If you use a window air conditioning unit to cool your home during warmer parts of the year, making sure it is ready for the job at any time is a must. Here are routine maintenance steps to take to ensure your unit remains operational.

Clean The Filter Regularly

An air conditioning unit has a filter, just as a furnace does. This traps lint so it does not blow around your home. When this part of the unit becomes full of lint, it needs to be cleaned so it can continue to work as needed. A clogged filter has difficulty distributing cool air as efficiently as one that has been cleaned or that is new. Remove the filter from your unit and inspect it for dust. It can be gently shaken outdoors if there is only a bit of dust. A filter caked with dust, however, requires that a new filter be put into place if your unit uses disposable filters. If the filter is reusable, rinse it with water and allow it to dry before reinserting it into your machine.

Check The Seal Around The Unit

If your air conditioner is permanently constructed into a wall of your home, it is still important to check that there are no gaps around the unit that allow air to get inside of your home. If this is the case, your unit needs to work harder at providing cool air. Window units need to be checked regularly for slippage as units can shift slightly out of place over time. Add weather stripping or caulk around a unit if there are noticeable gaps present to help seal the unit into place. Readjust a window unit with extra space between the unit and the window frame so it remains snug and secure while in place.

Check Air Conditioner's Coils

Your air conditioner has coils located on the back of the unit. The filter aids in keeping these coils from becoming dirty; however, some debris still ends up on this portion of an air conditioning unit with regular use. Use a piece of clean cloth to wipe off the coils after you had turned off your unit. Do this a few times during the season to keep dirt from accumulating. In addition, check the area around the unit for sources of excessive debris, such as overhanging tree branches, bird nests, or overgrown brush, and remove them as necessary.

For more information about air conditioning maintenance, contact a local HVAC company, like Nathan's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.