A window air conditioner works well in summer months in lieu of central air conditioning. While a window unit should not be a replacement for a central unit, window units do a good job of cooling off individual rooms of a dwelling. To maximize their efficiency, however, they do need some maintenance and upkeep. Window air conditioners can become extremely costly without proper maintenance and usage. Before purchasing a window unit, size the area of the room. A large unit will not always be the right fit to make a room cooler. Buying a unit that is too big will drastically decrease efficiency. An air conditioning unit has a certain amount of BTUs, or British Thermal Units, that directly correlate to the size of a room. ENERGY STAR has a recommendation of certain BTUs for certain size rooms. It does matter whether a room is heavily shaded or sunny. The BTU usage should increase by 10 percent for sunny rooms, and decrease by 10 percent for shady rooms. ENERGY STAR also advises that one should add 600 BTUs for each person beyond two that regularly spend time in one room.

Before installation, ensure that the air conditioner properly fits on the metal casing surrounding the window. Air leaks surrounding an air conditioner will decrease efficiency, and will ultimately affect the cooling of the room. If needed, use plastic to ensure that there are no air leaks. After approximately one month of use, check air conditioning window units to see if they may need some maintenance or cleaning. central ac unit brandsThree main areas regularly need attention on window units. through the wall air conditioner dimensionsThese include the filter, the coils, and the fins.the best window unit air conditioner The air filters on a window air conditioning unit need cleaning often. The air filter has a design to provide clean airflow into the room, but after hours of usage, the filter becomes clogged with debris.

An air filter that has a debris clog performs the opposite task of its intention. A dirty air filter will push dirty air back into the room and decrease the efficiency of the appliance. Most air filters on air conditioning units are removable for cleaning and are reusable. Remove the front of the unit with a utility knife. Remove the filter and rinse it with warm, soapy water. If there is mold, use a bleach solution to fully clean the filter. All air filters need replacement once per season, regardless of cleaning. Air conditioning coils do not need as much maintenance as filters, but they still require cleaning once per season. Locate the coils underneath the air filter. Scrub them with warm, soapy water and a brush. Give the same attention to the coils at the back of the unit. Make it a habit to reduce debris outside, near the air conditioner. Dryer vents and drain pipes are sources of debris and can cause mold and poor air quality in the air conditioner without regular cleaning.

Condensate drain channels need cleaning once per season as well. Push a solid and stiff wire through the drain channels to rid the drain of debris. Clogged drain channels leak condensation, which may cause excess moisture and staining to areas such as carpet. The fins surrounding the coils should be straight at all times and require some cleaning. Straighten the fins with fin combs if they need realignment. If fins remain bent, they can block the airflow coming from the unit. Clean the fins with warm, soapy water at the end of each summer season. All air conditioning units need removal prior to the fall and winter months. Leaving air conditioning units in windows will allow cold air to come through during cooler weather. This will lead to expensive heating bills as well as a marked drop in heating and cooling efficiency. Store the air conditioning units in a cool, dry place when not in use. Use the basic and advanced search functions to search for the proper air conditioner that will fit your room size.

Search for a seller with experience, and a long history of feedback to ensure a quality transaction. Do not be wary to ask the seller for more information about the item, especially if it is used. Keep in mind that a seller closer in proximity to you may offer better shipping options. Because of the size of many air conditioning units, local pickup is ideal.Edit ArticleHow to Clean an Air Conditioner Three Methods:Clean the Indoor Unit of a Central Air ConditionerClean the Outdoor Unit of a Central Air ConditionerClean a Room Air ConditionerCommunity Q&A Keeping your air conditioner clean will prevent expensive repairs and increase the efficiency and reliability of your unit. While you may want to leave some air conditioner cleaning to the professionals, you can use the tips in this article to clean either a central or room air conditioner on your own. Replace the air filter. Turn off the power to your furnace or blower. If you can't find the shutoff switch on the unit, then turn it off at the main panel.

Open the blower compartment. Vacuum up any visible dust and debris. If your motor has lubrication ports, squeeze 5 drops of oil that is specifically formulated for electric motors into the ports. Avoid penetrating or all-purpose oil (such as WD-40). If you're unsure about the lubrication ports, check your owner's manual. Clean the drain tube. Shut down the power. Turn off the 240-volt power to the air conditioner at the shutoff box on the exterior of your house. You will either have to pull out the shutoff, pull down a handle or remove the fuse. If you don't see a shutoff box, then turn off the circuit breaker that powers the A/C. Vacuum the condenser fins. Use a vacuum with a soft bristle-brush attachment. You may have to unscrew a protective metal case to access the fins. Check for grass, weeds, leaves and other debris that may block airflow. Trim any foliage to leave about 2 feet (61 cm) of space around the outdoor unit. Be careful not to damage the fins as you vacuum.

They can bend easily. If necessary, straighten your fins with a dinner knife or a fin comb. Unscrew the grille on top of the air conditioner. The fan usually lifts out with the grille, so support the fan carefully as you lift so that you don't damage the electrical connections. Wipe the fan clean with a damp cloth. Check to see if your fan has lubrication ports. Lower a water hose into the empty unit. Check for proper operation. Check for drainage problems. Check the drain channels at the bottom of the air conditioner for clogs. Clean out any clogs with a pipe cleaner or a small bristled brush.Remove the front grille from the air conditioning unit. Take out the filter and clean it either by vacuuming it or rinsing it with warm, sudsy water. Make sure the filter is dry before you put it back into the unit. Dust the grille and the vents. The central air conditioner is a major appliance with electrical and plumbing connections. If you feel you cannot clean the unit properly, don’t hesitate to call a professional.