In the hotter seasons, a window air conditioner can make your space cozy for working, sleeping, and unwinding. Yet, occasionally, these units might not function properly, leaving you puzzled. One frequent problem is when the AC powers up but fails to emit cool air. Therefore, what causes this, and primarily, how can you resolve it?
Certainly, when faced with these circumstances, start by verifying the thermostat settings and make sure the designated temperature isn’t excessively high. Should this check be completed, proceed to confirm whether the AC’s air filter has become obstructed. Usually found close to the indoor handling equipment, this component captures debris like dust and grime. It plays an essential role as the system draws ambient air towards the refrigeration coils; thus, maintaining cleanliness within the apparatus guarantees optimal functionality of its inner parts. Nonetheless, due to prolonged use, the air filter might accumulate enough particulates to impede proper ventilation, consequently hindering the circulation of cool air throughout the space.
Thankfully, cleaning the air filter is something you can do yourself. Start by turning off the AC and removing the front panel to access the air filter. Next, use a
handheld vacuum cleaner
to get rid of any loose dust and debris, then wash the air filter with soapy water. Finally, let the filter dry completely before installing it back in.
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Inspect The Rear Unit And Temperature Control
Just like the air filter, your AC’s condenser unit, which is located on the back, can also become blocked due to dust and debris. This can not only prevent your AC from running efficiently but also affect its ability to blow cold air. To fix this, you can try cleaning the outer casing and the condenser coil.
A different cause for insufficiently cooled air from your AC could be an issue with the fan. Should your AC produce odd sounds such as buzzing, examine both the fan blades and motor. To do this, open up the unit’s casing and look for signs of a loose or misaligned fan blade. During this inspection, also remove any accumulated dust or debris on the fan blades utilizing a vacuum cleaner. In cases where the fan isn’t operating when the AC is turned on, consider replacing either the fan motor or the fan belt.
You may have noticed your AC automatically turns off once the room reaches the temperature set on the thermostat, and then turns back on once the temperature rises again. It does this with the help of a device called a thermistor, which is usually located behind the air filter. It monitors the air around the evaporator and signals the system to turn on or off as needed. If the thermistor is faulty, it’s fairly straightforward to replace it yourself with the help of the user manual and the right
AC maintenance tools
.
Check For Issues With The Control Panel, Compressor, And Refrigerant Levels
If your AC’s components seem to be in good shape, there may be a problem with the control panel. It is an important component that is responsible for sending instructions to each part of the AC unit, telling them when and how to operate. Similarly, a faulty compressor can also cause your AC to malfunction. While it’s technically possible to fix problems with the control panel and the compressor yourself, it’s far more complicated than cleaning an air filter or fan blades. In such cases, your best option is to contact a technician.
Your window AC may also fail to cool due to low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a fluid that flows through the AC coils and removes heat from the air. If your AC has gradually stopped cooling, it may indicate a refrigerant leak. In some cases, you might also notice ice buildup on the condenser. In this case, it’s best to contact a technician, who can inspect the unit for leaks and handle the repair.
Keep in mind that while contacting a technician will likely resolve most issues with the AC, the repair cost can range anywhere from $60 to $250 on average, depending on the problem. If your unit is already old, it may make more sense to buy a new one from a
reputable AC brand
.
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original article on GAPTEKZONE
.
