How to Take Apart an AC Unit

Update

If you do not clean and maintain your home air conditioning (AC) regularly it may start to produce unclean air and start to suffer electrical or motor problems. The good news is you can perform general maintenance without the help of an HVAC technician. The downside is that you must dismantle the AC unit, which can be a time-consuming project, especially if it is something you've never done.

Dismantle your AC unit for general maintenance and cleaning.

  • Unplug the air conditioner's power cord, and remove any wood or plastic materials mounting the AC unit to your home's window. Have a helper grab one side of the unit, while you grab the opposite side. Lift the unit out of the window, and relocate it to a sturdy work surface.

  • Remove the air filter from inside the AC unit. Some AC units allow you to simply pull the filter from a compartment but others may require you to remove a small, plastic cover secured in place with screws.

  • Remove the Phillips-head screws or disengage the plastic retention latches from the AC unit's main front cover. This is the large piece that conceals the AC unit's motor and other internal components. Carefully lift the front cover from the air conditioner and set it aside.

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