Ensuring cool air is clean air.

• Position: Your Life - Air conditioner maintenance - Brief Article

Now that flowers are in full bloom, signaling the real arrival of spring, air conditioners are making their way out of basements, garages, and attics. Before putting that unit into the window, take a few minutes to give it a thorough cleaning and ensure that it operates at maximum efficiency, advises Steven Ridenour, professor of mechanical engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa.

An expert in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, Ridenour suggests removing the inside filter to be washed or vacuumed and making sure outside vents are cleared of any debris such as leaves.

"Hose down the outside of the unit...