Window-type Air Conditioner Common Problems and How to Troubleshoot
- Strange Sounds Unusual sounds are common AC issues. ...
- Low Refrigerant Low levels of refrigerant in your AC is often because of a leaky air conditioning unit. ...
- Pungent Smell Pungent smell is another common AC related issue. ...
- Blockage If your AC’s grills are blocked, you will need to clean the unit’s motor, fan, and fins. ...
- Thermostat Issues ...
- Coil Problems ...
Why is my window air conditioner not working?
Maintaining your air conditioner is the best way to avoid having to fix it in the first place. Dirty filters and coils cause AC units to work less efficiently. The filter is the leading cause of it failing prematurely. To keep your window AC running smoothly, maintain it properly.
Why is there mold in my window air conditioner?
Window AC units that haven’t been run in a while (like those that have been stored throughout the cooler months and over the winter) can sometimes grow quite a bit of bacteria, mold, and mildew in the condenser coils, especially if large buildups of moisture have started to accumulate.
Why is there ice on my window air conditioner?
The part that is usually frozen is the indoor evaporator coil. This coil is located behind the indoor air filters. If you open the window AC unit from the front, remove the filters, you will notice the ice (it can be brown ice) on the coils. This is window air conditioner icing in the summer. You will notice brown ice forming on the indoor coils.
Does your window air conditioner freeze up in the summer?
If you see your window air conditioner freezing up in the summer, you do have a problem. Finding ice in an air conditioner window unit is not something that will go away on its own. What is more, running a frozen window AC will lead to permanent damage. Window AC freezing up in the winter is not the same as window AC freezing up in the summer.
What turns liquid refrigerant into hot gas?
Why is my window air conditioner leaking?
What is the drain pan on a evaporator?
What is the purpose of an evaporator?
How to check if air conditioner is working?
What does an AC repair person do?
Where is the sensor wire on a window air unit?
See 4 more
About this website
How do you fix a window air conditioner that won't cool?
Your first step should always be to examine the air filter and make sure it's clean. A dirty filter can block air from the evaporator coils, never allowing cold air to circulate around the room. The filter is usually behind the front grill, accessed from the side or top of the unit. Also, look at the rear of the unit.
How do I know if my window AC unit is bad?
5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Is Going OutLack of Airflow. Weak airflow is one of the first signs that an air conditioner is on the fritz. ... Strange Sounds. If you notice your air conditioner making a squealing, grinding, or grating noise, it may be time for a unit replacement. ... Foul Odors. ... Leakage. ... No Cool Air.
Why did my window AC stop blowing cold air?
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
How do I reset my window air conditioner?
How to Reset a Window Air Conditioner. Since most window air conditioners do not have a reset button, you'll need to unplug it for a few minutes to dissipate the charge. After plugging it back in and turning the circuit back on, the window AC unit should reset and be operational again.
What is the average lifespan of a window AC unit?
about eight to 10 yearsGenerally, window air conditioners last about eight to 10 years. Some units, however, may have a shorter or longer life span, depending on how well they're maintained and the quality of the unit.
Is it worth fixing a window air conditioner?
A little maintenance means homeowners can save money on utility and repair bills. With the right information and access to replacement parts, you should be able to repair a window air conditioner yourself, saving the cost of a service call or replacing the unit altogether.
Why does my window AC turn on but not blowing air?
If your AC system turns on but doesn't blow out cold air, ensure all the vents are open and the thermostat is set properly. If these aren't the problem, check the air filter. If it's clogged with dirt or other debris, you won't get any air flow.
How do you clean the coils on a window unit?
1:473:18How to clean your window AC unit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst take a fin comb or soft bristle brush and gently comb the aluminum foils inside your ac unit.MoreFirst take a fin comb or soft bristle brush and gently comb the aluminum foils inside your ac unit. Take your time with this process because the fins are sharp. And can bend.
Why is my AC running but not blowing?
If your air handler is running but not blowing air, there are two likely scenarios; either a broken AC blower belt or an issue with the motor itself. If the air handler is humming or buzzing, but not making the mechanical sounds of a motor running, you're most likely talking about an issue with the motor itself.
Where is the AC reset button?
