Air conditioning maintenance will help your unit run efficiently and can help you pinpoint areas that are in need of repair. The following steps will teach you how to clean and inspect your window unit so that you can use it with confidence this summer.

Use The Following Materials

• spray bottle
• mild detergent
• water
• lint free cloths
• wire brush
• emery cloth
• coil cleaner
• filter
• wet/dry vacuum cleaner
• vinyl tarp
• flashlight
• water hose
• rust inhibiting spray

Remove Dirt And Rust

Turn off the power to your unit. Place a vinyl tarp on the floor to collect dirt or dust as you are cleaning. Add equal amounts of water and mild detergent to a spray bottle. Shake well. Apply some of this mixture to a lint free cloth. Wipe down the front and side of your unit to remove surface dirt. Remove the front cover and wipe the interior with the same cloth.

Inspect the condenser coil. This part is made up of a series of metal pieces that are intertwined. Use a wire brush to loosen any debris that is stuck between metal pieces. If there are any rust spots, rub them with an emery cloth. Move the cloth back and forth over the front of the coils. Follow up by wiping the coil's surface off with a damp cloth.

Clean The Condenser Coil

Apply an even coat of coil cleaner to the condenser coil. The cleaner will foam up, making it easy for to determine if the condenser coil is covered with it. After several minutes, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Follow up with a dry cloth. Protect the condenser coil from becoming rusted in the future by spraying the surface with a rust inhibitor. After applying this product, you do not need to rinse it off.

Inspect Additional Areas

Locate your unit's filter. Brackets will be holding it in place, directly behind the front panel. Slide it out. If a lot of dirt and dust are present on the surface, replace it with a new one. The condensate pan is located underneath the condenser coil. Pull it forward. If a lot of water is in it, empty it out. Rinse out the pan with a water hose before replacing it.

Inspect the end of the condensate line. You will find it outside near the bottom of your home. Shine a flashlight into the line to determine if any debris is stuck inside. If so, use a couple pieces of duct tape to attach the hose from a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to the end of it. Turn the vacuum on for a couple minutes. Moisture and dirt will be eliminated from the line. 

Turn On Your Unit

After you have finished the maintenance steps, turn your unit on to determine if it is working properly. Clean your unit after extended use throughout the year so that it continues to operate the proper way.

To learn more about HVAC contractors, contact a company like Burks Service Company.