Window AC units are cheap, efficient, and great for us small areas. Of course, your unit needs to be properly maintained if you want to get the most out of it. There are many important things you need to do to keep your window unit in top working shape. This article explains three vital things you can do on your own to make sure your window AC unit lasts longer and works more efficiently.

1. Covering Your Unit During Downtime

The first thing you need to do is keep the outside of your unit covered when you aren't using it for extended periods of time. You also want to remove the window from the unit during the winter, if possible. That is, if it is practical to take your unit out of the window during the winter, it will definitely protect and preserve it. Most units come with a cover that allows you to cover the exterior, but you might need to buy a new cover or tarp if you don't have one.

2. Changing the Filter

Another important thing is to change the filter every year. Filters for window units are small and very easy to change. All you do is slide the old filter out and put the new one in place. In fact, you can take the old filter out and bring it to the store to make sure you get the right replacement.

3. Clean the Evaporator Coils

The last job is the most complicated, but perhaps the most vital. Cleaning up evaporator coils on the outside of your unit can enable it to work at maximum efficiency. Evaporator coils are behind the thin aluminum ridges on the outside of the unit. These ridges can get bent quite easily because they are so thin, so be careful that you don't bend them anymore.

You want to invest in some evaporator cleaning solution and a coil cleaning scrub brush. Basically, the solution can be sprayed directly onto the evaporator coils and let it soak in. The cleaner will foam up as it breaks down the dirt. Then, you use the coil brush to scrub the dirt out of the coils. It is important that you don't actually bend or flatten the coils any more than they already are, so make sure you brush with the grain. This is another job that you should do every single year if you want to get the most out of your window AC units.

For more information, contact a company like Northwest  Heating &  Air Conditioning Inc.

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