Final summer time was one of many hottest summers in recorded historical past, and this summer time is on monitor to be a actual scorcher as nicely. It is extra necessary than ever to arrange your self for the summer time season. When sweltering warmth turns into a risk, a window air conditioner may also help you retain your cool. Your trusty window AC unit can final upward of 10 years. However you may solely get that sort of efficiency with common, correct upkeep.
As with most home equipment round your own home, it’s important to repeatedly care in your AC unit to maintain it in tip-top form. If you happen to comply with the information under, you’ll be able to hold your air conditioner in optimum situation for so long as attainable. And this is the perfect half: These strategies are all comparatively easy and will not break the financial institution.
For extra, discover CNET’s window AC unit shopping for information and this comparability between window AC items and moveable AC items.
1. Select the appropriate AC mannequin in your room
When deciding on a window AC unit, you could account for the dimensions of your room first. If you happen to select a much less highly effective mannequin to chill a big space, it forces the unit to work tougher to chill the room, leading to a shorter operational life span.
Subsequently, when deciding on the suitable mannequin, you wish to study an air conditioner’s British thermal unit capability (often known as BTUs). The extra BTUs a unit has, the extra highly effective it’s. As a information, you want 20 BTUs for each sq. foot of the room you could cool. Within the case of a 500-square-foot room, you would wish an air conditioner able to delivering a minimum of 10,000 BTUs.
Conversely, you might get monetary savings buying a much less highly effective mannequin in case you have a smaller room. Simply needless to say the AC you are shopping for is an funding, and in the event you improve the dimensions of your dwelling house, you are most likely going to wish a extra highly effective mannequin.
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2. Discover the perfect location in your AC unit
When establishing your AC unit, keep away from putting it in direct daylight if attainable. Working in direct daylight will pressure it to work tougher. As an alternative, in case you have a window in your room that has shade, set up it there. In flip, you may lengthen the lifetime of your air conditioner, because it will not overheat from the daylight.
3. Hold the filter clear
The filter collects particles like mud, hair and extra. While you use your air conditioner repeatedly, you will have to scrub the filter as soon as a month.
To wash the filter, flip off the unit and unplug it. Subsequent, take away the filter from the entrance panel. If you happen to discover a variety of mud, hair or different particles, you should use the attachment from a vacuum cleaner to offer the filter a deeper clear.
You too can clear the filter utilizing cleaning soap and heat water. As soon as the filter dries, reinstall it. A very good rule of thumb is to exchange your filter as soon as each six weeks to 6 months, relying on how usually you utilize your air conditioner, what number of pets you have got and what sort of filter you utilize.
It’d seem to be a trouble to exchange the filter so usually, however it’s in your finest pursuits to take action; outfitting your AC with a clear filter saves you a important sum of money in the long term.
4. Maximize effectivity
Having the air on full blast on a regular basis shortens your AC’s lifespan. Whereas it does hold you cool, it additionally forces the unit to work tougher to realize this setting. Turning the air conditioner off if you depart maximizes its effectivity and prolongs its operational life span.
A sensible different is to make use of the eco-settings (in case your system comes with one) or use a sensible plug to handle your AC unit extra carefully by way of distant entry in your cellphone and computerized on/off scheduling.
5. Hold the fins clear and aligned
Your window air conditioner has aluminum fins that cowl the coils. Over time, mud, grime and different particles can construct on them. With out common cleansing, it might result in mould progress within the unit.
With this in thoughts, you must clear the fins a minimum of annually. To take action, flip off your air conditioner and unplug it. Subsequent, you could take away the housing screws. You’ll be able to clear the fins with a mixture of heat water and dish cleaning soap. Take away any particles you discover with a brush. You must also rinse the remaining suds off the fins.
Right now, you wish to be certain the fins are in fine condition. Those on the again coil may be susceptible to bending. And if they’re bent, they pressure your AC unit to work tougher. To straighten them, use a fin comb.
Learn extra: Learn how to Clear Your Window Air Conditioner
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6. Examine and clear the drain
When utilizing your air conditioner, you must also examine its drain as soon as a month for any clogs. To take away them, use a stiff wire. Protecting your drain clear reduces the probability of moisture buildup, which might shorten the lifetime of your AC.
The following pointers may also help you delay the lifetime of your window unit. Be sure to do that upkeep (other than changing your filters extra repeatedly) a minimum of annually. Ideally, check out these upkeep ideas earlier than the climate heats up so you are not caught making final minute repairs with out air con. You possibly can additionally enlist the assistance of knowledgeable to test your air conditioner for you.
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