How To Fix a Portable Air Conditioner That’s Not Cooling Enough
- Troubleshooting Problems is the First Step. A portable air conditioner not blowing cold air can be due to a lot of factors. ...
- Other Solutions to Consider. ...
- Check the Condensate Tank. ...
- Repairing the Drainage Line. ...
- Troubleshooting the Blower Fan. ...
- Repairing Frozen Coils. ...
Full Answer
How to fix your portable air conditioner?
How to Fix Your Portable Air Conditioner. Run a dehumidifier in the room. Clean the AC’s filter. Clean the drain tank and hose. LG portable air conditioner keeps filling with water. When your portable AC starts to fill with water quickly, it is a sign that something is faulty and needs to be fixed.
How do you clean a portable air conditioner?
Prepare your portable air conditioner for cleaning
- Unplug your portable AC unit and place it on a solid surface. There's a chance that water could leak, so don't clean your appliance on expensive flooring.
- Gather your tools. You'll need a screwdriver, a damp cleaning cloth, a bucket or shallow pan, and a clean air filter (if you're due for a filter change).
- Disassemble your air conditioner. ...
Are portable air conditioners worth the cost?
Each portable air conditioner in this guide can be easily moved from room to room to keep you cool wherever you go, and of course, they all cost far less than renovating your home’s central air. If you live in one of the many places in the US where the number of warm days doesn’t justify the cost of central A/C, a portable air conditioner is an excellent fill-in.
How to maintain a portable air conditioner?
- Drain the AC unit of any moisture that has collected inside.
- Put the unit in “fan only” mode on high speed for a few hours to ensure everything inside is completely dry.
- Use plastic sheeting to cover the unit, which will protect it from dust and other debris.
- Store your portable air conditioner in a cool, dry place.
Can a portable air conditioner be repaired?
As you will see below, most of the common problems that you will face with a portable air conditioner can be fixed relatively quickly and easily. However, there will come a time when your device has reached the end of its life or costs too much money to have repaired by a professional.
Why is my portable air conditioner not working?
If your portable AC won't start, the most likely explanation is lack of power. Start by making sure the power cord is correctly plugged in and that the cord itself isn't damaged. Check the wall plug and circuit breaker as well. Try resetting the circuit at the breaker box, or changing the socket or outlet.
Why does my portable AC stop blowing cold air?
Typically, the issue of portable air conditioner not blowing cold may be caused by problems such as a clogged filter, incorrect temperature setting, fan hiccups, etc.
How do I reset my portable air conditioner?
How do you reset your AC unit?Turn off your air conditioning system using the thermostat. ... Search for the breaker box. ... Shut off your AC unit at the breaker. ... Wait at least a full minute before switching the breaker back to the “on” position.Wait for 30 minutes before turning your unit back on at the thermostat.More items...•
How long does a portable air conditioner last?
5 to 10 yearsPortable air conditioners last from 5 to 10 years. Portable AC units can be moved from room to room and can generate anywhere from 8,000 BTU to 15,000 BTU of cooling output.
How much does it cost to repair a portable air conditioner?
between $75 to $150Repairing portable AC may involve draining the water, changing the filter, cleaning the exterior, or checking other parts for repair needs. The repair costs for portable AC ranges between $75 to $150.
How do I know if my portable air conditioner needs Freon?
How to Know If Your AC Needs FreonThe AC runs constantly without cooling the house.The air from your vents isn't cold.You have abnormally high energy bills (because the system runs continuously.There's ice on the refrigerant lines.Bubbling or hissing sounds happen when the AC isn't running.
Do you have to put Freon in a portable air conditioner?
Portable air conditioners do not need regassing. Usually, air conditioner units are completely sealed; hence no gas leaves the unit. If it needs regassing, there is a clear indication of a leak. In that case, a professional should repair it.
How do you clean the coils on a portable air conditioner?
To clean your portable air conditioner coils, take a damp cloth or soft-bristled brush and gently sweep away anything that's built up. If you'd like, you can buy special coil cleaning solutions at your local hardware store to keep them extra clean.
