Cleaning a window air conditioner

Our two small window AC units purchased in July 2011:

* Frigidaire
* model number: LRA074AT7
* 6500 BTU
* manual for unit that's similar to ours:
** http://manuals.frigidaire.com/prodinfo_pdf/Edison/2020215a0320en.pdf


h2. Care and Cleaning & Energy Saving Ideas

Clean your air conditioner occasionally to keep it looking new. Be sure to unplug
the unit before cleaning to prevent shock or fire hazards.
Air Filter Cleaning
The air filter should be checked at least once a month to see if cleaning is
necessary. Trapped particles in the filter can build up and cause an accumulation
of frost on the cooling coils.
Grasp the filter by the center and pull up and out.
Wash the filter using liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Rinse filter
thoroughly. Gently shake excess water from the filter. Be sure filter is
thoroughly dry before replacing
Or instead of washing, you may vacuum the filter clean.
Push the vent handle to the Vent Closed position(where applicable).
Open the front panel.
Tab
Air Filter
Cabinet Cleaning
Be sure to unplug the air conditioner to prevent shock or fire hazard. The
cabinet and front may be dusted with an oil-free cloth or washed with a cloth
dampened in a solution of warm water and mild liquid dishwashing detergent.
Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
Never use harsh cleaners, wax or polish on the cabinet front.
Be sure to wring excess water from the cloth before wiping around the controls.
Excess water in or around the controls may cause damage to the air conditioner.
Plug in air conditioner.
Winter Storage
If you plan to store the air conditioner during the winter, remove it carefully from
the window according to the installation instructions. Cover it with plastic or return
it to the original carton.


h2.  Fresh Air Vent Control 

The Fresh Air Vent allows the air conditioner to:

1. Recirculate inside air - Vent Closed (see Fig. 1)
2. Exchange air from the room - Vent Open (see Fig. 2)


h2. Air Directional Louvers

Air directional louvers control air flow direction. Your air conditioner has the louver
type described below.

h2. Auger Type

The louvers will allow you to direct the air flow Up or Down and Left or Right 
throughout the room as needed. Rotate the Auger Wheels until the desired 
Left/Right direction is obtained. Pivot horizontal louvers until the desired 
Up/Down direction is obtained.



h2. Energy Saving Ideas

Do not block air flow inside with blinds, curtains or furniture; or outside with
shrubs, enclosures, or other buildings.
The capacity of the room air conditioner must fit the room size for efficient and
satisfactory operation.
Install the room air conditioner on the shady side of your home. A window that faces
north is best because it is shaded most of the day.
Close the fireplace damper, floor and wall registers so cool air does not escape up
the chimney and into the duct work.
Keep blinds and drapes in other windows closed during the sunniest part of the day.
Clean the air filter as recommended in the section “Care and Cleaning”.
Proper insulation and weather stripping in your home will help keep warm air out
and cool air in.
External house shading with trees, plants or awnings will help reduce the air
conditioner’s work load.
Operate heat producing appliances such as ranges, washers, dryers and dishwashers
during the coolest part of the day




hr. 

http://voices.yahoo.com/how-clean-window-air-conditioner-so-runs-446855.html?cat=6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th0IEZ3fg7g

http://www.ehow.com/how_2171236_properly-clean-window-air-conditioner.html

http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Heating---Cooling/Air-Conditioning---Cooling/how-to-clean-a-room-air-conditioner/View-All

http://www.howtocleananything.com/home-exterior-tips/window-mounted-air-conditioner/

#home