How to Deep Clean Your Frigidaire 5K BTU Window AC

The heat is kicking in this year and we needed a window AC for my mother in law's room. I found this used Frigidaire 5k BTU window AC on Facebook Marketplace for a good price and in this video I show you how I cleaned it. This is a popular model due to its low price. I noticed this year it has gone up in price compared to past years.

So you want to clean the evaporator coils without removing the front panel? I tried doing this. It's possible. I put a bath towel under the front panel to catch the water and disconnected the AC from the power outlet. I used the Frost King Coil Cleaner spray listed in the video description to clean the coil. I removed the washable screen filter from the front panel. That will allow you to see the evaporator coil. I used the straw on the spray and pressed the straw on the coil, then held the straw while I sprayed the foam. It will push out dirt from the coils. I repeated the same thing in multiple areas. Then I used water in a spray bottle to clean off the coils as much as I could.

The corrosion in the fins on my AC I think is due to the poor water drainage design. The drain hole underneath is closer to the center of the bottom shelf than the rear thus allowing a pool of water to settle in the rear lower shelf of the AC. Its normal for water to accumulate there as the condenser fan (blue) lifts that water to help cool the condenser coil. By comparison, my LG 6K BTU Window AC has the drain hole in the lower shelf, but the part that faces the rear.

Its cheaper (in the long run) to buy the coil cleaner concentrate and mix with water in a spray bottle, but its more convenient to purchase a compressed air spray can that's ready to use. If you buy the concentrate, I recommend to dilute it at least 1:1 (half water and half cleaner fluid), but DO NOT use the concentrate full strength as it will strip the protective anti-rust coating from the coils.

The product links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.

PRODUCT LINKS:
Stanley 69-189 Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver
Frost King Coil Cleaner Spray Can 19oz
Nu-Calgon Coil Cleaner Spray Can 18oz
Nu-Calgon Nu Brite 1 Gallon cleaner solution.
Comstar Coil King - 1 Quart
Comstar Coil Safe Cleaner 1 Gallon
Frigidaire 5,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner
Midea 5,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner
FRIGIDAIRE FFRE053ZA1 Window Air Conditioner - Updated version of their 5K BTU AC.
Amazon Basics 5K BTU Window Air Conditioner

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[nancyzazulka]

This is a really great video. Thank you so much. My daughter's AC is disgusting, I'm afraid to see what's on the inside. Ugh!! Using your video will breathe new life into it!

[Funkybrewster]

my unit is making a horrid noise when the controls are turned up past 3 on both low cool and high cool.

I cleaned the filter yesterday but the noise is still going.

Thank you for this detailed video on taking it apart, cleaning and re assembly. I'm hoping that a thorough cleaning inside will fix the issue.
To the viewer who complained about ypur showing the various screws: you are a clown. Taking the time to show all the screws, their differences and locations is extremely helpful. thanks again!

[ConorLingus]

Great video! Thanks for the directions and commentary - VERY helpful!

[christybigham]

Thank you for this video it was very informative and very detailed. Which is what I was looking for and cleaning my window unit. Your video is appreciated. Thanks again

[WriteToToad]

dude, you are the GOAT for this video; thank you.

[heidi]

Thank you for making this ! Your detailed explaining was great !!!

[lukeWiz]

Wow this was amazingly produced. Well done.

[rogerwachal]

Your video helped me, take the front off, so I could clean it.
I didn't go as far as you did, but it will help me when I do.
Thanks

[cheezee]

Thank you so much. I did it and now it's back cooling. I broke one knob a little bit. Turns out I didn't have to remove the second. A lizard got in there and died and made mold. But don't wanna buy new bc it's only 1 yr old. Thanks again 😊

[daviddavid]

Your instructions are clear and concise, congratulations, not easy to do! Based on your video I guess its not a good idea to remove the front panel with the unit installed in the window? The reason I ask is that the evaporator fins needed cleaning before the unit was reinstalled in a cat shelter but I don't want to have to remove the unit from the window before taking its front panel off. Thanks!

[jochopra]

This was the most helpful video! Thank you so much.

[cheezee]

Also I separated my screws into yougurt cups and used a turkey baster to suck out water and after cleaning put a fan on it for a couple hours.

[joeostrosky]

Great video!!! gave me a reason to get a new screw driver!!!! (as if I need one)

[MinervasPressAgent]

Very helpful. I have a question. I have the other version with the remote control and when the front cover came off I noticed a black wire (with a little red plastic piece attached) dangling. It looked like it might possibly have connected to a black plastic piece that is set in the front but I'm not certain. Any idea?

[TellEmZach]

Great thorough video, I was wondering how to clean the front since I didn't see a way to get to the screen under the filter like the other ac units. You have to completely unscrew everything! You're funny whistling at the end😅. Thank u so much. Also do you know even when new ac units the air will go warm for a bit then if you mess with the temperature button it will start going cold again? I need it cold all the time I live in desert. It get 125 degrees here. Thanks. Where to spray the foam, everywhere inside? Oh and subscribed

[Acidicfps]

im currrently cleaning the AC, havent clean it in a few years. and it's the exact same model. do i have to disconnect any wires before spraying it with a cleaner?

[blylw]

Wait, is it okay to get the whole unit wet? Is there part of it I need to keep from getting wet (other than the plug?)

[sharonprigge]

When I take my filter out to clean, it gets stuck on that wire connected to the “fins” on the front. It pulls the clips off the “fins, ” so they are a pain. What is that wire? I have taken the AC apart, so need to know how to connect that wire and clips so they stay put!

[smackatoo]

Is the cleaning solution absolutely necessary? I read about the compressed air which I have. Are you saying that can be used instead of the solution then a simple water rinse after? Thanks.