The summer has arrived and scorching hot days have become the norm—which means your air conditioner has been working overtime. You may want to hire a professional to inspect your air conditioning system, check the ductwork, and make sure it's operating efficiently if you have some air conditioning systems (like central air conditioning). However, if you have a portable or window AC unit, you can certainly clean and repair it yourself without having to pay for repairs.

It is advisable that companies like ours perform heavy maintenance on it, but in the meantime, people can follow some air conditioning maintenance tips themselves," Dave Mejean, HVAC manager at B&W Plumbing and Heating Co., Inc., an Angi vendor, says. It's like a car: You've got to get it tuned up, but you can do some things to make sure it runs properly.

Take advantage of these air conditioning maintenance tips and tricks to keep yourself from being burned in the summer heat, whether you have central air or window units.

Cleaning a Window Air Conditioner

Whenever you clean a window AC unit, it is important to focus on two things: the filters and the coils. When your filters become clogged, they force your AC unit to work harder, requiring more energy to cool your home, resulting in higher costs for you. Keep your coils clean and free of dirt and dust, as they move hot and cold air.

What Will You Need 

• Screwdriver
• Cloth
• Soft brush
• Spray bottle

The Best Way To Clean a Window Air Conditioner

1. Turn off the unit - Before working on an electrical unit, turn off the power and unplug the cord.
2. Remove and clean the front cover - Depending on your air conditioner's model, the front cover will either have tabs, knobs, or screws that secure it. Consult your air conditioner's manual for more information about removing the front cover.
3. Remove the filter - For the most part, the filter can be found at the front of the machine, but if you're not sure where it is, consult your manual.
4. After dusting the filter, rinse it well with lukewarm water and mild soap and let it dry completely before inserting it back into the unit.
5. Locate the coils - There are usually two types of coils in window air conditioners: evaporator coils (inside) and condenser coils (outside).
6. Cleaning the coils should include brushing dirt off of them with a soft brush or cloth. Spraying slightly soapy water on the coils should remove any additional dirt.
7. Replace the front cover - Before replacing the front cover, make sure all parts of the unit are dry.

Tip : It may be necessary to add a little dish soap or mild detergent if the debris is hard to remove. Do not use too much soap, as it might make the bottle too sudsy.

Cleaning a Centrral Air Conditioner

Check the filter for central air conditioners every 30 to 60 days to see if it's dirty or dusty—lifestyle makes a big difference, since people with kids or pets might need to change it every month. The filter will only need to be changed every two to three months for people with fewer visitors or animals.

2,000 American homeowners were surveyed by American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning in a recent survey and only 36% changed their air filters. In addition to making sure your system works efficiently and saves you money in the long run, we often tell our clients that simple preventative measures like these are just minutes to complete.

Cleaning the condenser unit outside is an essential part of central AC maintenance. Depending on where the unit is located and how much debris it encounters, you should clean it at least once a year.

What Will You Need

• Screwdriver
• Cloth
• Vacuum
• Hose

The Best Way To Clean a Central Air Conditioner

1. Please turn off your air conditioning. This is an important safety precaution.
2. If you want to find the AC vent in your home, you will need to locate it. Depending on the design of your home, you could find the vent in the ceiling, under windows, on the walls, or even on the floor.
3. The vent cover can be removed using a screwdriver or a push tab, depending on how it is secured.
4. Make sure that the filter is removed. You can find it behind the vent cover.
5. The filter must be cleaned if you have a washable filter in your AC vent. See the steps above (under How to Clean a Window AC Unit) for instructions.
6. Simply swap out the old filter for a new one if you do not have a reusable filter. Make sure the arrows on the filter point in the right direction when replacing the filter.
7. Find and turn off the breaker switch outside—usually located under a flip-up lid near the condenser unit—near the outdoor unit.
8. Make sure you have your manual with you to confirm how to remove your condenser unit's top. Remove your condenser unit's top.
9. Clean the unit by vacuuming away debris, such as leaves, grass, dirt, or other materials.
10. Remove any remaining dirt by spraying the unit down, making sure to avoid getting the electrical box wet. (Use a hose, not a power washer, as it can damage the fins.)
11. The condenser unit needs to dry completely before it can be turned on again.