Proper maintenance allows your wall-mounted air conditioner to last up to 15 years. Scheduling an annual professional maintenance visit is essential to your system’s well-being. However, you can do some at-home tasks to maintain and clean your wall AC between appointments. Keep reading to discover DIY maintenance tasks, energy-saving advice, and troubleshooting tips.
Essential DIY Wall AC Maintenance Tasks
Regular maintenance is essential to extending the lifespan of your wall air conditioner and ensuring it continues to cool your home effectively. In addition to professional maintenance, you can do the following DIY tasks at home to tune up your wall AC unit between appointments.
Clean or replace the air filter
During heavy use, debris and dust build-up on the air filter, making it less efficient. During times of heavy use, replace or clean the filter of your wall AC unit every couple of months. If you have a washable filter, rinse it with warm water and mild soap. If it’s disposable, dispose of it and replace it with a new one.
Clean the unit
To prevent blockages caused by build-up, clean your unit’s internal and external components every couple of months. Before cleaning your wall AC unit, ensure it’s off and disconnected from power. Using a damp cloth, gently wipe the following:
- Interior coils
- Exterior coils
- Fan blades
- Drain hole
- Exterior housing
Inspect key components
A visual inspection of key components can help identify minor issues before they progress. Thoroughly inspect the following components for cracks, warping, or improper function:
- Electrical connections
- Thermostat
- Fan
- Condenser coils
Contact a technician for professional repair if you discover damage within your system.
Regular testing
Test your unit before the cooling season starts to ensure everything works correctly. Turn the unit on and check that there are no vibrations, that it produces adequate airflow, and that there are no strange noises or smells.
Maximizing Energy Efficiency
Maximizing the energy efficiency of your unit will reduce your utility bills and extend its lifespan. Use the following tips to reduce the energy consumption of your unit:
- Turn on energy-saving modes and features
- Schedule annual maintenance
- Ensure your home is well insulated to keep cool air inside
- Set the thermostat to 75-78°F during the summer
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency model
Troubleshooting Common Wall AC Issues
While it’s best to contact a professional if you encounter issues with your wall air condtioner, you can take some troubleshooting steps to rule out simple fixes. If your system is blowing warm air, it won’t turn on, has poor airflow, has an unpleasant odor or strange noises are coming from your wall AC unit, try the following tips:
- Adjust the thermostat to the correct temperature
- Check the airflow for clogs or buildups
- Clear the vents of any obstructions
- Clean the wall AC condenser coils with a damp cloth
- Check the power supply is connected correctly
- Inspect the unit for visible signs of damage
If you suspect a refrigerant leak or electrical damage, skip the troubleshooting steps and contact a professional immediately. These issues can present serious hazards to your home and health and should only be handled by those with proper training and experience.
When to Call a Professional
If your wall air conditioner is not working correctly and the above troubleshooting tips don’t fix the issue, contact a professional technician. They have the training and tools to properly diagnose the problem and determine the appropriate repairs. Once the issue is identified, they’ll repair it efficiently and effectively to prevent further damage.
Call Hoover for AC Services in Michigan
If your wall air conditioner isn’t working correctly, requires maintenance, or is ready for an upgrade, contact our team at Hoover Electric. We offer comprehensive AC repairs, maintenance, and replacements in Troy and surrounding areas. With over 40 years in business and more than 75,000 jobs completed, you can trust that our team has the training and experience to get the job done right.
Call us or book online to schedule your AC service today! We offer free estimates on new or replacement HVAC system installations and can help you find the best unit for your needs. With flexible financing options, you won’t have to worry about your AC system breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common reasons my wall AC isn’t cooling effectively?
Clogged air filters, low refrigerant levels, dirty evaporator coils, a faulty thermostat, or an aging unit are the top culprits that cause a wall AC system to not cool effectively. If you notice that your wall AC system is no longer cooling your Michigan home as it used to, contact our team for expert AC repair. We’ll identify and repair the issue to ensure your unit keeps your home cool.
Why is my wall AC making strange noises?
If your AC unit is making strange noises, various issues could be the cause, including loose components, refrigerant leaks, obstructions, or blockages. Contact our team for an AC inspection to determine the issue at hand.
How can I prevent my wall AC from leaking water?
Clogged drain lines, dirty filters, or frozen coils are often the causes of air conditioner water leaks. The best way to prevent your wall AC from leaking water is to schedule a maintenance visit with one of our technicians. They’ll identify the cause of the leak, repair it, and take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening again.
How do I repair a refrigerant leak in my wall AC?
If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact a professional immediately, as refrigerant contains chemicals that can be very dangerous to your health. When our technicians visit your home, they’ll identify the leak’s location, repair it, and recharge your wall AC’s refrigerant safely and effectively.
