When I first installed my Amana 11,500 BTU Through-the-Wall AC/Heat Pump (PBH113J35CC), I thought it would be “set it and forget it.” But I quickly learned that these systems, like cars, need regular tune-ups. The first summer, I forgot to clean the filter, and within weeks my unit was struggling—airflow slowed, cooling weakened, and my electricity bill spiked.
That experience taught me an important lesson: a little seasonal care goes a long way. By staying on top of filters, coils, drains, and seals, I now keep my Amana running like new while saving money on energy.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact maintenance routine I follow each season, plus pro tips I’ve picked up along the way.
🧼 Filters: The First Line of Defense
Your PTAC’s filter is the easiest part to maintain—and the one that makes the biggest difference.
Why Filters Matter
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They trap dust, pollen, and pet hair.
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They keep debris from clogging coils.
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They help your system breathe properly.
A clogged filter makes your Amana work harder, which wastes electricity and shortens its lifespan.
👉 Energy.gov says dirty filters can increase energy consumption by 5–15%.
How to Maintain Filters
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Wash monthly during summer and winter peaks. Rinse with warm water and let dry completely.
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Replace yearly or sooner if damaged.
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Upgrade to an electrostatic or carbon filter for better air quality.
💡 Samantha’s Lesson: I once skipped two months in summer, and my Amana blew lukewarm air. After washing the filter, airflow improved instantly.
🌀 Coils: Keep Them Clean & Efficient
Your unit has two key coils:
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Evaporator coil (inside, cools the air).
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Condenser coil (outside, releases heat).
When dirt builds up, coils lose efficiency.
Cleaning Tips
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Vacuum coils gently with a brush attachment.
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Spray with a coil cleaner (available at hardware stores).
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Straighten bent fins with a fin comb.
💡 Samantha’s Lesson: I bent a few fins my first time cleaning. Luckily, a $10 fin comb fixed them. Now I clean gently, with short strokes.
💧 Drain Lines & Pans: Stop Leaks Before They Start
Your Amana produces condensation while cooling. That water drains outside through a small pan and line.
Problems If You Neglect It
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Clogged drains = water pooling indoors.
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Mold growth = musty odors.
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Ice buildup in winter.
Maintenance Steps
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Check the drain hole every month.
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Use a stiff wire or compressed air to clear clogs.
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Rinse the pan with vinegar to prevent algae.
💡 Samantha’s Lesson: I learned the hard way—ignoring the drain caused water to leak into my carpet. A simple monthly check could have saved me that mess.
🧱 Sleeve & Seal Check: Keep the Weather Out
The wall sleeve is more than just a metal box. It seals your Amana from outside air and moisture.
What to Inspect
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Rust or corrosion. Replace if it’s weakening.
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Gaps around the edges. Add weatherstripping or foam.
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Caulking outside. Reseal if cracked.
👉 According to Energy Star, sealing gaps prevents drafts that can increase energy use.
💡 Samantha’s Lesson: One winter, a cold draft near my unit made me realize my caulking had cracked. Re-sealing dropped my heating bill noticeably.
📅 Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
To make it simple, here’s the routine I follow each season:
🌸 Spring (Pre-Cooling Season)
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Deep clean evaporator & condenser coils.
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Wash filter.
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Inspect wall sleeve & caulking.
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Test both cooling and heating modes.
☀️ Summer (Peak Cooling)
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Wash filter monthly.
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Check drain pan & line.
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Vacuum outdoor grille.
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Keep area around unit free of leaves/debris.
🍂 Fall (Transition Season)
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Wash filter at end of cooling season.
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Inspect heating mode for efficiency.
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Seal any gaps before cold weather.
❄️ Winter (Heating Season)
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Wash filter mid-season.
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Run unit in heat mode monthly, even if not in constant use, to keep it in good condition.
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Check for ice buildup or drafts.
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Inspect backup electric heat function.
💡 Samantha’s Tip: I keep a calendar reminder on my phone—otherwise, I’d forget half of these tasks.
🛠️ When to Call a Pro
Most maintenance is DIY-friendly, but some issues need a professional:
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Refrigerant leaks. If your Amana isn’t cooling even with clean filters and coils.
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Electrical issues. If it trips breakers or won’t start.
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Persistent leaks. If drain cleaning doesn’t fix it.
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Annual inspection. A pro can check refrigerant, electrical, and performance.
👉 HVAC.com recommends an annual tune-up for efficiency and safety.
🌀 Samantha’s Yearly Routine in Action
Here’s how my second year with the Amana 11,500 BTU went when I followed this checklist:
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Summer 1: Filter cleanings every month kept cooling strong. No more airflow issues.
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Fall 1: Inspected seals—found and fixed a draft.
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Winter 1: Heating worked smoothly until January, when backup heat ran more often (normal in freezing temps).
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Spring 2: Coil cleaning improved efficiency again—noticed faster cooling response.
👉 Result: Lower bills, no breakdowns, and peace of mind.
✅ Final Takeaways
Maintaining your Amana 11,500 BTU Through-the-Wall AC/Heat Pump isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency.
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Filters: Wash monthly, replace yearly.
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Coils: Clean every spring.
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Drains: Check monthly in summer.
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Seals: Inspect every season.
For me, maintenance turned my Amana from “just another appliance” into a reliable comfort system I can count on year-round. A few hours of care each season saves me money, avoids headaches, and keeps my home perfectly comfortable.
In the next topic we will know more about: Troubleshooting Guide: What to Do If Your Amana Wall Unit Isn’t Heating or Cooling Properly
