How to Clean Your In-Room Air Conditioning Unit

Please check your appliance warranty before undertaking any repair of your appliance. Be sure to unplug any appliance before attempting any repairs!

If the air blowing from your air conditioning unit starts to smell bad, you may have mold growing in your AC Unit. This should be taken very seriously as the stagnant water can lead to fungi, molds, mildews, and bacteria being distributed through the air and water particles being blown out through the unit. Such growths can lead to illnesses like Legionnaires’ disease, named after the previously unknown bacteria that caused illness during the 1976 convention of the American Legion in Philadelphia.

What you will need to clean out your AC Unit:

• A/C filter cleaner spray on foam in an aerosol can
  

  Before you start, be sure you have the proper tools. photo source: stockxchng.com

• Long Handled AC brush
• AC Condenser Fin comb
• New AC filter (if disposable type)
• Selection of screwdrivers
• All purpose Oil in container with dropper tip.
• Spray (pump) bottle full of water
• HEPA filter mask
• Rags
• Vacuum cleaner with hose attachments
• Multi-compartment container for holding screws (ice cube tray or muffin pan works well.)

Unplug and remove the AC from the window and place it in a place where you can easily clean and remove dust, preferably outside or on a concrete surface. If you are going to be cleaning it indoors, be sure to protect your floors with a drop cloth or, better yet, a plastic sheet to catch any water from cleaning. Wear a HEPA filter mask to prevent breathing in any mold or dust particles.

Remove the filter from the front grill and replace it with a new filter. If the filter is the non-disposable type, soak it for 15 minutes in a sink with a combination of dish detergent and hot water. Rinse the filter well and allow it to dry completely.

Remove the front grill cover from your unit. Check for springs or screws below the front of the unit and gently pull the cover forward while pressing down on the cover.

Remove all the screws attached to the metal cover of air conditioner and lift the cover straight up. Be careful to keep track of all the screws you are removing. An old ice cube tray or muffin pan works well for keeping track of the screws.

Check the fan motor for any oil holes or oil plugs. If the fan has any oil plugs, take caution when removing them as they might have become brittle over time and will break off, blocking the plug. If this happens, remove the broken plug with the tip of your screwdriver. Add a few drops of oil to each fan motor oil hole (do not over-oil as it could cause damage to your AC Unit.)

Clean the front fins using the AC aerosol spray cleaner to remove, dust, dirt, mildew, and stains. The aerosol spray will be able to get in-between the fins to properly remove any mold and dust. Be careful not to bend the fins as they are often made from aluminum or other easily-bendable metal. Because the fins are easily bendable, be sure to use an AC Condenser brush for cleaning the fins. Reshape any flattened or punched in fins, as these encourage mold growth and prevent proper airflow and cooling. The best tool for this task is a Fin Comb which will gently straighten multiple fins in minutes saving you hours of work. Flush fins with warm water (this is where working outside helps!) using the pump action spray bottle. Allow to dry for 15 minutes. Be careful not to spray or spill water onto any electrical parts, as a precaution; cover these parts with a clean rag .If your fins are stained you might need to do clean and flush them again, over a period of several months. Just be sure to unplug the unit every time.

Gently clean the condenser coils in the back of the unit with a rag or brush.

If there is any standing water from the drip pan or base, be sure to drain it.

Gently wipe down the blower fan blades.

Vacuum all surfaces of the AC cover inside and the front and back grill assembly. Be sure to vacuum the air vents or wipe off any dust and debris build up with a rag.

Reassemble any parts you removed from the unit, plug it in and test to make sure it works. You can place the cover over the unit, but do not put the screws back in, you want to make sure everything was properly assembled and aligned or else there might be noise from misalignment.

After you are satisfied that everything is running correct, either reinstall your unit or store it in a cool, dry place. You can set the unit on two pieces of woods to allow for air circulation under the unit and to discourage mold growth. To further protect your unit, use an air conditioner cover.

Additional Sources:

• For more tips on cleaning mold in your home, visit the North Dakota State University’s web site: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ageng/safety/ae1179w.htm.

