Maximize Your Window Air Conditioner's Lifespan

Window air conditioners can be an expensive purchase depending on the size of the window unit you decide to install in your home, therefore, it is important to ensure the air conditioner is well-maintained in good working order for as long as possible. Extending or maximizing the life of your window air conditioner is not only entirely doable, but it is also surprisingly easy.

Extend the Life of Your Window Air Conditioner with Proper Cleaning

A regularly yearly cleaning of all of the exposed parts of your air conditioner (with the cage removed) can ensure that the motor and other aspects of the system are operating to the best of their ability. Parts that become covered with the dust and dirt over multiple years do not work as effectively as their counterparts in cleaner air conditioners.

Extend the Life of Your Window Air Conditioner with Filter Replacement

While some window units have permanent filters that can be taken out and hand cleaned, most feature pop out and disposable filters that should be replaced several times in a season if the air conditioner is consistently used. It is good to establish a regular habit of checking on the air filter while doing other household chores. If you vacuum or dust once a week, make checking and/or changing the air conditioner filter a regular part of this same routine.

A clogged and filthy filter will make your air conditioner work overtime and can eventually cause a permanent problem. Besides these more serious issues, keeping a dirty filter in your air conditioner also leaves more dirt, dust, and allergens floating around in your home. It is far smarter to invest in a cheap box of filters and change them regularly than to have to reinvest in a new air conditioner before you needed to.

Extend the Life of Your Window Air Conditioner by Keeping It Adjusted Properly

If your window air conditioner is constantly freezing up, then it is not adjusted properly for the environment you have it in. Utilize the settings on the front of your AC to make sure the air conditioner is able to cut off after the room is cooled to a temperature you are comfortable with. Also, take advantage of your summer wardrobe. It is not an effective cost management or life management technique to walk around in a sweatshirt while you have an air conditioner on. If your home or apartment is cool enough to need winter gear, then your AC needs adjusted down or turned off.

All of these tips will help you get the most out of the life of your air conditioner.

Source:

I have been using my current window unit for 6 years. It was only a $100 purchase and has ended up being worth every penny.