How to Care for Frigidaire Window Unit Air Conditioners
Electrolux Frigidaire window unit air conditioners, also known as “window-mounted” air conditioners, require regular care and maintenance after installation to not only maintain air cooling and filtering efficiency levels, but also meet safety requirements. Caring for a Frigidaire window unit air conditioner isn’t difficult. You only need to create unobstructed airflow to the air conditioner, clean monthly to reduce harmful debris or mold build-up and reduce the amount of exposure the unit has to harsh or extreme weather conditions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Brush attachment
- Water
- Mild detergent
- Lint-free microfiber cloths
Instructions
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1
Clear the area around the front or back of your Frigidaire window unit air conditioner so that objects such as furniture, curtains and shrubs don’t block the unit’s air intake panels and vents. In addition, remove items such as birds’ nests, leaves or other debris from the outside window ledge and back of the unit as needed.
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Turn off and unplug your air conditioner.
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3
Clean the filter at least once a month. Remove the front grill panel to access the filter; or pull up on a filter tab located at the top center of the grill to pull the filter up and out of the unit. Once removed, vacuum it with a brush attachment and then wash with a mild dish detergent in warm water. Rinse thoroughly under running water and air dry before re-inserting into your unit.
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Wipe clean the unit's exterior. Soak a non-textured, lint-free microfiber cloth in warm, soapy water. Wring as much excess water from the cloth as possible and then wipe the controls and cabinet to remove dirt, dust, oils and stains. Rinse with a non-soapy, damp cloth and then wipe dry.
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5
Remove the unit from the window and store it at the end of the summer season each year in preparation for winter. Follow the installation instructions from your owner’s manual in reverse to remove the unit. Clean it completely. After it dries, wrap in plastic or place in a box and then store.
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Tips & Warnings
If your air conditioner has a damaged cord, replace immediately through the manufacturer to protect your home or office from potential electrical shorts or fires that can occur with damaged cords.
If your unit has a "Filter Reset" button, push the button after you re-insert the filter to reset the filter-monitoring feature that tells you when the filter needs cleaned again—normally after every 250 hours of operation.
Never cut or remove the grounding prong to insert the plug in a two-prong socket as bypassing this safety feature can cause a fire or electrocution.
Always clean your unit—especially the filter—at least once a month. Dirty filters lower air filtration efficiency and cause a damaging frost build-up on the cooling coils. If your window unit is in a high traffic or poor air quality area, clean the filter two or more times a month.
Never use harsh cleaners as certain cleaners contain ingredients that can damage the unit. In addition, never use wax or polish on the unit's cabinet for the same reason.
Never drench the controls with water while cleaning as moisture under the controls not only promotes mold growth, but can also cause the controls to stop working.
Always use your window unit in a shady area as heat from direct sunlight can force the unit to work harder to cool an area, increasing energy consumption. Sunlight can also melt or discolor plastic parts.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
