11 Tips for Window Air Conditioner Maintenance

4. Check for proper drainage​

A leaky unit can cause water damage and rot your windowsills. Check the condenser drain to make sure it’s free of debris that could cause a clog or water leak. Make sure the unit is slightly tilted toward the outside and the drain hose is attached properly and angled away from the windowsill so it drains properly.​

5. Inspect for mold​

Mold can form on a window unit’s evaporator coils, drain pan, air filter and ducts due to the condensation process, explains Michael Golubev, CEO of Mold Busters in Ottawa, Canada. Mold can decrease efficiency, shorten a unit’s lifespan, affect indoor air quality and cause health problems. ​

Inspect and clean the interior, filter and drainage system for mold at least once a year, before or after the cooling season, Golubev recommends. Look for irregularly shaped spots that are black, green, white or orange and a musty odor. ​

If you find mold, clean the area with a mold remover or warm soapy water. This is easy to DIY, but older adults may be susceptible to respiratory problems caused by mold exposure due to weaker immune systems, Golubev notes. If the mold growth is extensive or inaccessible, consider hiring a professional. He recommends inspecting and cleaning mold from window units at least once a year, before or after the cooling season, and spraying a mold inhibitor on the unit’s components as a preventive measure.​

6. Check the cord and electrical parts​

Check the power cord and other electrical components for signs of wear or damage. Someone with electrical know-how may be able to replace the power cord, but consider hiring a professional for safety reasons.​

7. Test the AC unit before summer​

Before installing your unit, check to see if it works properly. Turn the air conditioner on and set the thermostat to the lowest level says Stefan Bucur, owner of the home improvement website Rhythm of the Home. If it doesn’t seem to be cooling or you hear odd noises, you may want to contact a professional. Poor performance may signal a refrigerant leak, but checking for that is not typically a DIY task. Consider getting an annual service contract by an HVAC professional to stay on top of maintenance.​

8. Choose a location​

When deciding where to place your window unit, choose a window that’s large enough, provides adequate support and is near an electrical outlet. Using an extension cord is not recommended. Small window units use standard 120-volts outlets, but larger units and those with a heating function need a 240-volt wall outlet. Buyers should check the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing.​

If you haven’t bought a unit yet, first measure the window to ensure it will fit. And measure the room’s square footage to ensure you get the proper unit size needed to cool the space. ​

BTUs, or British thermal units, is a measurement that reflects how much energy an air conditioner uses to remove heat in an hour. A window unit with about 6,000 BTUs, for example, can cool up to a 250-square-foot room like a bedroom. See the sidebar below about portable air conditioners.​

9. Clean the window area​

Before installing the unit, clean the windowsill and immediate area. Remove any obstructions, such as curtains or blinds, so cool air flows freely.​

10. Put up a support bracket​

A window unit, especially a larger one, may need a mounting bracket to support it and keep it level, home inspector Miles says. The manufacturer’s instructions will note if a bracket is required and will provide it. Put the bracket up first because it will help steady the unit during installation, he adds.​

Check your local laws and building codes. Some ordinances require using support brackets for safety reasons.​

11. Install the air conditioning unit​

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Some DIYers may be able to install a smaller window unit themselves, but many units are heavy (40 to 100 pounds) and require a helping hand to install. Ask a family member, friend or neighbor to assist you. In addition, nonprofit groups in many areas offer handyman programs for older adults; check with your local senior center to see what is available in your area.​

Once installed, lower the window so it sits tightly against the top of the air conditioner. Extend the unit’s side panels to block the gap between the unit and the window frame, using screws to secure the panels if needed. Use foam insulation or weather-stripping tape to seal any remaining gaps to prevent air leaks. Consider installing window locks for safety.​

Paul Bees, 65, an executive recruiter who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, uses insulation and foam around two window units so cooled air doesn’t leak out. For the larger unit, which sits over a basement egress window, he had to build a wooden “contraption” to support the unit. ​

Don’t forget to plug it in. You’re ready to go.​ ​