How to Clean a Trane Air Conditioner
A clean air conditioner is vital to keep it working properly and running efficiently. Trane makes some of the best units for residential and small commercial spaces. The common procedures for Trane air conditioner cleaning focus on three key areas: The exterior, the air filters and the coil. We'll walk you through cleaning all three of those components thoroughly.
This guide applies to many popular Trane air conditioner models, including 4TTRs, 4TTVs and 4TTXs.
Supplies
- Vacuum
- Clean Rags
- Mild Detergent
- Water
- Comb Brush
Avoid using too much water while cleaning to ensure you do not cause any water damage to the unit.
Clean the Exterior
You should clean the exterior at least monthly. It’s recommended to avoid using synthetic solvents to clean it to avoid stripping the finish of the unit.
- Step 1. Turn off and unplug the unit- Turn the unit off and then proceed to unplug it. This is to avoid damaging the unit and electrical hazards.
- Step 2. Wash the unit - Take mild detergent and a clean rag to wash down the exterior of the unit.
- Step 3. Rinse the unit - Take a clean, damp rag and rinse off the exterior so there’s no soap left.
- Step 4. Dry off the unit - Get a clean, dry rag to dry off the exterior before getting ready to turn it back on.
- Step 5. Plug in and turn on the unit - Now that the exterior is cleaned, you can plug it in and turn it back on.
Clean the Filter
Cleaning the filter should be done monthly. If the filter is too dirty to be cleaned, be sure to change the filter instead.
- Step 1. Turn off and unplug the unit - To avoid hazards, be sure the unit is turned off and unplugged before you remove the filter.
- Step 2. Remove the filter - Remove the filter by either removing the screws or pulling the tab and then sliding out the filter.
- Step 3. Inspect the filter - Inspect the filter to ensure it isn’t too dirty or damaged. If it’s too dirty or damaged, replace the filter instead of proceeding with cleaning it.
- Step 4. Vacuum the filter - Vacuum the filter to clean up debris or dust that may have built up in it.
- Step 5. Wash the filter - Use mild detergent and a clean cloth to wash away any remaining dirt on the filter.
- Step 6. Rinse the filter - Use a clean, lightly dampened rag to rinse off the filter. Be careful not to completely soak it in water.
- Step 7. Dry the filter - Allow the filter to air dry before getting ready to reinstall it.
- Step 8. Reinstall the filter - You can slide the filter back in to reinstall it.
- Step 9. Plug in and turn on the unit - Now that the filter is cleaned, you can plug it in and turn it back on.
Clean the Coil
Cleaning the coil should be done quarterly. Make sure to keep away debris or large items from the coils to prevent unnecessary blockages as well.
- Step 1. Turn off and unplug the unit - To avoid hazards, be sure the unit is turned off and unplugged before you go to clean the coil.
- Step 2. Brush away debris - Using a comb brush, brush off any dust or debris that has built up on the coil.
- Step 3. Wash the coil - Use a clean rag and a mild detergent to wash the coil.
- Step 4. Rinse the coil - Use a clean, damp rag to rinse off the coil.
- Step 5. Dry the coil - Use a clean, dry rag to dry off the coil.
- Step 6. Plug in and turn on the unit - Now that the coil is cleaned you can plug it in and turn it back on.
For more guides on cleaning, operations and troubleshooting, check out our full collection of Trane manuals for assistance.