Maintaining Your Window Air Conditioning Unit

The dog days of summer are here and everyone is feeling the heat. If your window air conditioner has not been properly maintained, you may be feeling more heat than you need to, plus you will be needlessly running up your electric bill. With a few easy to follow steps you can give your unit an annual cleaning by yourself. Be sure to unplug your air conditioner, and for best results remove it from the window.

*Remove the inner grill and carefully remove the unit’s air filter. Clean it in warm soapy water and let it completely dry before putting it back in your air conditioner. If it is torn or damaged, replace it with a new one. Now would be a good time to gently vacuum the interior as well to remove any dust.

*Next, clean the air conditioner’s exterior by sweeping it with a brush or with a vacuum cleaner attachment. If your air conditioner seems to be running warm it’s possible that the fins have been bent or closed which reduces the flow of cold air. The fins should look uniform and not bent or dented. If they are not uniform, you may need a fin comb to reopen and straighten them. These are available at most hardware stores.

*Check to see if your unit’s motor needs oiling. Some older air conditioners may require this. Check your owner’s manual for specifics on your model.

*Next you should clean out the drain hole using a small bottle brush.

*Check your owner’s manual for any additional items that need to be checked on your make and model.

If you still aren’t staying cool, your air conditioner may need service work. Contact Daugherty Appliance Sales & Service for parts and service.

New air conditioners are much more efficient and often rebates are available to help offset the cost. Stop in to Daugherty Appliance Sales & Service in our Duluth or Cloquet location to check out the latest models. We will be happy to help you keep your cool.