Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Keeping Your Amana 11,800 BTU Through-the-Wall AC Running Like New

🧼 Why Maintenance Really Matters

Think of your air conditioner like a car. You wouldn’t go 20,000 miles without an oil change, right? Same logic applies here. Proper maintenance keeps your Amana AC efficient, extends its lifespan, and prevents small problems from turning into big, expensive repairs.

According to Energy Star, regular maintenance can improve AC efficiency by up to 15%. That’s real money back in your pocket — and cooler air in your home.

🔄 Your Amana AC Maintenance Checklist

1. 🧽 Clean or Replace the Filter Every 30 Days

This is the easiest and most important thing you can do.

Your Amana unit includes a washable, reusable filter that should be removed, rinsed with lukewarm water, and fully dried before reinstallation.

How to clean:

• Turn off and unplug the unit.

• Pop open the front panel.

• Remove the filter and gently rinse with warm water or vacuum it.

• Let it dry completely.

• Reinstall and close the panel.

Dirty filters reduce airflow, cause your AC to work harder, and can lead to ice buildup. If you forget this step, you’ll feel it on your energy bill — and maybe in your sinuses too.

2. 🌀 Clean the Coils Once a Season

The evaporator coil (inside) and condenser coil (back side) are responsible for absorbing and expelling heat. Dirt on these coils = poor performance.

Evaporator Coil:

• Access via the front panel (be careful not to bend the fins).

• Use a soft brush or no-rinse coil cleaner (available at hardware stores).

Condenser Coil:

• Found on the outdoor-facing side of the sleeve.

• Unplug the unit, remove it from the sleeve if needed.

• Clean with a coil cleaner or water spray (but protect the motor and controls).

Need help choosing the right cleaner? This Old House has a great breakdown of products and safety tips.

3. 💧 Check and Clear the Drainage System

Through-the-wall units like the Amana 11,800 BTU have a condensate drain pan and weep holes to allow water to drain outdoors.

If these get clogged:

• You may hear sloshing water sounds.

• Water may leak indoors.

• Mold or mildew can grow.

How to check:

• Unplug the unit.

• Use a flashlight to inspect the drain pan and drain holes.

• Clear debris with a pipe cleaner or compressed air.

For high humidity areas, you can use a small condensate pump or attach tubing to direct water flow away from your foundation. Energy.gov has more on moisture control and drainage.

4. 🔩 Tighten Screws and Inspect Seals

Vibrations over time can loosen internal screws or cause rattling. Remove the front cover and check for:

• Loose mounting screws

• Damaged gaskets or foam

• Rattling components

Use a screwdriver to snug up connections. If the foam around the sleeve is deteriorated, replace it with weatherstripping to maintain energy efficiency.

🧠 Troubleshooting: Diagnosing Common AC Problems

Even a well-maintained unit can run into issues. Let’s look at the most common complaints and how to handle them like a pro.

🚫 Problem 1: Unit Won’t Turn On

Check:

• Is it plugged in? Sounds basic, but don’t skip this.

• Try pressing the reset button on the power cord (GFCI).

• Check your breaker box.

If power is fine and nothing happens, you might be dealing with a faulty control board or capacitor. Call a tech at this point.

🌬️ Problem 2: Blowing Air but Not Cooling

Likely causes:

• Dirty air filter (clean it!)

• Frost buildup on coils

• Low refrigerant charge (rare for sealed systems unless there’s a leak)

Run the unit on fan-only mode for 30 minutes. If it defrosts and resumes cooling, airflow or a dirty coil is the issue.

If not, it’s time for a licensed technician. The HVAC.com Find-a-Pro tool can help you locate one nearby.

❄️ Problem 3: Ice on the Coils

Causes:

• Dirty filter

• Low fan speed

• Low ambient temperature (don’t run the AC below 60°F)

• Refrigerant issues

Turn off the unit, clean the filter, and let it defrost. Restart on a higher fan speed and see if the problem returns.

🔊 Problem 4: Rattling, Humming, or Clicking Noises

Rattling:
Loose screws, casing, or fan blades. Tighten everything down and use rubber washers if needed.

Humming:
Could be normal compressor noise, or a capacitor starting to fail. If the hum gets louder and the unit won’t start, get a tech to check it.

Clicking:
Usually the relay or thermostat. If it clicks but doesn’t start, there may be an electrical issue internally.

Consumer Reports recommends listening for abnormal sound patterns and catching changes early — it’s cheaper to fix a small problem than wait until the motor goes out.

🪛 When to DIY vs When to Call a Pro

You can handle:

• Filter and coil cleaning

• Drain maintenance

• Minor noise fixes

• Resealing or insulating the wall sleeve

Call a pro for:

• Electrical issues

• Refrigerant leaks

• Compressor problems

• Internal control board diagnostics

According to the EPA, handling refrigerants without certification is illegal — so don’t go poking around the sealed system.

📅 Tony’s Seasonal Maintenance Schedule

Spring (Pre-season):

• Deep clean coils and filters

• Inspect electrical components

• Test the thermostat and remote

• Seal and insulate around the sleeve

Summer (In-use):

• Monthly filter cleaning

• Spot check drainage

• Listen for abnormal noises

Fall (End of Season):

• Clean and dry the unit before shutdown

• Store the remote and manuals

• Cover the exterior grill (optional, but helpful in cold climates)

Winter:

• Turn the unit off completely or use a wall sleeve weatherproof cover.

• If you live in freezing areas, consider inserting a foam plug to prevent drafts.

🧯 Safety First: Electrical and Fire Tips

Don’t run the AC on an overloaded extension cord or power strip. Plug it directly into a grounded 115V outlet rated for 15A or higher. Check the cord for damage each season.

Avoid covering the vents or stacking objects near the unit, which could lead to overheating.

Want more info on AC electrical safety? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has clear guidelines on preventing fire hazards from AC misuse.

🔋 Bonus: Upgrade Options to Make Maintenance Easier

Want to make your life even simpler? Consider:

• Spare filters: Keep extras on hand so you’re never stuck waiting.

• Smart plugs: Automate on/off cycles and track energy use.

• Remote holders: Wall-mount remote brackets help you avoid losing it.

• Foam AC covers: Add insulation during winter months for draft protection.

🌎 Environmentally Conscious Maintenance

Your Amana unit uses R-410A, a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant with moderate global warming potential. While it’s legal and safe to use, it’s being phased out under the EPA’s AIM Act.

Proper care extends your system’s life, helping avoid early replacement and refrigerant waste. Responsible disposal or recovery is critical — another reason to call a certified pro for end-of-life servicing.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of Problems, Stay Cool Longer

Your Amana 11,800 BTU through-the-wall AC is a workhorse — but like anything mechanical, it needs upkeep. A little maintenance goes a long way. Clean filters, watch for noise changes, and never ignore warning signs.

Catch problems early, and you’ll avoid 95% of emergency service calls.

🛠️ From my toolbelt to your thermostat, stay comfortable — Tony 🛠️