How to Clean a Frigidaire Air Conditioner
Frigidaire air conditioners are known for their performance and dependability. To keep your unit running optimally and looking new, routine cleaning is essential. If you need instructions, this guide on how to clean a Frigidaire air conditioner explains how to maintain both the filter and the cabinet of window, portable and wall-mounted models.
Supplies
Avoid using excess water when cleaning in or around the controls so as not to damage the unit. Also, avoid using harsh cleaners, wax or polish on the cabinet front.
Window and Wall Air Conditioners
Cleaning the Filter
Check the filter monthly to see if it needs cleaning. If your unit has a filter light, it will likely indicate that cleaning is needed after 250 hours of operation.
- Step 1. Unplug the air conditioner - Turn off the unit and then unplug it from the outlet before cleaning to prevent shock and fire hazards.
- Step 2. Remove the filter - Open the front panel, grip the filter in the center and then take out the filter by pulling up and out.
- Step 3. Clean the filter - Wash the filter with warm water and mild detergent. If the filter is not very dirty, you can vacuum it instead of washing.
- Step 4. Rinse the filter - Wash away any soap suds and remaining dust particles with warm water, then shake any excess water from the filter.
- Step 5. Dry the filter - Soak up any remaining moisture with clean, dry cloths. Be sure to air dry the filter completely before reinstalling it in the air conditioner.
- Step 6. Reinstall the filter - When inserting the filter back into the unit, make sure the tabs are in the upper part of the filter and facing outward.
- Step 7. Plug in the unit - Plug in the unit, turn it on and resume normal operation.
Maintaining the Cabinet
- Step 1. Cut power to the unit - For safety purposes, remember to turn off and unplug the unit before cleaning.
- Step 2. Clean the exterior - Clean the outside of the air conditioner either by dusting with a dry, oil-free cloth or wiping the exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
- Step 3. Rinse the cabinet - Use warm water and a soft cloth to remove any remaining soap suds or dirt particles.
- Step 4. Dry the unit - Use a soft cloth to dry the unit thoroughly.
- Step 5. Vacuum the air vent and front panel - Clean the air vent and front panel of the air conditioner with a small vacuum.
- Step 6. Restore power to the unit - Plug in the unit, turn it on and use the unit normally.
Portable Air Conditioners
Maintaining the Filters
Frigidaire portable air conditioners have 2 air filters: Filter A and Filter B. The green CLEAN FILTER indicator light will flash when it’s time to clean them, normally after 250 hours of operation. If your unit has an advanced filter, replace the filter every 6 months.
- Step 1. Unplug the unit - Turn off the unit and then disconnect it from the electrical outlet before cleaning.
- Step 2. Remove Filter A - Grasp the upper panel tab, remove the back panel grill and take out the filter.
- Step 3. Remove Filter B - First, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the air inlet grill in place. Then, take off the air inlet grill and remove the filter.
- Step 4. Clean the filters - Wash the filters using warm, soapy water.
- Step 5. Rinse the filters - Rinse away any remaining soap suds or dust particles with warm water.
- Step 6. Dry the filters - Use clean cloths to dry the filters. Allow the filters to air dry completely before returning them to the unit.
- Step 7. Reinstall the filters - Return the filters to the unit and reattach the back panel grill and the air inlet grill.
- Step 8. Reset the clean filter indicator - Press the FILTER button on the display to reset the indicator.
- Step 9. Resume normal operation - Plug in the unit and resume normal operation.
Cleaning the Cabinet
- Step 1. Disconnect the power - Turn off and unplug the unit from the electrical outlet to avoid shock and fire hazards.
- Step 2. Clean the exterior - To clean the cabinet and front of the unit, either wipe the air conditioner with a dry, oil-free cloth or clean the unit with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
- Step 3. Rinse - Remove any remaining soap suds or dust particles with warm water and a clean cloth.
- Step 4. Vacuum any openings - Once the unit is reassembled, use a small vacuum to clean openings such as the air inlet grill.
- Step 5. Dry the cabinet - Wipe away as much moisture as possible and then allow the unit to air dry fully.
- Step 6. Restore power - Once the unit is clean and dry, plug it into an electrical outlet and resume normal operation.
For more information on how to maintain your Frigidaire air conditioner, take a look at our large library of Frigidaire manuals online.