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D.I.Y. Air Conditioner Maintenance: Tips from the Expert

RepairClinic.com offers households advice to stay cool and save on energy costs

Canton, MI - July 6, 2006 - With summer breezes blowing through U.S. cities, window-mounted air conditioners are getting their first big workout of the season. Chris Hall, president of RepairClinic.com®, says his company is ready for the seasonal spike in questions from consumers who are wondering why their A/C unit isn't working properly. In many instances, he says, consumers can rectify the problem themselves - if they have the right advice.

"More than any other household appliance, air conditioning units are often neglected. This is a pity because they are big energy users and a little maintenance means that homeowners can save money on both utility and repair bills," says Hall, whose company, RepairClinic.com, provides consumers with the information and parts they need to fix their appliances. "If the unit does stop working, we can often save consumers a visit from a repair technician."

All residential window air conditioners have a cooling system consisting of four primary components: a compressor, an evaporator, a temperature sensing device, and a condenser. Air conditioner cooling systems are better understood if you think of them more as a device that removes warmth and humidity from the air than a device that cools the air.

Essential maintenance items to keep the unit in tip-top condition

1. Every month, replace or clean the filter located in the front grill. Cost $20.
2. The condensing coils on an air conditioner get very dirty, and the 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 by blowing compressed air on them or with a soft bristle brush.
3. Don't despair if you've accidentally bent the aluminum fins on the rear of the unit; RepairClinic.com can supply a handy fin-straightening comb. Cost $2.

1. A motor is running but there is no air blowing.
   Every air conditioner is equipped with at least two motors: the compressor and the fan motor. It is possible for the fan motor to be defective and the compressor to be running. If this is the case, the unit will appear to be running and may even sound "normal" but no air is blowing out the front or back of the unit. If, after removing the cover of the unit you discover the fan blade is very stiff and difficult to rotate, the fan motor may need oiling or may need to be replaced.
2. Water leaks from the front of the unit.
   It is normal for water to collect in the lower area of an air conditioner. If water leaks out from the front it is usually because the unit is tilted forward in the window frame. All air conditioners should be installed so they tilt slightly backwards to allow for proper removal of condensed water that accumulates.
3. The air smells musty.
   Air conditioners remove moisture from the air. Most of it is evaporated from the unit. However, it is possible for some water to stagnate in the base of the air conditioner. Also, dirt, lint or dust can collect in the water pan at the base of the unit and absorb water, allowing mold and mildew to grow. All this leads to bad smells. Thoroughly clean the water pan each year - ideally whenever the condenser coils are cleaned.

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 help with most every major appliance repair question. The air conditioner section of the RepairClinic.com website is here.

About RepairClinic.com

RepairClinic.com was founded in 1999 with the idea that armed with the right advice, tools and parts, savvy consumers can extend the life of their appliances, save money, and conserve the environment. Consumers can visit www.RepairClinic.com for free appliance repair help, or call a customer service representative at 1(800) 269-2609 for help locating specific parts.