Your air conditioning unit needs your attention. I know this because mine did too, until fairly recently. As a 20-something who is still learning the ins-and-outs of NYC apartment living, I didn’t think I’d have to do much to my AC except turn it on and off as I needed. But a few days ago, I realized my room wasn’t getting as cold as it should have been considering that my unit was on the coldest setting. After diving down an internet rabbit hole and consulting a few professionals, I learned that there was one reason my AC was not working as well as it did at the start of the summer. I needed to clean the filter. When it comes to those noisy window boxes, I learned I needed to clean the AC unit filter every three weeks to get the most bang for my buck and avoid unnecessary germs. A dirty AC filter could result in dirty air spewing in your home. Here’s how you should clean it. 1. Safety is always first, so before you begin, unplug your AC unit. 2. Next, remove the front cover of the unit.

Usually, you can simply remove the cover with your hands by squeezing it and pulling it towards your body. If your front cover is bolted, you might need to use a screw driver. 3. Once the font screen has been taken off, simply remove the filter that is sitting right behind where the front screen used to be. Be careful of potentially sharp objects that might be behind the filter as you reach for it! 4. Take the dirty filter to the kitchen sink. Depending on the amount of filth it has acquired, a simple rinse under warm water might do the trick. If not, you can use soap or laundry detergent to really tackle the grime. If you need to scrub, consider using a toothbrush. 5. Lastly, make sure that the filter is completely dry before you put it back behind the front screen. Fit the cover back into place (you might need to push a little bit until you hear that satisfying “click” that means it’s been locked into position), and voila! You are on your way to a nicer, cooler summer.

This post has been updated with new photos of air conditioner window units. Home Hacks How-to Air Conditioning Clean Dont­stress­the­mess As the summer heat continues unabated, it's a good time to make sure you're getting the most out of your air conditioner and dehumidifier. One easy way is to clean the filters. If you haven't done so since summer began, then this chore is long overdue. The improved performance of your appliances will make you glad you made the effort. Dirty filters hamper the efficiency of your air conditioner and dehumidifier. And if they're working harder, it's costing you money without making your home more comfortable. If you have central air conditioning, have your contractor show you how to change the filters. During cooling season, Energy Star recommends that the filters be inspected, cleaned or changed every month. Alternatively, if you feel like your system is losing its oomph, have a licensed professional change all filters; clean and flush the coils, drain pan, and drainage system;

vacuum the blower compartments; and check the refrigerant and mechanical components. With window air conditioners, some filters are easier to change than others. how to choose central air conditioning unitsCleaning may be needed every few weeks during the hottest part of the summer. ac unit preventive maintenanceWith that in mind, make sure you determine how easy it is to remove the filter when selecting a new unit. pocket ac unitWhen cleaning it, remove debris with a vacuum then wash the filter in warm, soapy water; be sure filters are dry before you reinstall them and replace damaged filters. When the filter is removed for cleaning, check the surface of the evaporator coil, which will now be visible. If there is dust or debris on the surface, gently remove it.

Taking care not to deform the soft fins, use an upholstery-brush attachment to vacuum the coils. Dirty filters can also inhibit the performance of your dehumidifier. Most can be easily removed and cleaned in just a few minutes. Don't neglect this task just because your unit is out of sight in the basement. Keeping the filters clean will improve the air quality and keep your machine working at its best. This is important when the humidity is high. For more tips on how to maintain your equipment and save on your utility bill, check the Consumer Reports guide to summer cooling. View and compare all Air conditioners ratings.Browse GE Appliances' official support documentation for owners of GE refrigerators, ranges, microwaves, ovens, dishwashers and other GE appliances.How to clean an air conditioner Get fast, FREE quotes Qualified, trusted tradespeople in your area Compare your quotes - and then pick the best Do You Need an Air Filter? Do you sniffle and sneeze and wheeze your way through the year?

If you are plagued by allergies and/or asthma, you may be considering purchasing a home air filtration system. But is it worth the money? Will it actually help ease your symptoms? Not if you don't make other changes in your environment as well, say medical experts. "Buying an air cleaner is not my first suggestion," says Nathan Rabinovitch, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at National Jewish Medical Research Center in Denver. "It's more of a backup recommendation."Minimize Exposure First Instead, minimizing your exposure to other allergens in the home is the first line of attack in reducing allergic and asthmatic reactions, says Rabinovitch, who offers these suggestions: Avoid carpeting and use smooth flooring instead. If you have pets, consider finding them a new home. If that's not an option, keep the pets outside. If that's not an option either, at the very least, keep them out of the bedroom, and certainly off the bed, and off as much of the other furniture in the house as possible.

