Air conditioner maintenance is and absolute must if it is going to operate efficiently. Unfortunately if you don't have air conditioner maintenance your air conditioner may not work at all. Here a few air conditioner maintenance tips to keep your air conditioner working when you need it.

Home air conditioners are an expensive purchase. They should be properly cared for by the homeowner. This includes regular air conditioner maintenance as well as operating the air conditioner under optimum conditions so that it's not overworked. Unfortunately most homeowners turn on their air conditioner with no thought of performing routine maintenance. Whether you have a central air conditioner unit, a wall air conditioner, or window air conditioner they all require routine maintenance to keep them operating efficiently.

Central Air Conditioners:

A central air conditioner contains two main parts, a condenser unit located inside a main chasse outside the house that contains an evaporator coil and compressor and electrical components. Both these units are sealed should be serviced by authorized personnel. However, you can do some preliminary maintenance by cleaning the evaporator and condenser coil as described below:

Turn of the power to the air conditioning system.
Remove the access plate by unscrewing the panel screws. Remove any debris and clean the entire underside of the evaporator unit with a stiff brush.
Clean the tray below the evaporator. This tray carries away condensation and is susceptible to fungus growth and rust. Household bleach is an effective treatment for the fungus. Pour a tablespoon into the weep hole.
Reinstall the access plate and install any insulating tape that may have been disturbed. Use tape if necessary to keep the insulation in place.
The condenser may be cleaned as follows:

Clean the condenser with commercial coil cleaner, readily available at a home improvement supply center. Ensure that the power is off and flush the coil clean and let it dry.
The condenser's fins can be cleaned with a soft brush and water. The fins, which are considerably fragile, must be treated with care. If they are bent, straighten them with a fin comb, available at most hardware stores.

Insure that the concrete base on which the condenser rests is properly leveled. Make sure that the condenser is protected from the elements to prevent leaf blockage and ice damage. A commercial condenser cover made to fit the shape of the unit or heavy plastic sheeting may be used for this purpose.

If the unit is not providing sufficient cooling air, have an air conditioning technician check the Freon charge.

Window and Wall Air Conditioners:

Window and wall air conditioner units consist of a compressor, two fans, a motor, and a thermostat control. The coils, compressor, and the motor are sealed and hence, should be serviced only by authorized air conditioner service personnel. However, preliminary maintenance can be performed by the homeowner.

Clean the filter using a solution of mild household detergent and water. A throwaway filter should be replaced annually. If the power cord is worn out it should be replaced. The evaporator and condenser coils can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.
The drain ports can become clogged with dirt. You can clean them using a stiff piece of wire. The fan, if malfunctioning, can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and soft cloth. If a blade has loosened, tighten it with a screwdriver.

By performing these DIY routine maintenance tasks the homeowner can insure the long and healthy life of your air conditioner and enjoy relative comfort during the summer season.

How Air Conditioners Work

Installing Air Conditioner Units