How To Repair A Window Air Conditioner That Was Dropped

window ac

Window air conditioners are a fast and affordable manner to absurd sure rooms in your dwelling. Platonic for renters or people living in mild climates, a window air conditioner uses a minimal corporeality of energy to maintain optimum comfort levels in your habitation. As with any apparatus, your air conditioner tin't run properly without regular care and maintenance. Get to know your window air conditioner so you'll sympathise what's happening as it runs and why your annual tune-up is so important.

If you detect a problem, begin troubleshooting immediately. Calling in a licensed professional to service your unit of measurement when it'due south having serious bug will assist you save money in the long run by squeezing a few extra years of service out of your apparatus.

Getting to Know Your Window Unit Air Conditioner

Before you can troubleshoot or repair your window unit of measurement air conditioner, you must understand all the parts that make upwards this organization. Window units characteristic both interior and exterior parts separated by a center console.

Interior parts include:

Front end panel or grill: This is the only visible role of the interior one-half of the window air conditioner. The front panel includes the controls you employ to adjust settings on the device as well every bit the return air grills that pump out cool air. Adaptable louvers in the air grills permit you adjust the air'south direction.
Evaporator whorl: Common cold refrigerant runs through the evaporator coil. When air passes over the chilled coil, it becomes colder.
Fan or blower: The fan or blower pulls warm air into the unit, then pushes it past the evaporator gyre and through the filter to cool and clean it, respectively.
Fan motor: Located between the evaporator scroll and condenser in a window Air conditioning unit, the fan motor enjoys a very meaty location. It is fitted to both these components via small shafts. An ac blower motor replacement costs between $100 – $300.
Thermostat: The thermostat is responsible for measuring and maintaining the temperature inside your unit.
Filter: The filter is the part of your unit of measurement that you lot will take the most contact with. It's typically found just within the forepart console, making it hands accessible. You should change or make clean the filter regularly.

Outside parts include:

Compressor: The compressor pressurizes gas inside the condenser coils. The pressurized gas turns to liquid refrigerant.
Condenser or condensing coil: The condenser coil releases estrus from the refrigerant, allowing information technology to escape into the surrounding air.
Condenser fan: The condenser fan blows air over the surface of the condenser roll. This helps release the estrus from the refrigerant back into the air.
Bleed pan: Condensate builds up on the cooling coil. This will drip downward onto the drain pan.
Condensate drain tube: Water from the drain pan exits the unit through an exterior condensate drain tube. Not all units accept this tube. Instead, some simply have a hole that water tin can bleed through.

A basic understanding of how your window air conditioning unit of measurement works will make information technology easier for you to understand the potential problems you lot might experience. All air conditioners apply refrigerant to cool air, so if y'all're familiar with how standard HVAC units operate, so yous accept a basic understanding of window air conditioners. Window units are but smaller.

In the compressor, the hot gas is pressurized until it reaches the chilled liquid land. The liquid refrigerant then passes into the evaporator coil. The system'southward fan pulls warm air through the filter and into the unit of measurement. Here, the air passes over the cold evaporator ringlet and becomes chilled. The cool air blows back into the room where information technology mixes with the warmer air in the environment, creating a cooler and more comfortable space.

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Troubleshooting Simple Problems

You tin easily gear up many common bug with your window unit air conditioner. Troubleshoot the unit for these simple issues earlier calling in professional assistance.

Water Dripping From the Unit

It'southward alarming to encounter water dripping off your window unit air conditioner or to find a puddle growing below information technology. Fortunately, this issue isn't as serious as it seems. A h2o leak simply means that the pan beneath the unit slopes toward the front of the unit and not the back. Readjust your unit and so it slopes backward to instantly correct the problem. When the pan slopes toward the exterior of the home as it should, condensate from the evaporator curl will gather in the pan and baste outside.

Unit Cycling On and Off Often

If y'all feel similar you're constantly hearing your unit cycle on and off, there's probably a problem with the thermostat or temperature sensor. You might be able to fix this issue yourself. Before calling a professional, adapt your drapes so they don't obstruct the thermostat or front panel, and clear leaves away from the condenser. If this doesn't solve the trouble, keep reading to larn about problems best serviced past a professional.