Use air conditioning in the warmer months to get rid of outdoor pollens or allergens. Clean all air filters, air conditioner filters, and duct filters at each change of season. Keep your windows closed (at home and in the car) and avoid spending time outdoors when your allergies are acting up. Use the hottest water possible to rid your laundry of dust mites. Avoid furnishings that gather dust. Seek an Air Filter Second If you have tried these tactics and aren't finding adequate relief, then it may be time to consider adding an air filter. Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association recommend air filtration for people with allergies and asthma, but not as a solution by itself. Controlling allergy-causing pollution and ventilation are more important; there is disagreement on whether filters give much added relief from asthma in a clean and well-ventilated home. This opinion is echoed by the Institute of Medicine, which has said "air cleaners are probably helpful in some situations in reducing allergy or asthma symptoms," but that air cleaning "is not consistently and highly effective in reducing symptoms."

But an air filter still might help you. There are five basic types:Mechanical filters force air through a special screen that traps particles including allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. They also capture irritant particles such as tobacco smoke. The best-known mechanical filter is the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. HEPA (which is a type of filter, not a brand name) was developed during World War II to prevent radioactive particles from escaping from laboratories. To qualify as a true HEPA filter, a device must be able to capture at least 90% of all particles 0.3 microns or larger in diameter that enter it. There are filters on the market that claim to be HEPAs, but may not be as efficient, so look for a system that meets true HEPA filtration standards.Electronic filters use electrical charges to attract and deposit allergens and irritants. If the device contains collecting plates, the particles are captured within the system; otherwise, they stick to room surfaces and have to be cleared away.

The most efficient filters are electrostatic precipitators, and the best of those use a fan.Hybrid filters contain elements of both mechanical and electrostatic filters.Gas phase filters remove odors and non-particulate pollution such as cooking gas, gasses emitted from paint or building materials, and perfume. They do not remove allergens.Ozone generators are devices that intentionally produce ozone, which manufacturers claim cleans the air. They are not recommended by the EPA or the American Lung Association because ozone can be harmful to lungs at high concentrations. And the EPA says ozone at safe levels "have little potential to remove indoor air contaminants." Still, if you do choose to use such a device, the American Lung Association advises "choosing one that ensures high efficiency over an extended period of time (at least several months) and does not produce ozone levels above 0.05 parts per million, either intentionally or as a by-product of its design." If your home is heated or air conditioned through ducts, it may be possible to build filters into your air handling system.

A whole-house system will also save space and additional noise in your home. On the other hand, the filters may be more expensive and more difficult to handle, and they may need to be changed more often.Choosing a Device The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America suggests asking these questions before purchasing an air filter: Recommended Related to Allergies Lighten Your Child's Allergy Load Coughing, sneezing, itching, wheezing -- kids with allergies face a lot of miserable symptoms. And, your child's triggers may change over time. Sudden weather changes also can make symptoms flare. Learn what triggers your child's allergies now, at least, and get serious about avoiding them. These tips can help you improve your child's breathing and quality of life. Learn Your Child's Allergy Triggers Write down what causes your child's symptoms: Read the Lighten Your Child's Allergy Load article > > What substances will the cleaner remove from the air in my home?

What substances will it not? What is the efficiency rating of the cleaner in relation to the true HEPA standard? Will the unit clean the air in a room the size of my bedroom every four to six minutes? What is the device's clean air delivery rate (CADR)? The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers rates air cleaners according to their clean air delivery rates (CADR), which indicate how much filtered air the cleaner delivers. There are different CADRs for tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust. The higher the numbers, the faster the unit filters air. How difficult is it to change the filter? (Ask for a demonstration.) How often does it have to be changed? How much do filters cost? Are they readily available throughout the year? How much noise does the unit make? Is it quiet enough to run while I sleep? (Turn it on and try it, even though you will probably be in a store and may not get a true sense of just how noisy it is.) Those with lung conditions such as emphysema or COPD might also consider buying an air filter, says Paul Enright, MD, research professor of medicine at the University of Arizona.

But if you're a healthy individual living in a relatively unpolluted environment, there's no need to spend the money. Just remember, Enright says, that an air cleaning system is just one of the environmental changes you can make to alleviate symptoms. "There is no single appropriate answer to coping with allergies and asthma." Home Allergy Treatment Home 12 Natural Ways to Defeat Allergies Need Nasal Allergy Relief? 5 Tips to Cut Pet Allergies 10 Common Allergy Triggers The Truth About Mucus What Is Postnasal Drip? Identify Bugs and Their Bites Send yourself a link to download the app. This feature is temporarily unavailable. Now check your email account on your mobile phone to download your new app. Causes of Cat Allergies Types of Allergy Tests Get Personalized Allergy & Sinus Tips Test Your Indoor Allergy Smarts Target Your Allergy Symptoms Head-On 13 Immune System Boosters Your Allergy Action Plan