CANTON, Mich. - September 27, 2006 - As temperatures nationwide begin to cool, homeowners are no longer thinking about how to stay cool in the summer heat but rather how to stay comfortable and warm in the coming winter chill. Two appliances need some basic maintenance at this time of year: air conditioners and humidifiers, says Chris Hall, president of RepairClinic.com®.

"Now is a good time to perform an end-of-season cleaning and checkup on all types of air conditioners, before storing them for winter," says Hall, whose company, RepairClinic.com, provides consumers with the information and parts they need to fix their appliances. "Similarly, home humidifiers should be given the once-over before being put into service for the heating season. Scale and unhealthy bacteria can build up inside these units, which significantly reduces their humidifying capabilities and can be a health risk."

Prepping an A/C for storage
1. Why store an A/C unit? Leaving a window air conditioner installed throughout winter is less energy-efficient because warm air in your home can easily escape through the unit. If you cannot store it, you should purchase an A/C cover to help reduce drafts and better insulate against heat loss. Cost: $30. For more information click here.

2. Where should I store it? Store the unit in a basement or utility room, not a garage. Mice and other small animals love to nest in air conditioners. If they do, they can cause serious damage to the unit by chewing on wiring and insulation.

3. How do I clean a window air conditioner? The condensing coils can get very dirty; dirt tends to accumulate on the inside of the coils, out of sight. Once a year, remove the entire cover of the air conditioner to gain access to the coils, and then clean them with a soft bristle brush or by blowing compressed air on them. While you're at it, replace the filter on the front of the air conditioner. Cost $20.
For more information click here.

Readying a furnace-mounted humidifier for the winter season
A humidifier is an essential appliance that ensures a home stays comfortable throughout the season. It helps prevent illness and dry skin, reduces static electricity, and prevents:

1. Identify whether the humidifier is a flow-through or reservoir model. RepairClinic has some simple diagrams to help you. Click here.

2. Clean the unit and replace the humidifier pad. Make sure to disconnect power to the unit first! RepairClinic recommends using a special humidifier cleaner, and can provide filters and parts for all common models.
For more information click here.

3. If you have a reservoir-type humidifier, the float assembly may get stuck while sitting unused all summer. To fix this, remove the float assembly and thoroughly clean it with vinegar or humidifier cleaner.

Many more tips available online
Cleaning tips, maintenance instructions, parts and cleaning supplies for these projects and more can all be found at RepairClinic.com. Consumers can ask the RepairGuru, RepairClinic's online help wizard, for assistance with most every major appliance repair question.