Edit ArticleHow to Maintain an Air Conditioner The amount of maintenance a homeowner can perform on an air conditioner is rather limited, but some simple, easy to perform steps can breathe new life into an older, poorly performing units or those that produce foul odors. Read on for more. Unplug the air conditioner. Remove the filter and bezel or cover of the unit if needed. Spray the front coil of the air conditioner with a cleaning agent designed for this use. Replace cover and filter and restore power after about 10 - 15 minutes. Run the air conditioner. Shut the unit off and disconnect power. Inspect the outdoor coils. Clean the outdoor coils if desired. Rinse foaming cleanser away with garden hose. Reconnect power and test. Know when it's time to get a new one. Air conditioners that fail to get more than just "cool" may respond favorably to an indoor and outdoor coil cleaning. If it does not - it could indicate a failed compressor or lost refrigerant charge.

This problem is nearly always more expensive to repair than replace - except for the cases of very large value BTU units (12,000 - 15,000 BTU and larger) and Central Air Conditioning Systems. Apply these same steps to Central Air Conditioning systems, too. The "air handler" in an attic space or basement contains the "indoor coil" and the compressor unit outside contains the "outdoor coil".air conditioning units for schools Always follow directions on cleanser can and use only as directed.selecting window ac unit A dirty filter or dirty indoor coil can result in "ice ups" of the indoor coil. where to buy ac unit in houstonIce ups will block the flow of cool air into the space and contributes to coil and compressor failure.

Dirt is an air conditioner's enemy. Dirt acts as a thermal insulator and robs efficiency - ultimately driving up the cost of operation. A dirty outdoor coil can impede the ability of the coil to give up the heat collected inside. Shrubs, fencing, etc. can reduce air circulation around the outdoor coils, and have similar effect as a dirty coil. Allowing either condition to exist for a long period can cause compressor failure.How much routine maintenance does a window air conditioner need? At least once a year a window air conditioner must receive routine maintenance, or else the unit's performance and efficiency may degrade while the risk of breaking down increases. A window air conditioner must be removed from the window for proper maintenance. How many watts does it take to run a 13,500 BTU air conditioner? Unplug the unit, remove the front access cover, and take it outside to vacuum the condenser coils carefully with a brush attachment. Dust and debris accumulate over time on the condenser coils, and the cooling fins may bend.

Straighten any bent fins with a coil fin comb, being careful to not bend any other fins. Replace the foam air filter if it is damaged. If it is dirty, then wash it with dish soap and water, allowing it to dry before putting it back into the air conditioner. To clean a window air conditioner, slide the unit out of its case, move it outside to work, and straighten any bent fins. Vacuum the coils, spray with air ... What is the function of a Glo Warm thermocouple? Can you recycle old oil burner parts? Where can Raypak heaters be purchased? Can you use kerosene in place of heating oil? Do hydrangeas need to be pruned?You’ve probably turned on your window AC for summer season, but have you done a maintenance check? Chances are you’re in for a pretty warm summer. It’s important to make sure your window air conditioner runs smoothly all summer. The last thing you need in the middle of a heat wave is a broken air conditioner. A little basic maintenance will keep your unit running smoothly.

Not only will it prevent breakdowns, it will also reduce energy consumption and make the unit more efficient. Always review your owner’s manual for any specific tips and suggestions from your manufacturer. Keeping basic maintenance will also extend the life of your window AC, so be sure to follow the tips below. If you find issues that you can’t fix or notice your model’s not running the same as last summer, check your manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re still under warranty, reach out to your manufacturer to see if they can help. Most window ACs have warranties that last at least a year. If your model needs to be replaced, then Sylvane is a great place to find yourself. It’s important to replace your model with one of a similar size and power. Check out our specifications tab to look at the sizes. Feel free to contact us at 1-800-934-9194 if you have any questions.Spring has officially sprung, and while many of us are still in the throes of winter weather, others are starting to prep for warmer weather.

