Mold and mildew thrive in dark, damp places, so it's no surprise that mold can grow in a window A/C unit. Mold and mildew spores can be harmful to human health, so it’s important to maintain your window A/C and avoid allowing these organisms to take root.

In the normal operation of an A/C, the base collects the condensed moisture from the air. Some A/Cs have a drain hole, but many energy-efficient window A/Cs like the July re-use the condensed water as part of the cooling process to reduce your energy bill.

At the end of the season, it’s possible that a fair bit of water would have built up in the base. Before bringing it in and storing it for the season, you’ll want to drain the base to prevent the growth of mold and mildew which can decrease the lifespan of your A/C. If your A/C unit doesn’t have a drain hole, you can carefully tilt the back of the A/C downwards to let the water flow out. July comes with a drain hole plug, so you can keep it plugged for energy efficiency during the season, and simply remove the plug to drain it out at the end of the season.

Beyond draining the base, it’s not advised to open up your A/C in any other way. The unit is comprised of delicate and sometimes dangerous components, so is best left to a professional. If you find that your A/C is giving off a funky smell, there’s a chance that mold is growing inside and it’s time to buy a new one. Learn more about the signs of when it’s time to replace your window A/C.

And, if you’re ready for a new unit, July has got the beautiful, energy-efficient and air purifying A/C that you might be looking for.