• Step-by-step process of cleaning an air conditioner with photos. http://learn-something-new.blogspot.com/2006/04/musty-ac.html#links

Why won’t the dish water drain from my dishwasher?

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If the water won’t drain from the dishwasher, first manually remove as much water as possible and then check the sump area for paper or any other large object. Make sure the door is properly latched. The pump will not drain if the door is not latched properly. Check the belt, drain line, air gap, drain valve and solenoid assembly, the motor, and the pump. If your dishwasher uses a belt to drive the pump, and it has broken or come off the pulley, replace it.

A cup or so of water in the sump area of your dishwasher is normal. It is there to prevent the seals from drying out. The dishwasher will pump this old water out before beginning to wash.

If you have recently installed a garbage disposer in your home, make sure that the drain plug on the disposer has been removed. It’s just a little plastic piece that blocks the hole where you hook the dishwasher drain hose. If your dishwasher drains through the garbage disposer, you need to run the garbage disposer before you run the dishwasher to make sure that the drain is clear.

There is a drain hose between the drain valve or pump and the garbage disposal or drain line. If an obstruction has blocked this, then your dishwasher won’t drain. The drain hose is connected by clamps to the drain valve and the disposer or drain pipe. Remove it and visually inspect it for a clog or a kink. Try to remove any debris. If it is in good condition, just put it back on, and if not, purchase a new one to install.

If you don’t have an air gap in the drain line, at least use a high drain loop. Making a large loop about 18″ off the ground with the drain line can prevent any back flow into the dishwasher from the sink.

If you have one, the air gap will be located on top of the sink. The air gap is there to prevent any siphoning of standing water from the sink. When your dishwasher drains, the air gap diaphragm will form a seal and allow the water to drain properly. If the diaphragm in the air gap is faulty, it’s possible that water can leak onto the cabinet and into the sink area. When this happens, then the air gap must be replaced.

Like the inlet valve, there is also a drain valve on most models. When no power goes to the drain valve it remains closed and prevents water from leaving the machine. When the valve receives power during the drain cycle, the solenoid opens and allows the water to leave the machine. If your drain hose is attached directly to the pump, you don’t have a drain valve. The motor simply reverses and the pump sends the water in the opposite direction, which is out of the machine.

If the motor doesn’t turn or work properly, the dishwasher may not drain. Make sure you have power to the unit. If you notice that the motor hums but won’t turn, it could be seized, and you probably need to replace it.

Small objects can sometimes get stuck in the pump. When this occurs, you’ll need to open the pump and remove any debris buildup. The dishwasher pump is usually mounted directly to the motor and runs off the motor as well. The pump is also attached to the bottom of your dishwasher and pushes the water from the dishwasher.

Looking for more dishwasher repair help online? Visit our dishwasher repair section at APWagner.com. Here, you will find answers to such questions as: Why does an error code display? Why doesn’t my dishwasher work at all? Why are the dishes still dirty? Should I pre-wash my dishes? What’s the best way to load the dishwasher?

Why aren’t my dishes dry when the dishwasher finishes?

You can also order any needed dishwasher parts online and get them shipped to you, most often, the same day, so you can make that repair quickly. If you need any help finding the correct part for your dishwasher, call us at 1-888-279-2463, or click on the chat live button at the top of the site.

Proper ways to store your in-room air conditioner

Fall is approaching and it’s time to take out your in-room air conditioner. To make sure it’s ready to go for next year’s hot weather, follow these tips:

• Change the AC filter now, so it’s all ready to go for next year’s hot weather. Find the filter that fits your AC Unit.
• Store your air conditioner is a dry, clean, dust-free place. It’s better to use your basement than your garage for storage.
• If you remove any sealer strips and air conditioner bracket and mounts make sure you package these items together and store them in a safe place so that they are ready to go for next year’s hot weather.
• Clean the coils once a season or more. Remove the cover and use a soft brush, vacuum, or compressed air to clean them. If you can let the unit sit for a few days to dry, you may want to consider hosing it down. However, it is imperative to let the unit dry completely before plugging it back in. Sometimes a thorough cleaning can get a unit that was running warm to run cool again. The coils need to be clean for proper heat transfer.

