Sweltering weather conditions over the summer left many people scrambling for some form of relief. If your home didn't have air conditioning, this may have been the year that finally convinced you to install a system.

For homes without central air conditioning, window-mounted or freestanding unit are useful alternatives. They may only be able to cool down a few rooms, but that can still give you a place to escape the heat. But it's important to regularly maintain a room air conditioner to ensure that it is clean and efficient.

Air conditioners should be cleaned at least once a year. However, the Department of Energy says filters will usually need to be replaced every month or two. This step should be completed more often if you are running the air conditioner frequently or if there is a lot of dust or pet dander in your home.

Some filters can be rejuvenated with a simple washing, while others will need to be replaced. Room air conditioners typically have the filter situated behind the front grill which points into the room. Taryn Williford, writing for the home design site Apartment Therapy, says you might need to use a putty knife to remove the grill. However, some covers will pop off easily.

Once you have removed a reusable filter, wash it with soapy water. You can also add bleach to the solution to kill any mold that may be forming on the filter.

For a thorough cleaning, it helps to remove the air conditioning unit from the window. The magazine Family Handyman says removing the mounting frame and case will let you access the interior of the air conditioner. Make a note of any unique screws or fasteners to ensure that they go back in the right place.

An air conditioner will pick up plenty of dust, spiderwebs, and other debris as it works, making it much less efficient. The Department of Energy says a buildup of dirt and crud will have an insulating effect on condenser coils, inhibiting their ability to absorb heat.

One way to prevent the condenser unit from getting too dirty is to reduce any outdoor sources of dust or debris. Trimming foliage back so it is at least two feet away from the air conditioner can be helpful.

A vacuum with a brush attachment will be effective in cleaning off the condenser coils and removing other dirt from the air conditioner. Williford says a plastic scrub brush is useful for getting rid of more stubborn areas of grime.

Special coil cleaners are also available to give the condenser a thorough cleaning. Family Handyman says you can tidy up the fan blades of an air conditioner with a more traditional household cleaner.

The aluminum fins of a condenser, located on the back of the unit, can easily be bent. This will restrict airflow and make the air conditioner much less efficient. A fin comb, an inexpensive tool designed specifically for straightening out the fins, can help keep the air flowing properly.

Once cooler weather arrives, room air conditioners can be removed and put into storage. However, it's also possible to leave them in place to avoid the hassle of reinstalling it in the early summer. A cover on the exterior portion of the unit will protect it from snow and ice.

When covering the air conditioner, or when putting it back in the window at the start of the summer, check the seal between the unit and the frame. You'll want to make sure there are no gaps or cracks where air can escape.