Portable Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist
Portable air conditioners are a great way to cool small rooms or have an AC unit that you can store away in the cooler months. Maintaining your appliance is essential if you want it to last for many hot summers. Below we have a portable air conditioner maintenance checklist that you can go through to properly take care of your machine. After you finish any maintenance, check out our article on how to store a portable air conditioner to get your machine tucked away in time for winter.
Replace the Filter
Maintaining the filter on portable air conditioners helps to prevent clogging and keep the machine working properly. Depending on your manufacturer and model, your air conditioner could have a disposable filter or reusable one. Make sure to follow the recommended practices for your specific unit, changing out or cleaning the filter on a routine basis.
Drain the Water
Another step on your portable air conditioner maintenance checklist is draining the condensate water. Many portable air conditioners have a collection tank that will eventually fill up and need to be emptied. Check the drain tank on a regular basis and dump the excess water when it gets more than halfway full. Some newer machines have an automatic drain feature, but the drain lines attached to the tank will also need to be cleaned routinely.
Coil Cleaning
Evap or condenser coils should always be cleaned on a regular basis. They are essential to the function of multiple appliances, and clogged coils can cause malfunctions and overheating. Depending on your manufacturer and model, you can vacuum the coils and use coil cleaner to maintain them. For more information on cleaning any coils that your machine might have, refer to our guide on cleaning a coil on an air conditioner for best practices and steps.
Exterior Cleaning
Cleaning the outside of your portable air conditioner is just as important as cleaning the internal components. Wiping down the exterior with a clean cloth can prevent any build-up and spots from getting stuck to the exterior of your machine. Be sure to check your unit’s manual on cleaning supplies and chemicals that are recommended to use on your machine.
Area Cleaning
Keeping the area around your air conditioner clean is an essential part of maintaining it. The floor around your unit should be kept free from any clutter or small pieces that could get trapped under the unit. Keep plants and other furniture a distance away to prevent any excess moisture build-up in the unit.
Many portable units have a vent hose that needs to be attached to windows to allow for warm air to escape. The window sill can get dirt and grime build-up from the air flow and it is an important step in maintaining the area for your air conditioner. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the window sills and clear out any excess dirt. A clean window sill will also help to keep your AC’s vent clean and maintain it for longer.
More Air Conditioner Tips & Tricks
If you have more questions and are looking for more information on maintaining your air conditioner, check out our other air conditioner maintenance checklists and guides. We have checklists for a variety of home AC units to get your equipment ready for any season.