- Why Are Women Always Cold
- Air Conditioner Sizing
- Air Conditioner History
- Asthma And Allergies
- Electrostatic Filters
- Ceiling Fans
- Portable Units
- Getting The Most Value
- Tips For Buying An Air Conditioning Unit
- Tune Ups And Maintenance
- Energy Store
- Extended Warranties
- Glossary
- Types of Air Conditioning Units
- BTU's & EER
- Limiting Your AC's Energy Consumption
- Tips For Fixing A Window Unit AC
- How To Quiet A Window Unit Air Conditioner
- Keeping Your Energy Bills As Low As Possible
- Wall Unit Overview
- Window Unit Air Conditioners: An Overview
- Thermostat Basics
Air Conditioner Articles: Tips For Fixing A Window Unit AC
If your window AC unit is not working properly, you might be able to diagnose it and fix the problem on your own before sending to be repaired.
There are several, fairly easy steps you can take on your own (including giving the unit a good cleaning), before sending it out for repair. It is always a good idea to have a friend on hand to help you out with heavier AC units.
- Begin by removing the front grill of the AC unit with a putty knife. If the grill is held in place by screws rather than clips, you can simply unscrew them.
- Unplug the air conditioner, remove it from the window, and place it on a sturdy surface.
- Find the unit's mesh filter (it covers the radiator-like fins on the evaporator coils).
- Remove the filter.
- Wash both the filter and the grill in a mixture of warm, soapy water and bleach. This should remove any mold or other undesirable dirt or gunk. Shake out any excess water and leave the filter and grill to dry.
- Vacuum the evaporator coils thoroughly with your vacuum's brush attachment. Should any dirt remain, remove it with a scrub brush.
- Look closely at the "fins" on the coils and straighten any that may be bent. You can do this by hand or with a "fin comb" that can be purchased from an appliance store.
- Turn the air conditioner around so that the back is facing you and examine the second set of condenser coils. If they are dirty, vacuum these coils as well. Should any dirt remain, remove it with a scrub brush.
- Inspect the back fins as well and use the fin comb to straighten any that may have become bent.
- Remove any extra dirt or lint that has accumulated inside the unit with your vacuum's brush and crevice attachments.
- Vacuum the fan blades.
- Put the air conditioner back into your window and secure it.
- Reinstall the filter (once its dry) and front grill.
- Plug in and turn on your air conditioner.
Make sure to continue cleaning your filters about once a month to ensure that your AC unit is working at its top capacity. You'll also cut your energy consumption by 5-15%.
If it is still not operating properly, the AC unit may need to be sent out for repair.
