CANTON, Mich. - June 25, 2007 - With summer now officially underway, the sounds of grilling, splashing and the hum of air conditioners fill many back yards. For Chris Hall, president of RepairClinic.com®, this is the time of year when his company sees an increasing number of questions from consumers who are wondering why their window air conditioning unit isn’t cooling as well as it should.

“In many instances, he says, consumers can rectify the problem themselves, and RepairClinic.com provides free advice,” says Hall. “If the unit needs maintenance or even if it stops working, we can often save consumers a visit from a repair technician.”

Essential maintenance items for air conditioners

Every month, replace or clean the electrostatic filter located in the front grill. Cost: about $20.

The condensing coils on an air conditioner get very dirty, and the dirt tends to accumulate on the inside of the coils, out of sight. Once a year, remove the entire cover of the air conditioner to gain access to the coils, and then clean them by blowing compressed air on them or with a soft bristle brush.

To The aluminum fins on the rear of the unit can get bent and crushed when objects touch them, reducing the overall efficiency of the unit. RepairClinic.com can supply a handy fin-straightening comb.


Three common window air conditioner problems and some DIY fixes

1. Problem: A motor is running but there is no air blowing.
Solution: Every air conditioner is equipped with at least two motors: the compressor and the fan motor. It is possible for the fan motor to be defective and the compressor to be running. If this is the case, the unit will appear to be running and may even sound "normal" but no air is blowing out the front or back of the unit. If, after removing the cover of the unit you discover the fan blade is very stiff and difficult to rotate, the fan motor may need oiling or may need to be replaced.

2. Problem: Water leaks from the front of the unit.
Solution: It is normal for water to collect in the lower area of an air conditioner. If water leaks out the front, it is usually because the unit is tilted forward in the window frame. All air conditioners should be installed so they tilt slightly backwards to allow for proper removal of condensed water that accumulates.

3. Problem: The air smells musty.
Solution: Air conditioners remove moisture from the air. Most of it is evaporated from the unit. However, it is possible for some water to stagnate in the base of the air conditioner. Also, dirt, lint or dust can collect in the water pan at the base of the unit and absorb water, allowing mold and mildew to grow. All this leads to bad smells. Thoroughly clean the water pan each year — ideally whenever the condenser coils are cleaned.

RepairClinic.com provides tools and parts for all brands of washing machines, along with some additional maintenance and cleaning tips. Not sure what a part is called? Detailed, interactive illustrations are available to help identify the right part, as well as RepairClinic.com’s PartDetective.