Unit Cools Inefficiently

If you're fighting a abiding boxing to keep your home absurd, at that place's probably something preventing your air conditioning unit from operating at pinnacle efficiency. The most common diagnosis – and easiest solution – is a dirty filter.

You should change your window Air conditioning filter regularly. Aim to modify information technology at least once every three months and equally often every bit in one case a month if yous have children, pets or a lot of grit in the home. Irresolute the filter is quick, simple and affordable. But open up the unit, remove the old filter and replace it with a new one.

Air conditioning Unit Won't Turn On

If your unit won't plow on, at that place are a few elementary problems you can troubleshoot before calling a professional. Outset, check to make certain the unit of measurement is plugged in. This might seem fairly obvious, but it'southward like shooting fish in a barrel to overlook, particularly if the unit of measurement plugs into an outlet hidden backside a piece of piece of furniture. If the unit is plugged in, bank check to make certain you lot haven't blown a fuse. If resetting the excursion breaker doesn't work, it'south fourth dimension to motility on to professional solutions.

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When to Rent a Professional Contractor

At that place are many instances where simple at-abode solutions won't work. It'due south important to turn to a professional person for all serious issues with your window air conditioner unit. Below are some common issues that a professional person contractor can assist you with. If you're experiencing other less common bug with your unit, your contractor can help you diagnose and solve those, besides.

Unit of measurement Cycling On and Off Frequently

A unit of measurement that cycles on and off besides often typically has a trouble with the thermostat or temperature sensor. A professional will cheque the unit of measurement to make sure the thermostat sensor is positioned correctly. This might include delicately adjusting the wire and moving the thermostat sensor so it doesn't touch the evaporator coil.

Your unit might too suffer from a small-scale refrigerant leak. Any standard service visit will catch this trouble. Accept your contractor tune up the unit and check for annihilation out-of-identify. He might perform a diversity of helpful tasks including straightening the fins with a fin comb, charging the refrigerant and repairing leaks.

Diddled Fuses From the Window Unit Air Conditioner

If your unit blows fuses or pops the excursion breaker when it turns on, you're probably running it on an inadequately sized circuit. The typical unit of measurement tin can run off a 15 amp circuit, simply larger window air conditioners need a dedicated circuit. Contact an electrician to run a dedicated 20 amp excursion directly to the window air conditioner. This will put an end to blown fuses and eliminate the need to strategically reposition electric devices throughout the home in an attempt to avoid the trouble.

Unit Cools Inefficiently

If irresolute the filter doesn't improve your unit of measurement's functioning notably, it probably needs a full servicing. Ideally, you will schedule a tune-up with your HVAC contractor one time a year earlier you begin operating your ac unit of measurement for the season. During this appointment, your contractor will:

Cheque the thermostat to brand certain it's operating correctly
Inspect the air filter and modify it if needed
Inspect the condensate bleed for buildup or blockages and clear as needed
Check the evaporator curlicue for grit and dirt buildup and clean when necessary
Check the evaporator fan and motor for proper function
Lubricate bearings
Clear dust and debris from fan
Adapt fan as needed for proper rotation
Audit refrigerant lines for leaks or kinks and repair when necessary
Inspect and clean the condenser coil
Bank check coil fins and straighten as needed
Lubricate the condenser fan
Ensure condenser fan has proper rotation and connection
Check refrigerant levels and charge as needed

Grit and droppings will build up naturally inside your air conditioner. A dirty fan or coils will subtract arrangement performance. Low refrigerant levels might also be to blame. A simple melody-upwardly will address all these issues and might even alert you to problems you weren't aware of. It's important to work with a reliable contractor and schedule this visit yearly.

Air conditioning Unit of measurement Won't Turn On

If your unit fails to plow on while information technology's plugged into a working outlet, the trouble is likely in the power cord. A professional can test the power cord using a volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM) to RX1 scale attached to the prongs. If the ability cord is indeed the trouble, your Ac contractor tin can replace this function entirely, instantly restoring your system to proper functioning.

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Repair or Replace: Request the Essential Question

There comes a time in the life of whatsoever appliance where you must decide whether it's more cost-effective to keep repairing the unit or to invest in a replacement. The average cost to repair a window air conditioner is $213, but this can vary from just $fifty for minor repairs to $700 for major problems. The first thing yous can do when you're considering the value of a repair is to compare your contractor'south guess with the toll of a new unit.