Look for it first around on the exterior of your machine, especially along the bottom edge near the ground. An AC's reset button is typically red and visible, so it should be easy to spot. If you don't see a reset button on the outside, it could be located inside the unit behind the service panel.
How do I know if my AC fuse is blown?
If there is the voltage on the “line” side, test for voltage on the “load” side of the fuses by placing the meter's leads on the load wire lugs. If you read voltage on this side(220-240V), this means the current is flowing through the fuse. If you get a zero-voltage reading on the load, this means your fuse is blown.
Do air conditioners have a reset button?
Some air conditioning systems have a reset switch, which is a small, red button. Typically, the button will be on the outdoor unit. If you have a problem locating it on the outdoor unit, you may find relevant details on the equipment's manufacturer's manual. Press the red button for three seconds and release.
How do I know if my window AC needs freon?
How to Know If Your AC Needs FreonThe AC runs constantly without cooling the house.The air from your vents isn't cold.You have abnormally high energy bills (because the system runs continuously.There's ice on the refrigerant lines.Bubbling or hissing sounds happen when the AC isn't running.
What causes a window unit to stop working?
Dirty filters and coils cause AC units to work less efficiently. The filter is the leading cause of it failing prematurely. To keep your window AC running smoothly, maintain it properly. Maintenance can protect you from being stuck with a busted unit during the hot summer months.
How do I know when my AC unit needs to be replaced?
4 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Air ConditionerYour Air Conditioner is More Than Ten Years Old.Your Air Conditioner Frequently Breaks Down.Your Energy Bills Have Skyrocketed.Your A/C Uses R-22 Freon.
Do window units run out of freon?
The only way an air conditioner runs out of freon is if there is a leak in the pipes that carry refrigerant from one part of the unit to the other. Freon is not used up: it simply changes state from gas to liquid. Freon should never escape the pipes.
Why is my window air conditioning constantly cycling on and off?
A window air conditioning unit that is constantly cycling on or off can usually be traced back to a thermostat or temperature sensor that is on the fritz and no longer working the way that it should.
What is the condenser fan?
The condenser fan that blows hot air from the hot condenser coil out into the outside. These are the elements of your air conditioning unit that will most likely need a little bit of extra attention over time, and these are the components of your device that you’re going to spend the majority of your maintenance on.
Why is my air conditioner not blowing out cold air?
The most common causes of your air conditioner not providing cool air are a dirty air filter and a damaged condenser coil.
What controls the temperature of the air and the room it’s working in?
The thermostat which controls the temperature of the air and the room it’s working in. The compressor that moves the flow of air as well as the coolant material throughout the AC unit. The condenser coil that converts hot air into cool air. The condenser fan that blows hot air from the hot condenser coil out into the outside.
What causes condensation on AC unit?
The evaporator coil is what causes moisture condensation to form and this is supposed to drain onto a metal pan at the bottom of your AC unit, which then flows outside through a hole or drain tube. If water is dripping out the front panel, then the pan is not sloping correctly toward the back of the unit. To correct the problem, ensure that your ...
How much does it cost to set up a window air conditioner?
That way there’s no chance of the circuit overloading and tripping the breaker or blowing a fuse. A licensed electrician can set this up for you for around $100.
How to fix a condenser coil?
To fix it, try cleaning the air filter. If that doesn’t help, clean and inspect the condenser coil on the exterior of the unit. If damaged, it may need to be replaced. If the fins are just bent, use a fin comb to straighten them out. This could be all that you need to enjoy cold air again.
Why does my air conditioner freeze up?
The air conditioner has a catch pan and drainage tube that allow this moisture to drain away outside the house, but if this drain system gets clogged, excess moisture can gather on the coils and freeze up as the heat is extracted. If your air conditioner isn't dripping a small amount water outside the home when it is running full blast, ...
How does an air conditioner work?
An air conditioner works with a closed loop of coils filled with refrigerant gas that first is expanded to cool down so it can absorb indoor heat. Then, it's pumped outdoors and compressed so that its heat is radiated outdoors.
Why does my AC unit freeze?
To operate correctly, the AC unit depends on the reliable circulation of air to carry off the condensed moisture from the coils. Problems with the flow of air or with the flow of refrigerant through the coils can cause moisture to freeze and ice to form on the coils.
