How to Maintain Room Air Conditioners

Maintain your room air conditioner for maximum cooling efficiency. Your air conditioner works better and costs less to use then. It also lasts longer. The air coming out of it smells better as well. You can see results immediately using the following steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Remove the grill from the air conditioner. Remove the filter and soak it in sudsy water. Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Then rinse the filter completely in clear water.

2. Let the filter drip dry before re-installing it. Cleaning the filter is essential to maintain maximum cooling power for your air conditioner.

3. Take the entire air conditioner out of the casing and set it outside in the sun. You may place it on cinder blocks or saw horses.

4. Squirt the coils of the air conditioner with clear water from the hose. Take care to use a very light spray of water. Then squirt Simple Green on the coils directly. Let stand for a few minutes.

5. Spray the coils with clear water from the hose and watch the dirt float away.

6. Allow the air conditioner to dry completely in the sun. Touch it to make sure it's completely dry. Then take it back inside.

7. Install the air conditioner back into the casing, and attach the grille to it. Plug it in, and turn it on. You should feel cooling air as soon as the compressor starts. Do this once a year for proper maintenance.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your air conditioner is dry before plugging it back in and turning it on. If it is wet, you run the risk of electric shock. Plan on cleaning the coils on a warm sunny day. Furthermore, do it in the morning so the air conditioner can sit and dry in the sun all afternoon.

Resources

• Purchase Simple Green here.