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Last summer was one of the hottest summers on record, and this summer is about to be a real scorcher as well. It is more important than ever to prepare for the summer season. When the sweltering heat becomes a threat, a window air conditioner can help you keep your cool. Your trusty window air conditioner can last upwards of 10 years. But you’ll only get that kind of performance with regular, proper maintenance.
As with most appliances in your home, you need to take care of your air conditioner regularly to keep it in tip-top shape. If you follow the tips below, you can keep your air conditioner in optimal condition for as long as possible. And here’s the best part: All of these suggestions are relatively simple and won’t break the bank.
For more information, check out CNET’s Window AC Unit buying guide and this comparison between window AC units and portable AC units.
1. Choose the right air conditioner model for your room
When choosing a window air conditioner, you should first consider the size of your room. If you choose a less powerful model to cool a large area, it forces the unit to work harder to cool the room, resulting in a shorter service life.
Therefore, when choosing the right model, you want to check the air conditioner’s British thermal capacity (also known as BTU). The more BTUs a device has, the more powerful it is. As a guide, you should 20 BTUs for every square foot of room you need to cool. In the case of a 500 square foot room, you will need an air conditioner capable of delivering at least 10,000 BTUs.
Conversely, you can save money by purchasing a less powerful model if you have a smaller room. Just keep in mind that the air conditioner you buy is an investment, and if you increase the size of your living space, you’ll probably need a more powerful model.
2. Find the best location for your AC unit
When adjusting your AC unit, avoid placing it in direct sunlight if possible. Working in direct sunlight will force it to work harder. Instead, if you have a window in your room with a shade, install it there. In turn, you will extend the life of your air conditioner as it will not overheat from sunlight.
3. Keep the filter clean
The filter collects particles such as dust, hair and more. When you use your air conditioner regularly, you will need to wash the filter once a month.
To clean the filter, switch off the appliance and unplug it. Then remove the filter from the front panel. If you notice a lot of dust, hair or other debris, you can use the vacuum cleaner attachment to clean the filter more thoroughly.
You can also clean the filter with soap and warm water. After the filter is dry, put it back. A good rule of thumb is to change the filter once every six weeks to six monthsdepending on how often you use your air conditioner, how many pets you have, and what filter you use.
It may seem like a hassle to change the filter so often, but it’s in your best interest to do so; equipping your air conditioner with a clean filter saves you a a significant amount of money in the long term.
4. Maximize efficiency
Having air on full blast all the time shortens the life of your air conditioner. While it keeps you cool, it also forces the device to work harder to achieve this setting. Turning off the air conditioner when you leave increases its efficiency and extends its service life.
A smart alternative is to use eco settings (if your system comes with them) or use a smart plug to more closely control your AC unit through remote access on your phone and automatic on/off scheduling.
5. Keep fins clean and aligned
Your window air conditioner has aluminum fins that cover the coils. Over time, dust, dirt and other debris can accumulate on them. Without regular cleaning, this can lead to mold forming in the unit.
With this in mind, you should clean the fins at least once a year. To do this, turn off your air conditioner and unplug it. Then you need to remove the screws of the case. You can clean the fins with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Remove any exposed particles with a brush. You should also rinse the remaining foam from the fins.
At this time you want to make sure the fins are in good shape. Those of the rear coil may be prone to bending. And if they’re bent, they force your AC unit to work harder. To straighten them, use a fin comb.
Read more: How to clean your window air conditioner
Watch this: Easy ways to lower your utility bills and save money
6. Inspect and clean the duct
When using your air conditioner, you should also check its duct once a month for blockages. To remove them, use solid wire. Keeping drains clean reduces the chance of moisture build-up, which can shorten the life of your air conditioner.
These tips can help extend the life of your window. Make sure you do this maintenance (in addition to the more regular filter changes) at least once a year. Ideally, try these maintenance tips before the weather warms up so you don’t have to make last-minute repairs without air conditioning. You can also enlist the help of a professional to check your air conditioner for you.
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