When Your Air Conditioner Won't Work

When Your Air Conditioner Won't Work

2 Tips For Determing If Your Window Air Conditioner Needs Professional Assistance

by Clara Fernandez

If you have noticed in recent years that your window air conditioner consistently provides cool air, but the room is still too warm, it's important to look at both the unit and the room it is in. Fortunately, it is often an inexpensive repair or the result of a unit that is too small for the room it's in.

By learning specific information about the air conditioner, it's easier to troubleshoot it yourself, to determine whether or not you need to call in a professional:

When Was The Last Time You Cleaned The Filter?

One common issue that many homeowners wrongly believe is that filters in window cooling units need to only be changed out once a month. However, if you live in a dusty area, have pets or have a large family in the home, you may need to clean it weekly. The good news is that window units are typically sold with a removable filter that is built into the unit.

Therefore, it's a matter of removing the filter from the unit, pulling the lint or other waste products from filter and replacing the filter. It is crucial to be sure that the filter lines up correctly in the air conditioner and to check the owner's manual. Some air conditioning filters allow you to rinse them off before replacing them, for a more thorough clean.

Compare The Specifications Of The Window Air Conditioning Unit Against The Size Of The Room

Even if you have used the same air conditioner for years, you may be surprised to learn that its inability to effectively cool the room it is in may not have anything to do with how well it functions. For instance, if the air conditioner is not strong enough to cool the room, it could run 24 hours a day and still provide an overly warm area. 

You will first need to determine the square footage of the room by multiplying the length of the room times its width. You can get those measurements with any tape measure after removing any furniture that is against the wall.

Once you have that, compare it to the manufacturer's information about the unit's BTU, or British Thermal Unit. The BTU represents a measure of how energy is heated. Large rooms need larger, more powerful air conditioners and a higher BTU , while smaller rooms can make do with smaller units with lower numbers.

In addition, it's also a good idea to look at other contributing factors for the warm room. If you have windows that are not tempered, heavier curtains or tinting the windows will often prevent outside heat from entering.

Finally, be sure that the cool air has a clear path to the rest of the room when it leaves the air conditioner. If the room is L-shaped, has an alcove within it or in anyway is not the standard square or rectangular shape of most rooms, the air will be unable to reach the corners of the room. In that instance, you may want to relocate the unit to another window or install a second unit in a warm spot of the room.

In conclusion, a functioning air conditioning unit is not a luxury in many areas. If you know that the filter is clean and the unit is an appropriate size for the area it's cleaning, it is time to have a professional look at it. To learn more, contact a company like Allied Air Conditioning & Heating Corp with any questions you have.


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About Me

When Your Air Conditioner Won't Work

My name is Maura, and I am certified in HVAC installation and repair. I have many clients who call me in a panic because they have turned on their air conditioners and nothing has happened. Your air conditioning technician will get to you as soon as possible, but there are some steps you can take while you are waiting. You might just find that you are able to fix the problem on your own, although you will still want to have a professional assess the situation. In this blog I will take you through some common reasons your air conditioner might not be working and show you some easy temporary solutions.

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