How cold should an air conditioner be?
As a general rule, air conditioners are designed to cool most efficiently to about 68 degrees. They can go colder, but setting the temperature way down can cause the unit to freeze up.
What temperature should an AC be running?
Outdoor Temperature Is Too Low. Air conditioners aren't meant to run when outdoor air is below roughly 62 degrees. Running the AC when the outside temperatures are too low can cause the refrigerant to get so cold that it freezes the moisture in room air before it can even circulate through the coils.
How to clean a fan coil?
Rinse the coils with a hose, if necessary (some cleaners are "self-rinsing," but make sure the coils are clean before you skip the rinse). Wipe off the fan blades on the large fan at the rear of the unit. If the coil fins are badly bent, straighten them with a fin comb.
Why does my window AC keep freezing up?
An oversized AC often short-cycles, turning on and off frequently. This prevents the good air circulation that normally keeps moist air from condensing on the cooling coils and freezing up.
What happens if an air conditioner fuse burns out?
If the air conditioner draws power from a circuit shared by other appliances, it can’t draw required power supply and will blow the fuse repeatedly. By providing its own high-voltage plug, it can run smoothly with fewer interruptions.
Why is my window air machine not working?
You can fix the problem by cleaning or replacing the filter. At times, the filter can even get stuck from accumulated debris, and if this happens, the window air machine can’t operate as the evaporator coil freezes. That is why checking the thermostat is such an important troubleshooting step.
Why won't my window air conditioner turn on?
A window air conditioner won’t turn on if the fuse of the main power source to the unit has blown. If that is the case, fix it by replacing the fuse wire.
Why does my thermostat stall?
If adjusting the thermostat doesn't make a difference, you more than likely have an air filter issue. When the filter becomes dry due to dirt accumulation, the thermostat can get stuck and the unit will stall. You can fix the problem by cleaning or replacing the filter.
How to fix a thermostat that won't turn on?
Check the temperature of the thermostat on your unit. If it the unit is set to "heat," it won't turn on. If it is set properly, try lowering the thermostat slightly to see if it makes a difference. Sometimes the thermostat gets stuck, but you don't know because it appears to be set properly. This is why it is important to make adjustments as you troubleshoot.
What to do if power cord is cut?
If the power cord is cut, safely unplug the unit and take the appropriate measures to fix the broken areas.
Why won't my AC blow out cold air?
If your AC system turns on but doesn’t blow out cold air, ensure all the vents are open and the thermostat is set properly. If these aren’t the problem, check the air filter. If it’s clogged with dirt or other debris, you won’t get any air flow. Since the clog may cause the evaporator coils to freeze, the ice and frost will clog the air flow even more. If that’s the problem, clean the filter with a soft brush, mild soap, and water. Clean and change your filter often to avoid that problem in the future. You may also have a problem with the fan or fan motor. If the fan turns easily, you may have a problem getting electrical power to the motor or a leak in the refrigerant line. In these cases, you’ll probably require a qualified HVAC technician to come inspect the unit.
Why turn off air conditioner when water leaks?
To avoid costly water damage, turn your air conditioner off if it leaks water inside your home. Your condensate drain line might be clogged up, causing water to back up into your home. DIYers can try using a wet/dry vacuum to unclog the line. If that doesn’t work, your drain pan may have rusted out or your condensate pump may have broken down. Your technician will be able to replace or repair the damaged parts.
Why does my AC freeze up?
If your system is low on refrigerant or has a dirty filter, the system may freeze up when it’s working. After you turn it off, the ice melts, causing it to leak water. Don’t risk water damage from your air conditioner leaking water on the floor or ceiling. If cleaning your filter doesn’t help, don’t turn your AC system on again until you have identified and fixed the problem. As with outside leaks, you may have a blockage or a broken condensate pan.
Why does my evaporator coil freeze?
Since the clog may cause the evaporator coils to freeze, the ice and frost will clog the air flow even more. If that’s the problem, clean the filter with a soft brush, mild soap, and water. Clean and change your filter often to avoid that problem in the future. You may also have a problem with the fan or fan motor.
What causes AC to run continuously?