If you have a window air conditioner, that means take a little time to get it clean and running well. I have a window air conditioner in my office and when Fall rolls around, I usually just cover it up on the outside and forget about it until I need it again. Maybe you do the same, or maybe you live in a colder area and need to take it out of the window and store it for the Winter. Either way, taking the time to clean the unit will make it last longer, run more efficiently, and smell better. YouTube user MrJustDIY shows us how to pop the cover off and clean the filter, coils, and fins. Sure, it's a little bit of work. But it beats dealing with musty, moldy air and having to run the unit all the time just to keep things cool. How to Clean a Window Air Conditioner | Staying cool is on the top of most people’s minds during the hot summer months. But what if your air conditioner isn’t working properly, or you don’t have one at all? Whether your existing AC is in need of upkeep or you’re in the market for a new one, read on for some helpful tips to keep you cool!

By performing regular maintenance on your air conditioner, you will not only extend the life of the unit, but your home will remain at a comfortable temperature without an uncomfortably high energy bill. If you have window units, the most important maintenance step is to change the air filter regularly. Most window units have a simple filter in the front grill area. Clean it once a month during cooling season and be sure to replace it when it has any holes or just appears worn. Also, be sure to clean the air conditioner properly by vacuuming around it to remove any dust and dirt that will clog up the unit and cause it to not work properly. During the off season, if possible, take the unit out of the window and store in a dry location. If you must keep the unit in the window, be sure to cover the part that is exposed to the outside. For central air conditioning units, the single best way to keep yours working properly year after year is to have it serviced annually by a trained HVAC professional.

They will take care of the many items related to maintaining the unit and be able to perform any necessary repairs or “tune-ups”. Beyond that, be sure to keep the unit outside free from leaves and debris by raking around it and spraying off the unit with water. And make sure, above all, to change the air filter inside the house every few months or more. If your air conditioner is older than 12-15 years, it may be time to purchase a new unit. When it comes time to purchase a new air conditioner, a little homework will ensure you will get the best unit for your needs and keep energy costs to a minimum. There are various types of air conditioner units to choose from including window, portable, through the wall, and central. With each type there are many brands to choose from, size and energy ratings to consider, and additional useful features. The rating used to choose an energy efficient central air unit is called SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating). The higher the SEER the number, the better.

The current national efficiency standard for SEER is 13, but that is the absolute minimum. Look for anything over 13, and keep in mind that the higher the SEER rating the more efficient your unit will be. Terms you might hear when buying an air conditioner unit include: When choosing a window unit the most important factor is the size of the room you wish to cool and the cooling power, or BTUs, of the unit you choose. Here’s a general guide for window air conditioners based on room size: For a more accurate measurement, use the Air Conditioner Sizing Calculator at Consumer Reports. In addition to size, make sure the AC unit you buy: Basically a window unit on wheels, a portable air conditioner uses an exhaust tube, which must be vented outside, to remove hot air from the room. They are portable in the sense that they don’t require permanent installation. Most units come with a window venting kit that allows you to prepare a window for the exhaust tube. When choosing a portable air conditioner, consider many of the same factors you would with a window unit.

These units are ideal for an area in your home that needs either additional cooling or is not usually occupied. These type of AC units are similiar to what you often find in a hotel room; and are excellent for large open rooms, one-room apartments, or a remodeled garage. They can offer the benefit of both heating and cooling, functioning primarily as an extremely large window unit. In addition to the considerations above, keep in mind the size required for the wall opening. When it comes to choosing a central air conditioner, there are many factors involved, such as the size of your home and the amount of windows and insulation contained in your home. The single best choice you can make is to choose a reputable air conditioning contractor who will determine the correct system for your home. As with any contractor, check references, ask questions about warranties (limited vs. extended), and get several comparable bids. Once you’ve selected a contractor, they will determine the correct size and type of unit for your home to ensure the air conditioner isn’t too large or too small for your home.