As the summer season approaches, many of you’ll have turned on your window AC to beat the heat, but did you do a maintenance check of your AC unit yet? If you live in a hot and humid place, it becomes vital to ensure your window AC unit functions well. You can read more here if you realize the importance and want to get ahead of getting your AC maintained and ready for the summer.
What if your window AC ceases to work? Timely maintenance of your AC unit in the middle of a heatwave will help you figure out the issues before it’s too late and aid it in robust functioning. Not only will it prevent any severe damages, but it also reduces the energy bills and makes the AC unit more efficient while working.
It is imperative to read the manual for any particular tips and recommendations from the unit’s manufacturer. Use the below mentioned ten tips to know what can you do at your end to maintain the window AC unit:
-
Schedule A Maintenance Session By A Professional
If frequent maintenance does not suffice or the AC unit constantly faces issues, you must hire the services offered by a professional or seek the help of an expert. The professional will check refrigerant levels and examine refrigerant leaks, if any, compute the airflow through the evaporator coil, see that all electrical components are in a good state and working, and examine the lubrication of the motor and check belts.
-
Cleanse The AC Unit
You can use a vacuum and a soft-bristle brush to cleanse your AC unit. Many AC units need you to unscrew and lift the metal box for cleaning purposes. Read the manual carefully to understand the directions. Make sure to raise it carefully to evade bumping the fins.
-
Look For A Programmable Thermostat
It may surprise you to know, but a programmable thermostat is a must-have these days. Programmable thermostats permit you to set temperatures for different times for the entire day and lower the temperature automatically. This additionally helps you save cash and maintain the cooling of your house without hovering over the dial again and again.
-
Fins Fixation
With gentle strain, realign bent or crushed fins with the help of a knife. Do not insert more than half the size of the blade.
-
Unclog The Drain Line
If you encounter water collecting around the furnace with the AC operating, there’s a high chance that your drain tube is clogged. Once your drain line gets filthy, the water that your AC unit produces has no means to discharge itself. Alternatively, it simply starts accumulating in the drain line and gradually evaporates back into the atmosphere, leading to a rise in indoor humidity levels.
-
Coil Fins
The bending of fins on the evaporator as well as condenser coils is pretty common and regular, jeopardizing the AC unit’s effectiveness. Hence, it is crucial to frequently inspect the fins and fix the bent using a fin comb that helps in straightening them. Before putting the fin comb into action, see if the comb’s teeth count equals the fins per inch of the coil.
-
Replace The AC Filter
Proper cleansing and replacement of the air filter of the AC unit are eminent. Filthy and clogged AC units work harder to produce good airflow and by using more power. Before taking a decision, you must read the manual provided for air filter specifications and regulation instructions. It would help if you inspected reusable filters at least once or twice a month. Furthermore, you should thoroughly clean the AC filter with water and mild detergent.
Besides, it is highly recommended to change the air filter every two months to three months, considering the AC unit and other associated features, both in and outside the house.
-
Shut The Windows To Reduce Warmth
You will notice that the heat enters the house through windows, mainly through the open windows. If you wish to lessen the heat inside, do without opening your windows. Keep the windows shut and covered with thick or dark curtains during the warmest hours of the day. This tip is mainly for windows that face the sun directly.
-
Fix Any Air Leaks Or Cracks
Finding the gaps or cracks is slightly tricky, yet not impossible. Shut every window in the house, switch off every fan, exhaust fan, and close the furnace. Flash some incense and stroll around the exterior walls of the house. If at any point you notice the smoke driving away from something or being directed toward something, it must be due to an air leak. Once you find it, fix it immediately.
-
Before And After Season Maintenance
If the AC unit has been kept inside, or you intend to store it for a few more months, it is essential to inspect and perform all of the necessary maintenance procedures, as it requires you to do. Before using the AC unit, ensure no gaps exist for cool air to leak out and outside contaminants to enter inside.
The AC units that you store inside need protection in the winter season with an all-weather material that can carefully cover the unit without obstructing airflow and preserving it till subsequent use.
The Bottom Line
A window AC unit is an excellent solution for overcoming the heat during hot and humid summers. But just like central AC units, room ACs need timely maintenance. They further require precise sizing for rooms they are placed in for colling. Moreover, remember that if an AC unit is not maintained well, it will decrease efficiency, worsen its functions, as well as increase your utility bills.
Window AC units may not always expect a technician’s attention, but that doesn’t intend to be maintenance-free. Some efforts and care will help assure that your AC unit operates efficiently, further helping you save on your utility bills with an increased lifespan.