If your AC stays on longer than it should, you may have a dirty filter. Clean or replace your filter to see if that remedies the situation. If your system is older or improperly sized, it also can cause the system to work too hard, cycle too often, and have difficulty shutting off. Other problems that may cause your AC to run constantly include: 1 A stuck fan relay 2 A short in the thermostat cable 3 A thermostat that’s gone bad
Why is my air conditioner not cooling?
Check your vents to make sure all of them are open. If even one of them is closed, it can make it more difficult to cool your entire home, since the warm air from the room with the closed vent will mix with the cooled air from the others.
How to fix a fan that isn't working?
If your AC indoor fan isn’t working, first check to make sure a breaker hasn’t been tripped. If all is OK, check your air filter. If it’s blocked, then you may be able to fix it yourself. If there’s ice on the evaporator coil and refrigerant lines, allow the ice to melt, then check again to see if the fan is working. If it isn’t working, that might have caused your coil to freeze. A frozen coil requires a service call, because your technician may need to replace the contacts inside the fan relay, the fan belt, or the even the motor itself.
What should you check for when your air conditioner keeps running all day?
You should check your electronic control board, temperature sensor, and temperature control as these are the ‘lowest hanging fruits,’ so to speak. See the steps for checking these items above. If you can’t locate an issue with these components, get in touch with your local HVAC experts as they’ll be best suited to help you.
What does it mean when an air conditioner is too big?
You chose the wrong air conditioner for your home/room (In most cases, an undersized air conditioner). The term “undersized air conditioner” means the room is too big for the air conditioner (air input is more than output). Therefore, your air conditioner is unable to cool the room temperatures at a sustainable rate- This means your air conditioner ...
How does a thermistor work?
The thermistor works together with the thermostat when it comes to sensing the room’s temperature. For window unit air conditioners, it’s usually a small bulb right next to the evaporator. Just like the thermostat, the thermistor decides whether or not the condenser should be turned on or off.
How long does it take for an air conditioner to turn off?
In some cases, the ‘infection’ might be less serious (where your air conditioner takes 15 to 20 minutes before finally switching off). Note: It’s normal for your air conditioner to keep on running momentarily after you turn it off.
What is the purpose of a thermostat?
Thermostats are small devices that are responsible for taking note of the room’s temperature and passing on the information to the Electronic Control Board. They’re mainly responsible for the automation of air conditioners. Stuck dials (relay switch) ...
What is the cooling system?
The cooling system is the main component that is responsible for temperature regulation. Once you set your preferred temperature, the information is taken in by the cooling system (Electronic Board Control) and relayed to other components in AC.
What is an air conditioning unit?
Your air conditioning unit is a system of circuit boards, wires, fans, and many other components that work together to make your home a habitable place. Our two main components of discussion today will be the fan and cooling system (this is where the problem is likely to be).
What turns liquid refrigerant into hot gas?
Compressor: The compressor turns the liquid-state refrigerant into a hot gas. The evaporator cools it down at the same time to return it to its original state.
Why is my window air conditioner leaking?
Condensation drainage obstruction is the number one cause of a window air conditioner leaking outside the house. Dirt and debris buildup could interfere with the airflow and cause condensation buildup.
What is the drain pan on a evaporator?
Drain pan: The angled pan at the bottom of the unit collects moisture produced from the evaporator and prevents moisture from lea king into your room. The pan directs it towards its drain port on the back of the frame.
What is the purpose of an evaporator?
Evaporator: The evaporator converts hot air into cool air. The copper tubing houses refrigerant, which helps to complete this process. The coil contains the refrigerant that will cool your room, and it's surrounded by thin aluminum fins to increase efficiency.
How to check if air conditioner is working?
You can also check the air damper. If it's open, it will bring in outside air, which is bad for efficiency. Also, check the back cover, which many people forget to remove after the winter season. Finally, check the condensing coils, which are located on the warm end of the air conditioner. Remove the air conditioner's cover to access the coils, and clean them with a soft brush.
What does an AC repair person do?
A professional AC repair person will service and check for electrical connections and contacts for corrosion. Worn-out compressor and fan controls will often produce the same effect when units turn on and off rapidly.
Where is the sensor wire on a window air unit?
Sensor wire: The sensor wire on a window air unit is located in front of the evaporator on the AC. This wire turns the unit on and off based on the temperature in the room’s air.
