Window AC unit troubles

[scmelik]

Im hoping some of you guys here might be able to assist me. My house does not have central air which is no biggie I am rarely in the house enough to notice, but I do have a window unit in my bedroom. It has worked great for the last 4-5 years but this year I have noticed that when the compressor kicks off it start blowing out hot air which almost negates the cool air it blew out 5 minutes prior. I have cleaned out all of the dust and crud in from (which was pretty bad) but it still does it. What else should I look at to see whats going on?

[dirty underpants]

is there a vent/switch that pulls air in from the outside? sounds to me like it's pulling "fresh" air in to cool, which is from the outside, and when the compressor shuts off but the fan is on it's continuing to pull hot outside air in.

should be a lever/switch for fresh/room air... turn it to room so it cools inside air and keeps from pulling the hot outside air in.

p.s.... i'm the farthest thing from an a/c expert there is.. but i've had this cause a similar problem before.

[scmelik]

Originally Posted by dirty underpants

is there a vent/switch that pulls air in from the outside? sounds to me like it's pulling "fresh" air in to cool, which is from the outside, and when the compressor shuts off but the fan is on it's continuing to pull hot outside air in.

should be a lever/switch for fresh/room air... turn it to room so it cools inside air and keeps from pulling the hot outside air in.

p.s.... i'm the farthest thing from an a/c expert there is.. but i've had this cause a similar problem before.

where would that switch probably be located???

[Seedtree]

Usually that vent push/pull tab is on the side of the vent where the air comes out.

You should also wash out the air filter that is usually behind the grill underneath the vents. That can get amazingly dirty and will reduce the a/c efficiency. Just take it out and run water through it.

[scmelik]

Originally Posted by Seedtree

Usually that vent push/pull tab is on the side of the vent where the air comes out.

You should also wash out the air filter that is usually behind the grill underneath the vents. That can get amazingly dirty and will reduce the a/c efficiency. Just take it out and run water through it.

already did the filter and grill and it made a HUGE difference in the amount of cold air coming out.

[AllenW]

Sounds like Seedtree's suggestion would be it, look on the console for a control that may say Intake, or Circulate or Fresh air..something like that.

Al

[scmelik]

Originally Posted by AllenW

Sounds like Seedtree's suggestion would be it, look on the console for a control that may say Intake, or Circulate or Fresh air..something like that.

Al

ill have to dig into it tomorrow, I looked really quick but I didn't see anything other than the tab to move the direction of the vent.

Most window air failure's are caused by dirty condensor ( the outside coil) Units pull air in through side loovers
and discharge out the back. In order to clean completely the unit will have to be removed from window
outside sheet metal cover removed and washed out untill clear water flows. Use caution to not bend fins or fill motor with water . I usally blow motor out with air and let unit dry out completely before plugging In.
Oil motor if it has oil ports.

[dog2]

also check the thermal coupler ,clean it and make sure it is positioned properly after cleaning.

[REW]

SC ,
I think you should be looking at a new air conditioner.
If your unit is 5 years old, it is not of the most efficent type.
Buy a new one and it will be much more quiet and much more efficient.

Check with your power company, many power companies will give you a nice rebate if you purchase a new more efficient unit.


Good luck
REW