Polling Place
Expert Advice for Home Improvement & DIY Repair
Room/Window Air Conditioner Doesn’t Cool
A room air conditioner that doesn’t cool may need to be recharged with refrigerant, but the chances are good that it simply needs to be cleaned. You can do this yourself, which involves disassembling the unit, or you can call an air-conditioning professional. Before attempting the work yourself, consult your owner’s manual and make sure you have the right skills and tools to handle the task. Here is what a typical manual advises:

1) Unplug the unit and carefully remove it from the window or wall. Put it somewhere outdoors where you can work on it.

2) Remove the grille and filter and unscrew the metal case (taking care not to damage the coil’s fins).

3) Wash out the filter or replace it with a new, inexpensive filter—cut-to-size foam filters for portable air conditioners are available at most appliance stores.

4) Using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, clean the coil’s fins.

5) Then, from the fan side, spray water back through the fins (protect the wiring and motor with plastic).

6) Clean the unit up with a rag, making sure all drains that allow condensed water to drip away from the unit are open. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

7) While you have the unit apart, lubricate the motor according to your manual’s instructions.

8) Finally, reassemble and reinstall the unit.

Related Articles on HomeTips

Repair & Care (1)
Buying Guides & Reports (5)
How It Works (2)
DIY & Installation Projects (1)

 
Have a Question About This?
Search the HomeTips Forums   Search
 
        What Others Are Asking...