Is there any brand of AC that is easy to clean the air ducts?

We only use a 5000 btu in the bedroom. I have no problems with getting to the filters, etc., but there's always a ton of black mildew in the ducts where the air is blowing. There's no way to take the front leavers off to really clean it, so I try to spray Tilex in there. It doesn't quite do the whole job and after 8 years, I think it's not going to get any better.

I really don't want to take it out, disassemble, etc., beyond "consumer level" maintenance (tricky in a small apt.). I would love to find a brand that is known to be able to do this as easily as it is to clean the filters, especially with a smaller unit.

Any recommendations appreciated!

This may be informative for a deep cleaning beyond the filter. Obviously only go as far as you are comfortable, but it really isn't that difficult.

[www.youtube.com]

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Ombligo
This may be informative for a deep cleaning beyond the filter. Obviously only go as far as you are comfortable, but it really isn't that difficult.

[www.youtube.com]

Thanks. I've seen vids like these.

Like I said. Small apt in NYC. No real space to pull things apart, never mind no garden hose. That's why I was hoping there might be a brand out there that gives access "on purpose", rather than "deconstruction", since this is a needed cleaning as much as the filter, which is easy to get to.

It depends a little on the design, but you could use a foaming cleaner. HomeDepot, Lowes, Autozone, and Bez-azon carry versions. Most brands are designed to drain out, so make sure the drain is working first. The mold could be a symptom of it being partially clogged.

Something like [AC safe foaming evaporator cleaner]

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In tha 360. MRF User Map

The example show in that video is gross, since it was never cleaned.

Reading your original post, it sounds like you already do all you can reasonably do on a consumer level. You can take it out now after 8 years and drive over the bridge and you are welcome to clean it in my driveway, I can even provide garden hose and a beer, or you can buy a new unit and hope it lasts 8-10 years.

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gadje
The example show in that video is gross, since it was never cleaned.

Reading your original post, it sounds like you already do all you can reasonably do on a consumer level. You can take it out now after 8 years and drive over the bridge and you are welcome to clean it in my driveway, I can even provide garden hose and a beer, or you can buy a new unit and hope it lasts 8-10 years.

Ha! Thanks for the offer. I'll probably try one more time and then get something else.

Since they are now coming out with added dehumidifier modes, it might be worth upgrading.

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Filliam H. Muffman
It depends a little on the design, but you could use a foaming cleaner. HomeDepot, Lowes, Autozone, and Bez-azon carry versions. Most brands are designed to drain out, so make sure the drain is working first. The mold could be a symptom of it being partially clogged.

Something like [AC safe foaming evaporator cleaner]

Now that sounds interesting and worth checking into. Thanks!

Is this something I can spray into the air vents from the front? Or is it just for the coil grill?

(edit for question)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/04/2023 03:11PM by mspace.

The version for window AC units can be sprayed in the air grills. Trying to coat the entire thing with too much could result in the foam pouring out the front as it starts to collapse.

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In tha 360. MRF User Map

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Filliam H. Muffman
The version for window AC units can be sprayed in the air grills. Trying to coat the entire thing with too much could result in the foam pouring out the front as it starts to collapse.

Please forgive my redundancy.

So I can use this type product as n the vents where the air blows out into the room?
There’s no real way to get to it except to just squirt it in there behind the levers that direct the air. I’ll assume it will just dissipate on its own.

I really don’t want to mess this up. Literally.

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mspace

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Filliam H. Muffman
The version for window AC units can be sprayed in the air grills. Trying to coat the entire thing with too much could result in the foam pouring out the front as it starts to collapse.

Please forgive my redundancy.

So I can use this type product as n the vents where the air blows out into the room?

Yes. With the unit off. For complete coverage, it is best to fill the entire volume of the evaporator coils, fan, and outlet, but that can be impractical if you can't mostly seal it off to prevent it flowing back into the room.

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mspace
There’s no real way to get to it except to just squirt it in there behind the levers that direct the air. I’ll assume it will just dissipate on its own.

I really don’t want to mess this up. Literally.

Be prepared for a bit of a mess. Several absorbent towels that you don't mind getting stained. Maybe use painters tape to tape a plastic painters drop cloth around the AC unit to protect the paint around it and the floor below it.

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In tha 360. MRF User Map

Self-service car wash.

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Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.

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Speedy
Self-service car wash.

bath tub would be more practical

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gadje

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Speedy
Self-service car wash.

bath tub would be more practical

True.

I watched some vids on using foam cleaner while still in window. I’ll try that in the front first.
If I need to do the back, I might use that idea. The upper floor apt precludes cleaning from the outside.