Most window air conditioner failures start in spring when a unit is pulled out of storage or switched on after months of sitting. A twenty-minute check before the first hot week catches most of them.
Before You Turn It On
- Unplug the unit and slide the chassis out of the sleeve if you can lift it safely. Ask for help; they are heavy.
- Wash the filter in warm soapy water and let it dry fully.
- Look at the coils with a flashlight. If dust has matted on them, use a soft brush and a vacuum with a brush attachment. Do not bend the thin fins.
- Clear the drain hole in the base pan with a pipe cleaner.
- Inspect the power cord for cracks or scorch marks. A damaged cord means stop and do not use the unit.
Sealing and Placement
Gaps around the window let warm humid air in, so check the foam strips and side panels. Keep the back of the unit clear of shrubs and the outside of the sleeve free of debris. The unit should tilt slightly outward, as noted in the manual for your model.
Run It Before You Need It
Turn the unit on for an hour in cool mode on a mild day. Listen for a fan that rubs or a compressor that cycles on and off every few minutes. Feel the air from the vents: it should be noticeably cooler than the room. Water should drain outside, not drip inside.
Older Units
An air conditioner that has run through many Houston summers may have a tired fan motor or capacitor, and the coil can corrode over time. We repair older units when the compressor is sound. When the repair costs close to a replacement, we tell you honestly.
Room units that are plug-in or portable are what we handle; ducted systems need a licensed HVAC contractor. Use the phone or the online form to ask for a visit. We confirm a three-hour window for the visit when we book. Learn more on our room air conditioner page.