Be sure to properly store and cover your air conditioner. Purchase an air conditioner cover online.

If your AC is missing any parts, why not replace them now so that your unit is ready to go for next year! Check out APWagner.com’s Air Conditioner Parts Page.

Is your air conditioner having problems? Check out common air conditioner problems and repair solutions at our repair center.

Warm up this winter with a hot water dispenser

With summer coming to an end, it’s time to get ready for the cold. Wouldn’t a new hot water dispenser sound good during a cold winter’s morning or for an afternoon coca or cup of tea?

Purchase a new hot water dispenser online from APWagner.com. Choose from a variety of dispensers online with fast shipping.

Purchase a dispenser for your home or  for your workplace. Having a hot water dispenser is  an excellent item for a customer waiting room area (along with an assortment of hot teas and chocolate packages). Your customers will thank you!

Cylinder Hot Water Dispenser 4396895 Whirlpool

• Hard finished faucet guarantees high quality
• Stainless Steel Cylinder Hot Water Dispenser
• Delivers water as hot as 190°F
• Adjustable water temperature controlled by thermostat
• Water flow automatically stops when dispenser knob is released
• Easy, do-it-yourself installation
• 1-Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty

Low Profile Hot Water Dispenser 4396890 Whirlpool

• White Low Profile Hot Water Dispenser
• Two-step operating mechanism for safety
• Delivers water as hot as 190°F
• Adjustable water temperature controlled by thermostat
• For use with hard, soft, city, or well water
• Anti-liming system to minimize lime buildup
• Easy, do-it-yourself installation
• 1-Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty

Hot Water Dispenser 4396629 Whirlpool

• Provides up to 60 cups of 190°F water per hour
• Fast, In-stock shipping!

Browse More New Hot water dispensers. Purchase online!

Add a hot water dispenser to your faucet for instant hot water.

Read about common repairs regarding hot water dispensers.

Why is the clothes dryer destroying my clothes?

photo source: stockxchng.com

It happened again, your clothes were ruined by the dryer! Burn holes in your underwear and your other articles of clothing, torn and shredded. What is going on? You dryer might need some fixin’ and here’s what you will need to replace.

If your clothes are getting ripped, cut or torn, your dryer probably has a felt-like seal at the front and/or rear of the dryer drum that has worn out, is torn or is missing. Your clothes might be getting caught in the gap between the clothes drum and the front or rear of the dryer interior. When a clothes dryer seal wears out, you need to replace it.

Also, check the lint filter or lint trap; it might be worn or showing sharp edges. Your clothes could possible be getting caught on this during the cycle. Be sure to replace this part immediately.

If your clothing comes out marked up, the support parts for the dryer drum might be worn out, thus, throwing the drum off-balances and getting your clothes pinched in between parts of the dryer. Check the glides, rollers, wheels, and seals for wear. Replace the whole set of glides, rollers, or wheels if one or more are bad. You will also want to check the rear support for any play in it. Sometimes the rear drum bearing gets worn out.

If your laundry is coming out smelling smoky, your dryer may have had a small lint fire inside the cabinet, leaving a smoky odor in the clothes drum and on your clothes. Even though there is a lint filter in your dryer, it doesn’t catch all the lint. You need to check inside the cabinet at least yearly to look for and clean out any lint build-up. Check the inside cabinet and inner ductwork of your dryer. A dryer vent lint brush will help you reach inside the machine and vent to brush off and remove any built up lint. Also, be sure to clean out the lint trap after every use.

A lint fire is nothing to take lightly; many house fires are caused by lint build up in dryers and their vents. According to this 2005 article from CBS News, 15,000 house fires are caused by dryers every year. Keep your family safe by checking for lint buildup in the cabinet at least yearly. Be sure to check your outside exhaust vent for blockages. Install a smoke alarm near your dryer for added protection. Have a professional appliance repair person check the dryer for damage caused by any lint fires and to cleanout any lint from any pipes connected to the dryer.

Also, don’t put items in the dryer such as garage rags stained with motor oil or gasoline, and aprons, dish towels, or napkins stained with cooking oil. Even if the items was washed previously, some residue might still remain and possible cause a combustion.

