How to Maintain Your GE Through-the-Wall AC with Heat for Year-Round Comfort

Owning a GE 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat (Model AJEQ12DWJ) gives you the benefit of cooling and heating in one compact package, but like any hard-working appliance, it needs regular care to stay efficient, quiet, and dependable. Whether you’re cooling your space in July or taking the chill out of a room in December, a little maintenance goes a long way.

In this long-form guide, Mark—our trusted homeowner persona—shares his seasonal strategy for keeping a GE through-the-wall unit running like new all year.

🧰 Monthly Maintenance Tasks

🪶 Clean or Replace the Air Filter

A dirty filter reduces airflow, strains the blower motor, and decreases efficiency. The GE AJEQ12DWJ includes a slide-out, washable filter that should be cleaned every 30 days during heavy use.

How to Clean:

1. Turn off the unit and unplug it.

2. Slide out the front grille and remove the filter.

3. Rinse with warm, soapy water.

4. Let it air-dry completely before reinserting.

📌 Tip: Keep a spare filter to rotate for uninterrupted use.

🔗 GE Filter Cleaning Guide

📦 Check for Blocked Vents or Louvers

Blocked air discharge or intake can cause overheating and performance drops. Every month:

• Wipe down the interior grille.

• Use a vacuum brush to remove debris from the air discharge.

• Ensure furniture and curtains are at least 12 inches away.

🗓️ Seasonal Maintenance (Spring & Fall)

🌼 Spring: Pre-Cooling Season Prep

1. Inspect the Wall Sleeve and Exterior Grille

• Look for rust, mold, or signs of animal nesting.

• Use a flashlight to check rear airflow is unobstructed.

2. Flush the Drainage Channels

• Pour a small cup of water into the drain pan.

• Confirm it drains to the exterior and not into your wall.

3. Clean the Evaporator Coil (Front Coil)

• Remove the front panel.

• Use a no-rinse foaming coil cleaner.

• Wipe gently with a microfiber cloth.

🔗 Home Depot Coil Cleaner Guide

🍂 Fall: Pre-Heating Season Prep

1. Test Electric Heat Mode

• Switch to heat mode and let it run for 10 minutes.

• Check for any unusual smells (burning dust is common on first use).

2. Verify Thermostat Calibration

• Use a digital thermometer next to the unit.

• If it’s off by more than 3°F, recalibrate or replace the thermostat.

3. Inspect the Power Cord and Plug

• Look for cracks, discoloration, or signs of melting.

• Ensure the NEMA 6-15 or 6-20 plug is securely inserted.

❄️ Winter Considerations

Even when not in use, your through-the-wall AC needs some attention:

🧊 Protect from Cold Drafts

• Seal the interior trim with foam tape or insulated covers.

• Consider a magnetic indoor cover during extreme cold.

🐭 Rodent-Proof the Exterior

• Install a screen over the back grille.

• Use copper mesh or steel wool around sleeve edges (no foam that can be chewed).

☀️ Summer Considerations

🌀 Use Fan-Only Mode Occasionally

• Helps circulate air on mild days.

• Reduces humidity without cooling.

🌬️ Clean the Condenser Coil (Rear Coil)

• Access via exterior (or remove unit if necessary).

• Use a soft brush or coil cleaner spray.

• Rinse gently with water from a spray bottle (do not use pressure washers).

🔗 Energy Star AC Maintenance Tips

🧼 Annual Deep Cleaning Checklist

1. Remove the unit from the wall sleeve (if accessible)

2. Inspect and clean both coils (evaporator and condenser)

3. Sanitize the drain pan with a bleach solution (1:10 ratio)

4. Check all screws and mounting brackets for looseness

5. Lubricate fan motor if manufacturer recommends

📌 GE does not recommend lubrication for sealed motors, but check your manual to be sure.

🔗 GE Owner's Manual for AJEQ12DWJ

🔍 Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Unit won’t turn on	Tripped breaker	Reset GFCI or circuit breaker
Weak airflow	Clogged filter or dirty coil	Clean filter and both coils
Leaking water inside	Poor drainage slope or clogged drain	Inspect wall pitch and drain holes
Burning smell	Dust in heating coil	Run on heat for 10 min; clean unit

If the unit still malfunctions after these steps, call GE support or a licensed HVAC technician.

📋 Pro Tips from Mark

"I keep a monthly reminder on my phone to clean my filter—makes a huge difference in efficiency. Once a year I take the whole unit out and vacuum the sleeve too. It’s 90 minutes of work that saves me on utility bills and avoids surprise breakdowns."

📦 Recommended Maintenance Supplies

• Microfiber cloths

• Coil cleaner spray (no-rinse)

• Mild dish soap

• Spray bottle for rinse water

• Bleach solution (for drain pan)

• Replacement filter (optional)

• Outdoor grille screen kit

• Screwdriver or drill

🔗 Verified External Resources

1. GE AJEQ12DWJ Owner's Manual & Specs

2. Energy Star Room AC Maintenance Tips

3. GE Air Conditioner Filter Cleaning

4. Home Depot AC Coil Cleaners

5. Consumer Reports – AC Maintenance

🏁 Final Thoughts

Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your GE AJEQ12DWJ through-the-wall AC with electric heat running smoothly year after year. By sticking to a simple monthly, seasonal, and annual schedule—and paying attention to the signs of wear—you’ll extend the life of your unit and enjoy peak performance in every season.

In the next topic we will know more about: Do Wall AC Units with Heat Qualify for Energy Rebates or Tax Credits?