How Much Does It Cost to Clean an Air Conditioner?
(Window, Wall, Ductless Mini Splits, and HVAC Systems)
If you’re asking yourself how much it costs to clean an air conditioner, the answer depends on the type of system you have. Whether it’s a window AC, a wall-mounted unit, a split ductless mini split, or a full central HVAC system, the cost varies—but here’s the part most people overlook: properly cleaning and maintaining an air conditioner often costs more over time than replacing it. And that’s if it’s done the right way.
Proper air conditioner cleaning isn’t just about rinsing off a filter. It involves disassembling the unit, removing mold and contaminants from coils and vents, pressure-washing components with safe chemicals, disinfecting internal parts, thoroughly drying everything to protect the electrical system, and reassembling it. The unit must then be tested for temperature performance, airflow, odor elimination, and noise levels.
For window AC units—particularly those under 12,000 BTUs—cleaning costs typically range between $150 and $400. These units must be removed from the window, cleaned in a controlled area with drainage, and carefully dried before being reinstalled and tested. Larger window units cost more to clean due to their weight and complexity.
Wall-mounted units follow a similar process. Prices generally start at $150, but in dense urban areas like New York City, wall unit cleaning can exceed $900 due to the logistics involved in safely removing, transporting, and cleaning heavy, elevated systems. Many companies, including Mike’s Air Conditioning and our partner brand Air Vent Medics, specialize in this work—sometimes removing the units entirely and returning them on a later day after deep cleaning.
Ductless mini split systems like Mitsubishi, Daikin, Fujitsu, and LG require a different approach. These units are cleaned using a clear plastic boot that funnels water and debris into a drainage system. Clients can actually see mold and grime being flushed out as a pressure washer and safe chemicals break down buildup inside the unit. Cleaning starts at $150 per indoor air handler (or “head”) and increases depending on the number of units, level of contamination, and complexity of the job. Discounts often apply for multi-room homes or apartment buildings.
Central HVAC systems and ducted air conditioning systems require even more care. Air duct cleaning services target mold, allergens, dust, and sometimes even animal debris lodged deep within ventilation systems. These cleanings also include filter replacements, coil sanitation, and air handler disinfection. Prices vary based on how many vents you have, the age of the system, and how contaminated it is.
So, is professional air conditioner cleaning worth the cost? Absolutely—especially if you’re experiencing poor airflow, bad odors, high electric bills, or allergy symptoms from contaminated air. However, over time, frequent cleanings and tune-ups can start to add up. In some cases, especially with older or heavily used units, replacing the system may be more cost-effective than cleaning it over and over again.
If you’re thinking about doing it yourself, we strongly recommend searching “how to clean a window AC,” “how to clean a ductless mini split,” or “HVAC mold removal near me.” You’ll quickly see that this isn’t a job for amateurs. Done improperly, it can damage the unit or expose you to harmful mold and bacteria. For best results, hire a reputable, licensed HVAC cleaning company that specializes in the <br>type of system you have.
In conclusion, the cost of cleaning an air conditioner depends on the size, type, and location of your system. Professional cleanings improve performance, reduce energy usage, and extend your AC’s life—but the work must be done thoroughly to be effective. If you’re unsure whether to clean or replace, weigh the total cost of maintenance over time, and remember: a clean AC is a healthy, efficient AC.