Beat the summer heat by keeping your window air conditioner running smoothly with these 6 maintenance tips
Summer is here and heat waves and record temperatures have already arrived. With the season getting as hot as the last, it is crucial to keep your home cool and an air conditioner is essential. A window air conditioner can be a great investment that can last up to 10 years If you maintain it properly, your living space will remain comfortable all day long. As with other home appliances, maintenance and regular care are essential to maintaining efficiency. Follow these simple, cost-effective tips to ensure that your air conditioner continues to perform optimally for as long as possible.
For more information, check out CNET’s window air conditioner buying guide and check out this comparison of window air conditioners vs. portable air conditioners.
1. Choose the right AC model for your room
When selecting a window air conditioner, you should first consider the size of your room. If you choose a less powerful model to cool a large area, the unit will have to work harder to cool the room, resulting in a shorter operational lifespan.
Therefore, when selecting the right model, you will want to look at the British Thermal Unit Capacity (also called BTUs) of an air conditioner. The more BTUs a unit has, the more powerful it is. As a guideline, you will need 20 BTUs for every square foot of room you want to coolFor a 500 square foot room, you will need an air conditioner that can deliver at least 10,000 BTUs.
Conversely, you can save money by purchasing a less powerful model if you have a smaller room. Just keep in mind that the AC you buy is an investment, and as you increase the size of your living space, you will likely need a more powerful model.
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View all photos2. Find the best location for your air conditioning unit
When installing your air conditioning unit, avoid: place in direct sunlight if possible. Working in direct sunlight will force it to work harder. Instead, if you have a window in your room that provides shade, install it there. In turn, you will extend the life of your air conditioner, as it will not overheat from the sunlight.
3. Keep the filter clean
The filter collects particles such as dust, hair and more. If you use your air conditioner regularly, you should wash the filter once a month.
To clean the filter, turn off the appliance and unplug it from the power outlet. Then remove the filter from the front panel. If you notice a lot of dust, hair or other debris, you can use the attachment of a vacuum cleaner to clean the filter more thoroughly.
You can also clean the filter with soap and warm water. Once the filter is dry, replace it. A good rule of thumb is to replace your filter as soon as every six weeks to six monthsdepending on how often you use your air conditioner, how many pets you have, and what type of filter you use.
It may seem like a hassle to change the filter so often, but it is in your best interest to do so. Equipping your AC with a clean filter will save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
4. Maximize efficiency
Running the air at full blast all the time will shorten the lifespan of your AC. While it keeps you cool, it also forces the unit to work harder to reach that setting. Turning off your air conditioner when you leave maximizes its efficiency and extends its operational life.
A smart alternative is to use the eco settings (if your system is equipped with them) or a smart plug to manage your air conditioning more precisely through remote access on your phone and automatic on/off schedules.
5. Keep fins clean and aligned
Your window air conditioner has aluminum fins covering the coils. Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can build up. Without regular cleaning, this can lead to mold growth inside the unit.
With this in mind, you should clean the fins at least once a year. To do this, turn off your air conditioner and unplug it. Then, you should remove the screws from the housing. You can clean the fins with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Remove any particles that you find with a brush. You should also rinse off any remaining suds from the fins.
At this point you want to make sure the fins are in good condition. The one on the The rear coil may be prone to bending. And when they are bent, they force your AC unit to work harder. To straighten them, use a fin comb.
Read more: How to Clean Your Window Air Conditioner
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6. Inspect and clean the drain
When using your air conditioner, you should also check the drain once a month for blockages. To remove them, use a stiff wireKeeping your drain clear reduces the chance of moisture buildup, which can shorten the life of your air conditioner.
These tips can help extend the life of your window unit. Make sure to perform this maintenance (in addition to replacing your filters more often) at least once a year. Ideally, try these maintenance tips before the weather warms up so you aren’t stuck with last-minute repairs without air conditioning. You can also enlist the help of a professional to check your air conditioning for you.
