Window Air Conditioner Problems?

Window air conditioners are usually plugged in and forgotten – until they stop cooling properly, or until they exhibit problems. Don’t just plug in your window air conditioner and ignore it. There are things you must do to properly maintain your window air conditioning unit in an effort to avoid problems. Taking proper care of your window air conditioner will ensure the unit will continue to provide the cold air you want when you need it the most. Don’t wait for problems to start before taking the necessary steps to keep your window air conditioner running properly.

The following information provides facts and tips on what you must do to avoid problems with your window air conditioner. Also included are troubleshooting tips for correcting common problems with window air conditioning units.

Preventing Problems

Any item that uses an air filter can’t run properly if the filter is dirty, and window air conditioners are no exception. If you want your window air conditioning unit to run properly and efficiently, it’s imperative that you change or clean the filter once a month.

The filter isn’t the only part of a window air conditioner that requires regular care and cleaning. The condenser coils can become covered in dirt and dust, and they should be cleaned at least once a year. Even if condenser coils don’t appear to be dirty, grime and dust can hide in places not readily visible.

While the air conditioner is unplugged and the condenser coils are dry, vacuum the coils with a crevice tool, blow away dirt and dust with an air compressor, or clean the coils with a soft brush such as an old toothbrush. This is an easy preventative measure that you can do yourself in an effort to avoid problems while lowering your electric bill in the process.

Musty Smells

If you’ve noticed a musty smell coming from your window air conditioner it’s probably because of dust, dirt, and moisture causing mold and mildew to form in the drip tray. Remove the drip tray from beneath the unit, and wash it in warm soapy water. Remember to clean the drip tray at least once a year to avoid future problems with dirt, dust, and excess moisture that can create odor-causing bacteria.

Leaking Unit

Don’t panic if you’ve discovered interior moisture that appears to be leaking from your window air conditioner. Chances are the unit is tilted inwards instead of outward, which is necessary for proper drainage. Make sure your window air conditioner is installed correctly, and excess moisture extracted from the air will run out of the back of the unit instead of the front.

Fan Isn’t Blowing

If your window air conditioner runs but air isn’t blowing through the unit, a faulty fan motor could be the problem, or it might just need a little oil. While the unit is unplugged, try turning the fan blades by hand. If the blades don’t turn easily, lubricate the fan motor. This might be all that is necessary to correct the problem; otherwise, the fan motor in the window air conditioner might require replacement.