Every AC unit, whether it is big, small, or in between, needs a little TLC to keep it running as effectively and efficiently as possible. Here are a few quick and easy steps to help make sure you stay cool for the summer.

The first and most important thing to do is to clean the filter. All window units have them, either a little piece of foam that has been cut to fit, or an actual frame with some kind of foam or material attached inside.

OK, the precut foam filters are best suited for a quick dip in the sink, a little soapy water, roll it around in your hands, and then a good rinse. Just wring it out to make it damp, put it back in the AC unit, and it will dry itself.

The framed filters get cleaned differently. Next time you vacuum, just put the little brush attachment on to the extension tube, pull out the filter, and suck all the dirt off the yukky side. Then just put it back in, and you are good to go. Manufacturers will recommend cleaning filters once per month, but trust me on this. Do it every other week and the unit will run just a bit happier, and be as efficient as it can be.

Central air systems have an altogether different problem. Since they are located outside, the grate that covers the fan blades can and do let all sorts of debris inside. Old leaves, twigs, grass clippings and sometimes bits of paper and plastic, can accumulate to such a degree, that they can block the airflow, or actually inhibit the fan from turning effectively.

The best advice for this is to get a cover, and after every cooling season, cover it up. But if you don’t do that, than here is a good idea to do once per year at the start of the season.

Most metal grates are only attached by 3 or 4 screws. So, making absolutely sure that the AC breaker is turned off, remove the screws and pull off the grate. With a shop vac, preferred, or regular vac, use an extension tube and push it all the way to the bottom. Turn on your vac and suck up everything down there. Also, with some type of cleaner, and my favorite is a product called Simple Green, spray liberally on the blades and carefully, using a damp cloth, wipe them down, both upper and lower sides.

Sucking up the debris makes sure you’ll never have an airflow problem, and cleaning the actual fan blades, makes sure they will remain as efficient as when they were brand new.

Just these little maintenance chores will keep you nice and cool through the upcoming dog days of summer!