Other items that aren’t meant for the dryer: anything made of rubber or plastic, such as baby diaper pants, bath mats, even foam-padded bras (bras and other delicates should be air-dried anyways to prevent them from bending and losing their shape!)

A signal that your dryer might be becoming clogged with lint, your clothes just aren’t coming out dry.

If your clothes are coming out all wrinkled, do not let your clothes sit in the dryer after the cycle has ended – remove the clothes promptly from the dryer and either hang or fold them. Also, dry only one load at a time; don’t pack the dryer too full. Do not dry heavy items with light items. Use the permanent press cycle to give clothes a cool down cycle at the end to reduce wrinkling.

Make sure you are also washing the clothes in the correct temperature (water that is too hot can also cause clothes to wrinkle). Be sure to read and follow the care instructions on the clothing item’s label for best results.

Home selling tips: focus on your kitchen

photo source: stockxchng.com

Selling your home can be stressful event, even in the best real estate market. However, the market today is uncertain at best. What are some ways you can get top dollar for your home?

According to this article on MSNBC, “Getting your house ready to sell,” “The kitchen is everyone’s favorite room in the house.”

Make sure your kitchen is inviting by doing the following:

1. Make sure that all the accessories on the appliances work and that the appliance is in good, top-running order in order to get the top dollar when selling your home. If you need help doing the home repair yourself, this repair guide will help you in your repairs. You can also order any parts you need online right from the site.

2. Replace broken and missing appliance parts with original manufacturer parts. You want to go for a uniform look to make the appliances seem as up-to-date and appealing as possible. You can buy replacement parts for refrigerator doors, racks and shelves. Replace or buy missing knobs for cooktop stoves and ranges. Replace old, stained cooktop burn pans and drip dishes. Replace burnt out lightbulbs in your refrigerator and stove. Replace broken parts on dishwashers including racks and silverware backets.

3. Clean all your appliances (inside and out). Appliances can add value to your home, but dirty appliances are not only unappealing, it can make the home seem rundown and uncared for. Here are some suggested cleaning products to get you on your way:

• If you have stainless steel appliances that are scratched, stained or has rust marks, don’t spend money replacing them, try Scratch-B-Gone to remove the blemishes. Scratch-B-Gone even works on sinks.
• If your fridge has a strong smell to it, try Odor Neutralizer Spray, Kleen-Air, or Fridge Aid Deodorizer
• If your oven has tough-baked on stains, try a ceramic cooktop cleaning kit to get it looking like new.
• Finally, to get top dollar for your home, make all your appliances really shine with an appliance polish and cleaner.

For more tips on selling your home, check out these articles:

Getting your house ready to sell from RealEstateABC.com

Tips on selling your home in a cooling market from MSNBC.com

Guidelines for the Real Estate Seller from ReMax.com

5 Tips, Improving homes for Sale By Owner from PopularMechanics.com

Working on the home (and appliances) of the future

Ever wonder who develops new appliances or add all those cool, new features to our household appliances? Innovation might come from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Home of The Future. This working laboratory lets student dream up new innovations to make our home environment safer, healthier and more ecological.

At the PlaceLab, a “living laboratory” for integrating new technologies into the home, MIT students and researchers develop new technologies and products that will better meet the needs of people in their future homes.

Here, volunteers live within the residential laboratory –a residential condominium in Cambridge, Mass., outfitted with “Hundreds of sensing components” to monitor the activities and interactions of the volunteer subjects.

MIT is not the only institutions dreaming up the home of the future. Check out this page for other futuristic links from the MIT page: http://architecture.mit.edu/house_n/web/resources/links/otherhousesofthefuture.html. Also, check out Moen’s page about future innovative appliances.

What functions would you like your future appliances to have? How about a refrigerator that lets you know exactly what you need to pick up at the store on your way home?

We can dream of the future, but we live with the appliances we have now. If you are on a budget, it might be cheaper to fix the appliances you currently have. You can find millions of appliance parts at apwagner.com where you can find parts for expensive appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, clothes washers, and dryers. You can also get repair advice and live online help with finding the correct part, all online.