How to Maintain Your GE Wall Unit for Peak Performance
When you buy a GE 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat (Model AKEQ12DCJ), you’re investing in comfort that should last for years — but that longevity depends on one thing: maintenance.
Jake always says,
“Your AC isn’t like a fridge you forget about. It’s more like a car — take care of it, and it’ll take care of you.”
Fortunately, maintaining a wall unit doesn’t require fancy tools or professional training. With a little seasonal care and attention, you can keep your GE unit running efficiently, quietly, and reliably for the long haul.
Here’s your complete homeowner’s guide to keeping that through-the-wall system in top shape.
🧰 1. Why Maintenance Matters for Efficiency
Even the most efficient wall unit can lose up to 5–10% efficiency per year without routine maintenance, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) (energy.gov).
Dust, pet hair, and pollen restrict airflow, forcing the compressor and fan motor to work harder — which not only increases power consumption but also shortens the system’s lifespan.
By keeping your unit clean, sealed, and properly ventilated, you can:
-
Lower your energy bills.
-
Extend your unit’s life expectancy (typically 10–15 years).
-
Improve indoor air quality.
-
Prevent expensive service calls.
Jake’s take:
“Think of maintenance as saving wear and tear on your wallet.”
🧽 2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter Regularly
The air filter is your first line of defense against dirt, dust, and allergens. Over time, it collects debris that restricts airflow and traps moisture — making your AC work twice as hard.
GE wall units come with a washable mesh filter that’s easy to remove and clean. Here’s how to do it:
-
Turn the unit off and unplug it.
-
Open the front grille and gently slide the filter out.
-
Rinse with warm water (no soap needed).
-
Let it dry completely before reinstalling.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends cleaning or replacing filters every month during heavy use, or every 6–8 weeks in mild seasons (epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq).
Neglecting this small task can increase energy use by up to 15%, according to ENERGY STAR’s maintenance guide(energystar.gov).
Jake’s rule:
“If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your filter, it’s already overdue.”
🌀 3. Keep the Coils Clean and Clear
Your GE wall unit uses two sets of coils — the evaporator coil (inside) and the condenser coil (outside) — to transfer heat efficiently. When these coils get dirty, airflow suffers and cooling performance drops fast.
Every few months, inspect both sets of coils for dust or debris buildup. You can:
-
Use a soft brush or coil cleaner for light dirt.
-
Vacuum with a soft attachment for pet hair or lint.
-
Avoid bending the fins — straight fins mean better airflow.
The DOE notes that clean coils can lower energy consumption by up to 30% compared to dirty ones (energy.gov).
If the outdoor side is clogged with leaves or pollen, gently rinse with a garden hose — but never spray water into the unit while powered on.
💧 4. Check and Clear the Drainage System
Like all air conditioners, the GE AKEQ12DCJ collects moisture during cooling. That water drains out through small weep holes in the bottom of the wall sleeve.
If these holes clog with dirt or insect debris, water can back up and drip indoors. Here’s how to avoid it:
-
Once a season, shine a flashlight under the unit and look for pooling water.
-
Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear the weep holes.
-
Make sure the sleeve tilts slightly outward (about ¼ inch) to encourage drainage.
According to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), proper drainage prevents mold growth and improves indoor air quality (acca.org).
Jake’s advice:
“A level sleeve looks good, but a slight tilt keeps your floor dry.”
🔌 5. Inspect Electrical Components and Thermostat
Wall units draw significant power — especially when running both cooling and heating functions. Once or twice a year, inspect your electrical connections and thermostat operation.
-
Make sure the plug fits snugly into the outlet.
-
If hardwired, have an electrician inspect the circuit for corrosion or loose terminals.
-
Test the digital thermostat for responsiveness. Set it a few degrees lower or higher — the unit should respond within seconds.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) recommends checking HVAC wiring annually for safety and reliability (nfpa.org).
🌬️ 6. Seal and Insulate Around the Wall Sleeve
Air leaks around the wall sleeve can lead to drafts, noise, and wasted energy. Every year before peak cooling season, inspect the sleeve’s sealant and insulation:
-
Use silicone caulk to fill gaps between the sleeve and wall frame.
-
Replace any worn foam gaskets.
-
Add a thin layer of rigid foam insulation inside the sleeve for added efficiency.
The EPA’s energy efficiency recommendations estimate that sealing air leaks can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20% (epa.gov/energy/sealing-and-insulating-your-home).
Jake’s pro tip:
“Air leaks are sneaky — you won’t feel them in July, but you’ll pay for them every month.”
🌡️ 7. Don’t Forget About the Heating Element
Because the GE AKEQ12DCJ includes a built-in 3.5 kW electric heater, it deserves attention before the colder months.
Before switching to heat mode:
-
Clean the filter and coils.
-
Vacuum the grille and vents.
-
Test the heat function for a few minutes to burn off dust (a faint smell is normal).
If you ever notice uneven heating, reduced airflow, or a “hot metal” odor, unplug the unit and call a technician.
The DOE’s electric heating safety guidelines remind homeowners that dust buildup can cause overheating and short cycling (energy.gov).
🛠️ 9. When to Call for Professional Service
While most maintenance can be handled DIY, it’s smart to call a technician every 2–3 years for a full inspection.
A certified HVAC pro can:
-
Check refrigerant levels.
-
Clean coils and blower assembly thoroughly.
-
Inspect electrical connections and heating elements.
-
Measure airflow and thermostat calibration.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America recommend having professional service done before the summer season to prevent peak-season breakdowns (acca.org).
Jake’s thought:
“Calling a pro before things break is always cheaper than calling one after.”
🌍 10. Eco-Friendly Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your wall unit isn’t just about performance — it’s also about sustainability.
The EPA’s Clean Air Act refrigerant guidelines encourage proper maintenance to reduce leaks and extend the lifespan of systems using R-410A refrigerant, like the GE AKEQ12DCJ (epa.gov/section608/refrigerant-management).
By cleaning, sealing, and running your system efficiently, you reduce carbon output while saving money — a win-win for comfort and the environment.
Jake’s closing thought:
“Maintenance is just good stewardship — for your home and for the planet.”
🏁 Final Word: Take 15 Minutes, Save Years
Maintaining your GE wall unit isn’t a chore — it’s a routine that keeps your comfort steady and your energy bills low.
Take 15 minutes once a month to clean, inspect, and seal, and you’ll avoid 95% of common AC issues before they happen.
Jake sums it up best:
“Clean filters, clear drains, tight seals. That’s 90% of what keeps your AC young.”
In the next Blog we will learn more about Troubleshooting Common Issues (When It Won’t Cool or Heat)
