• First of all take out the air conditioner from the window, if you have a window unit. Before you remove it unplug your unit from the wall. Always keep a towel when you take it out as it can leak water and mess up the space. Open the window and detach the unit from the window frame with a few turn of screwdriver. Lift it a bit off the sill and slowly place it onto the towel. Always take someone’s help as lifting the heavy unit will not be good from econometric perspective. You may end up dropping it and destroying it as well.
• Always weather-strip the gap which has been created as a result of removing the air conditioner. It will prevent draft from entering the house in winter.
• Take a look at the filter. Change it, if it requires to be changed. If it is washable, clean it thoroughly with water and mild soap. Dry the filter. Be sure the filter has dried completely before reinserting it in the air conditioner.
• Also give the air conditioner unit a thorough cleaning. You can take a mixture of vinegar and warm water. Dab a sponge in the solution and use it to rub off all dirt and grease that may be sticking on the exterior body of the unit. Then, rinse the outside of the unit with water to remove all trace of vinegar mixture. Let the unit air dry. Storing a moist unit in an enclosed box will allow mold and mildew to breed in it.
• Clean the inside and back of the machine as well. You can do it by using a vacuum cleaner. Also clean the fins with brush attachment and an old toothbrush. Bent fins can be straightened with fin-comb.