Window air conditioners make for efficient home cooling means during the scorching summer season. A proper maintenance of these types of condensers is of utmost importance. Appropriate cleaning of the AC units and their condenser coils helps in maintaining and improving their efficiency, reducing energy consumption as well as preventing repairing cost. But how to go about it? Here are some useful tips to maintaining the health of window air conditioners:-
- Monthly cleaning of the air filters – The air filters are easily accessible by just removing the front panel of the AC. The filters should be gently cleaned with warm water, dish soap or white vinegar solution. In case of damage, they must be replaced immediately to restore its smooth functionality.
- Check for insects, flies and other animal residuals – If the window AC is left uncovered for a long time, one needs to check for wasps and bee nests that can be found inside the unit. This type of problem should be avoided beforehand by keeping the AC covered. Special AC covers are available in the market that help keeping insects, bees and rodents away.
- Cleaning of condensers – The condenser coils for condensing units like window ACs need proper cleaning and maintenance at regular intervals. This is because condenser coils are prone to dust and dirt. The build-up of dust acts as a hindrance in the cooling process of the conditioning unit. As a result, it increases the energy consumption and the monthly electricity bill. For cleaning the condenser coils, the conditioner cabinet should be removed completely so that the coils can be accessed easily. The coils can be cleaned using a soft bristle brush and a soap solution laden spray bottle to wipe the dirt off. It is important to clean the coils with great care to avoid bending or denting of the aluminium fins. One can also use a handy fin comb to straighten them out properly.
- Cleaning the water pan – To prevent mould and musty odour in the air, dish detergent liquid or white vinegar can be used to clean the inside base of the AC unit.
- Inspect the cooling coils for ice build-up – If the outside temperature, where the AC is installed, becomes cold (i.e. - 5 degree Celsius or lower), it is suggested to check for the condenser coils from time to time and clean the frost build-up using a thin fin comb.
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