Why does my window air conditioner blow out black dust?

Question

I have a large window unit, acquired with the house i bought. It spews out black dust, and when i wipe some off of the inside, it's like soot. what is this and how do i get rid of it?

Answer 1

Make sure it's not mold.

Answer 2

It looks bad. The unit is probably burning out, if you don't live in a sooty area you have it checked out before it gives up completely.

Answer 3

It is dust and dirt probably from hours of operation.

You need two good men to pull the inside frame and works out the front of the cabinet and take it outside and inspect the inside of the window unit. Common sense will show you where to pull a couple of covers and you can wash and vacuum the indoor blower section and fan wheel. at the same time wash the outside section coil too. then dry or let dry ,reassemble and re install. Be careful not to wet the fan motor and bearings

wrap in plastic while you wash the other.

Answer 4

It could just be dirty from the previous owners. Try to blow it out with compressed air (if you know someone with a compressor). Perhaps you live on a busy street and that is the cause for the excess dirt, or there could have been a fire nearby at one time.

Answer 5

If your air conditioner is old, it might. You should most likely clean the filter.