the unit and drip outside.

If a window air conditioner is installed improperly, water can back up and drip from the front of the unit, inside the home. Check the Filter All window air conditioners have filters located in the front panel, inside the home. This panel, or grille, can be removed and the filter cleaned or replaced. A clogged filter can prevent the proper flow of air through the unit and reduce efficiency, decrease the lifespan of the unit, and cause condensation issues. ac unit popping noiseClean or replace the filter as needed, and reinstall the grille before running the unit to ensure the problem is solved. window ac units 15000 btuClean Coils If your Sears window air conditioner has been running for a prolonged period of time with a dirty filter, or without a filter at all, the copper coils that contain the refrigerant may have gathered dirt and debris. ac power supply hissing

These coils need to be clean in order to efficiently exchange heat and enable the proper draining of the condensation that forms on them. Unplug the unit and remove the front grille and filter. Wipe down the coils using a solution of warm water and mild soap, removing any lint or dust that has gathered. Reassemble the grille and run the unit to ensure the problem is solved. Condensation Drain Beneath the copper coils filled with refrigerant, there is a condensation drain pan. This condensation pan collects the water droplets that fall from the cold coils, and drains the accumulated water out of the bottom of the air conditioner case. Over time, these condensation pans and their drains can become clogged and cause overflows. Wipe down the drain pan with a damp cloth, and pour a solution of warm water and vinegar down the drain to ensure the drain is clear and moving freely. References Environmental Air Force: Keeping the Condensate Drain CleanAppliance411: Window AC Is Leaking WaterApartment Therapy: What Should I Do About the AC Drip?

Exposure to mold in the home can cause serious health problems. One hidden place that mold can grow is within your air conditioner; with air constantly circulating through the unit into your home, mold spores are picked up and pushed into your living areas. Be watchful for signs that mold could be lurking in your AC, including a musty smell when the unit is running or visible mold on the exterior of the unit. If you notice these signs, the following steps will help you safely clean mold from your window air conditioner unit. Clean Mold from Your Window Air Conditioner: A Step By Step Guide Vacuum cleaner with attachments The following mold removal process should be performed in an area with good ventilation. Put on your safety gear (mask, eyewear, and gloves). Turn off the air conditioner and unplug the unit from its power source. Take off the front body grille of your unit. On most units, this can be done easily by pulling it forward and pushing down slightly.

If the grille is screwed in, use the screwdriver to remove the screws. Remove the filter that is located in the air conditioner’s front grille. (some of these filters are disposable, if – so, install a new one.) If your filter is washable, as most window unit’s filters are…place the filter in your sink and sprinkle it with laundry detergent. Fill the sink with enough hot water to cover the filter. Let the filter soak for 15 minutes. Next, use the scrub brush to clean both sides of the filter. Rinse out the filter with clean water and hang it to dry. Next, go back to your air conditioner unit and unscrew the metal cover located behind the front body grill and lift it directly upwards. Use the vacuum and attachments to clean out as much dirt and debris from the interior of the unit as possible. Wipe out any visible mold growth. In your bucket, mix a solution of ½ cup bleach, 1 tablespoon mild dish soap, and 3 gallons hot water. Using a cloth, brush, or sponge, soak up the solution and scrub the moldy areas of your air conditioner well.

Also clean the air conditioner front grille if that has mold on it. Allow the solution to sit on these surfaces for approximately 10 minutes, then rinse with water and a damp cloth. Let the unit, filter, grille, and metal cover dry completely. Reassemble the air conditioning unit and plug back into its power source. Click The Image Below To Download A One Page Printable PDF Guide for How To Clean Mold From Your Window Air Conditioner We hope this step by step guide on how to clean mold from your window air conditioner was helpful! For more information about air conditioning systems and maintenance procedures, check out our Complete Guide to Air Conditioning here!In a window air conditioner, the filter is located inside the unit. Here’s how to change it: Turn the air conditioner off. Take the cover off of the front of the air conditioner; you might be able to pop it off, but you might have to unscrew it. You’ll see the filter behind it.Again, you might be able to push it out, but some models are screwed in.