Window air conditioner units tin vary in price from less than $150 to more than $500 per unit to purchase. Here are some examples of window AC units and what they cost.

Brand	BTU	Features	Cost per Unit
GE	five,100	2 speeds	$129
LG Electronics	five,000	ENERGY STAR ii speeds	$139
GE	six,050	Remote control 2 speeds Programmable timer	$179
LG Electronics	8,000	Remote command 3 speeds Programmable timer	$239
GE	8,100	Remote control 3 speeds Programmable timer	$239
Frigidaire	ten,000	3 speeds Programmable timer	$249
Haier	12,000	Remote control iv modes, incl. Energy Saver 3 speeds Programmable timer	$299
Precipitous	12,000	Remote control 3 speeds Programmable timer	$329
LG Electronics	12,000	Remote control 3 speeds Programmable timer	$349
GE	14,250	Remote control 3 speeds Programmable timer	$399
Danby	15,000	Free energy STAR Remote command 3 speeds	$449
LG Electronics	18,000	Remote control three speeds Programmable timer	$499
GE	18,250	Remote command 3 speeds Programmable timer	$499
Frigidaire	12,000	Remote command 3 speeds Programmable timer	$629
LG Electronics	18,000	Remote command 2 speeds Programmable timer	$699

British thermal units, or BTUs, are the deciding factors that volition help you choose the best appliance for your needs. If y'all've been struggling to adequately absurd your home, consider your electric current unit's BTU before investing in all-encompassing repairs. Even the best maintained unit can't combat total sunlight, kitchen rut, or a large room if it lacks the proper BTU. Check this nautical chart to see if your unit is the proper size. If non, it's time for a replacement.

Square Feet	Recommended BTU	Full Dominicus BTU	Kitchen BTU
800	15,000	16,500	19,000
550	12,000	13,200	16,000
450	ten,000	xi,000	xiv,000
340	eight,000	8,800	12,000
280	7,000	7,700	eleven,000
260	half-dozen,000	6,600	10,000
150	five,000	5,500	ix,000

If a room regularly has more than two people in it, you'll want more than the recommended BTU. Add 600 BTUs per person to maintain adequate home comfort.

Your appliance's historic period besides plays an important office in your decision to either repair or replace the unit. About AC units accept a lifespan of near 10 years. If yous're diligent nigh your almanac maintenance, filter changes and safe storage of the unit when it'south non in use, yous might add together a few years to the lifespan. If your air conditioner is older than 10 years, you're probably better served buying a replacement than investing in more repairs. Today's newer systems offer energy-efficient benefits that tin can reduce your energy expenses, helping you lot recoup some of the initial cost of the investment.

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Window Units vs. Cardinal Air-conditioning

If y'all've decided that it's time to invest in a new air conditioner, you have one final decision to make. Do you want to stick with a window air conditioning unit or upgrade to a central air conditioning system? There are drawbacks and benefits on both sides of the argument.

Benefits of Window Ac Units

Easy installation – Plugs into a standard outlet with no additional wiring
Affordable
Designed for i room at a fourth dimension – Ideal for climates where you don't demand to absurd the entire dwelling house

Drawbacks of Window Air Conditioning Units

Inefficient at managing high humidity levels
Difficult to properly seal in the window, and so air might escape
Low efficiency with typical energy efficiency ratings (EER) of 10 or xi

Benefits of Central Ac

Cools the entire home
Manages humidity finer
High efficiency with typical EER ratings of 14 or 15

Drawbacks of Central Air Conditioning

New units are expensive
Installing a new primal air conditioning system is complex and time-consuming
Might provide unnecessary cooling to unused rooms

If you lot live in a relatively cool climate and merely demand air conditioning for a few rooms in your home, window units are an efficient reply. By turning these air conditioners on and off when using the rooms, you'll avoid the cost of cooling your entire home when y'all spend the twenty-four hour period in simply a fraction of the house.

If yous live in a hot and humid climate, however, yous will probably notice that you're improve served by central air conditioning. This is a significant expense and something you'll probably need to salvage upwards for. Installing central ac typically costs between $3,681 and $7,173, and repairs to budget the unit of measurement typically run homeowners between $150 to $500.

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