Mike Here — Keep It Chill with Seasonal TLC 🧠❄️🧰
Hey everyone — Mike here, back with another no-nonsense guide to help you make the most of your through-the-wall air conditioner. Let me tell you, one of the best ways to save money, stay comfy, and avoid nasty repair surprises is to give your unit regular seasonal maintenance. 🌞🍂❄️🌷
That might sound like a chore, but trust me — keeping up with simple upkeep four times a year is way easier than calling an emergency repair tech during the first heat wave. Plus, a well-maintained unit doesn’t just last longer — it also cools faster, runs more efficiently, and costs less to operate. That’s a win in my book.
And the best part? Many of these maintenance tasks are easy enough to do yourself in less than an hour, especially if you plan ahead. Even if you’d rather leave the technical stuff to a pro, this checklist will help you know what’s involved so you can stay informed — or at least make sure you’re getting your money’s worth when the tech comes by.
I’ll take you through my full-year seasonal maintenance checklist, showing you exactly what to do every spring, summer, fall, and winter. Along the way, I’ll share some of my favorite pro tricks and a few links to trusted sources like the EPA’s Energy Star AC page and the U.S. Department of Energy’s home cooling guide to help you dive even deeper. Ready? Grab your tools and let’s jump into it! 🔧❄️
Spring — Wake Up and Prep for Summer 🌷⚙️
Spring is the perfect time to make sure your unit is clean, sealed, and ready for the hard work ahead. After a long winter nap, through-the-wall ACs can accumulate dust and debris that can reduce efficiency — or worse, lead to wear and tear.
Here’s your spring checklist:
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🧼 Clean or Replace Filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow and spike energy use. Check them every 30 days during the cooling season. Need help picking the right filter? The AHAM directory of certified air filters is a great place to compare options.
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🧰 Inspect Weather-Seals and Insulation: Check the area around the unit for drafts or cracks and apply foam insulation or weather-stripping as needed.
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💧 Clean the Drainage System: Run a pipe cleaner or brush through the drain to clear any clogs — this prevents water damage and musty smells.
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🧠 Test Controls and Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat and unit controls respond properly before the heat hits.
Summer — Run Efficiently and Cool Confidently 🌞❄️
When temperatures spike, so does your AC’s workload. Keeping up with quick summer checks can mean the difference between a comfy home and a sweaty repair call.
Summer checklist:
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🌬️ Monitor Airflow: Check that all vents are clear of furniture or curtains so air can circulate. Weak or uneven airflow could indicate a blocked fan or dirty filter.
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🧊 Check for Ice Build-Up: Ice on the coils is a sign of restricted airflow or refrigerant issues. Shut the unit off to thaw and check your filters before calling a tech. The EPA refrigerant safety page has good guidance if you suspect a refrigerant issue.
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🎛️ Keep the Unit Clean: Wipe down the grille and vacuum dust around the unit. A shop vac and a soft brush work wonders for this.
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🧰 Keep It Level: Over time, units can sag — especially older models. Check that the AC is pitched slightly downwards so water drains properly.
Fall — Give It a Break and a Deep Clean 🍂🧹
By the end of summer, your unit deserves a little TLC. A good fall clean-out will help it last and will keep the unit from losing efficiency.
Your fall checklist:
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🧼 Deep Clean Filters and Grilles: Remove and thoroughly wash all reusable filters, then dry them before reinserting. Wipe the grille and all accessible interior surfaces.
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🔍 Inspect the Housing: Look for rust, cracks, or signs of wear that need repair before winter.
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🌬️ Test the Unit on Fan-Only Mode: Run the fan for a few minutes to clear out stale odors and dry the interior.
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🧠 Cover or Uninstall (If Needed): If you plan to cover the unit for winter, do it properly.
Winter — Keep It Sealed and Protected ❄️🏠
Through-the-wall ACs often stay in place year-round. That means winter prep is just as important as summer prep if you want to keep drafts and damage at bay.
Your winter checklist:
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🧤 Insulate Around the Unit: Even the best-installed ACs can let in drafts. Add removable insulation panels or interior covers to block cold air.
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💨 Check for Drafts: Run your hands around the casing and feel for cold spots. Seal any cracks with caulk or foam.
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🧰 Cover the Outdoor Grille: If your unit allows for an external cover, install one to protect the coils. Check your model’s manual or the manufacturer’s website — many AC brands recommend seasonal covers like the ones on The Furnace Outlet.
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🧠 Schedule a Professional Tune-Up: Winter is a great time to have a tech inspect refrigerant levels, electrical components, and moving parts.
In Conclusion — Mike’s Final Words: A Little TLC Goes a Long Way 🔧💪❄️
And there you have it — a full-year seasonal maintenance checklist for keeping your through-the-wall AC unit in great shape. Keeping up with these simple tasks means fewer breakdowns, lower energy bills, and a longer lifespan for your unit. Plus, most of this you can do yourself with basic tools and a few minutes each season.
And hey, if you ever feel like your unit needs more than a quick clean or a checkup, don’t hesitate to call a pro. Check out HomeAdvisor’s HVAC pro finder if you need help choosing a qualified technician. Keeping up with seasonal maintenance will pay off — both for your comfort and your wallet — so make it part of your routine.
Thinking of upgrading your through-the-wall AC? Visit my guide: Out With the Old, In With the Cool.
Thanks for tuning in — this is Mike Sanders signing off. Here’s to a comfortable, worry-free home all year long. Stay cool and stay smart. 😎❄️
- Mike Sanders