Where is the reset button on a portable air conditioner?
0:542:41Reboot Air Conditioner - Reset Power to your A/C - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInside of the switchboard there should be a circuit breaker labeled AC. This is also an acceptableMoreInside of the switchboard there should be a circuit breaker labeled AC. This is also an acceptable way of rebooting or isolating the power to your unit.
How do I know if my portable AC compressor is bad?
5 Signs & Symptoms of a Bad AC CompressorYour AC Is Making Growling, Screeching, or Clattering Noises. Electrical failures in the compressor will make your AC emit unusual clunking or rattling noises. ... You Have a Hard Time Getting Your AC to Start. ... Your AC Stops Blowing Cold Air. ... Circuit Breaker Problems. ... Diminished Airflow.
Do portable air conditioners have reset button?
Check the air conditioner electrical plug. There should be a test and reset button for a built-in breaker: press the “test” button to trip the breaker, then push firmly on the reset button and try to turn the air conditioner on again.
Do portable air conditioners need to be recharged?
Portable air conditioners do not need regassing. Usually, air conditioner units are completely sealed; hence no gas leaves the unit. If it needs regassing, there is a clear indication of a leak. In that case, a professional should repair it.
How do you clean a portable air conditioner filter?
0:452:02How to Clean Your Air Conditioner Filter | eReplacementParts.comYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome portable units may also have a second smaller filter located on the back of the unit. Make sureMoreSome portable units may also have a second smaller filter located on the back of the unit. Make sure to clean and replace this as well during maintenance. Thank. You so much for watching. Leave.
What to do if you bought a unit that isn't large enough to cool the room?
If you have mistakenly bought a unit that isn’t large enough to adequately cool the room, get it exchanged for the right size as soon as possible. The ambient temperature of the room you’re trying to cool may be too high. You need to ensure that hot air isn’t coming in to the room through other ways.
Why does my air conditioner smell?
This can occur when your air conditioner retains water, making it the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Is a portable air conditioner big enough?
It could be that your portable air conditioner is simply not big enough for the room you’re trying to cool with it. The dimensions of the room need to be considered before you decide on the portable air conditioner model to purchase.
Is central air conditioning expensive?
Central air conditioning can be a fairly expensive investment, so most people go for alternative options to keep them cool. One of the most common cooling systems that many people purchase to endure the heat is a portable air conditioning system. The good news is that if you buy a quiet portable air conditioner, ...
Can a portable air conditioner be frosty?
It may be possible that your portable air conditioner has experienced some issues with water drainage resulting in the build up of frost within the unit. This can limit air flow considerably. To deal with any frost, remove the filter of your air conditioner and leave it out to defrost.
Why is my portable AC not cooling?
The exhaust hose needs to be able to vent hot air to the outside of your home in order for your portable AC to work. If your exhaust hose is leaking hot air or is not blowing outside then the heat that your AC is removing is going right back into your room.
What happens if you have a dirty air filter in your portable air conditioner?
Dirty air filter in portable air conditioner. A dirty air filter in your portable air conditioner will impede the airflow coming from your AC. Cleaning the air filter regularly will ensure that your air conditioner is getting adequate airflow. To clean the air filter:
Why is my evaporator coil freezing?
Check if the air filter is dirty. A dirty air filter will impede airflow and cause the evaporator coil to get colder than normal. This will lead the evaporator coil freezing over.
What is the dirty part of an air conditioner?
The filter isn’t the only thing that can get dirty inside your air conditioner. The evaporator coil is another part that can get dirty as well.
What is the purpose of condensate tank in AC?
Condensate tank is full. Air conditioners have a secondary purpose– to remove moisture from the air. Cool air isnʻt able to hold as much moisture as warm air, so water comes out of the air as it cools down. Water condensate collects in a tank as the air is cooled in your portable AC.
Why won't my portable AC stop running?
Even if your room gets cold, the AC keeps going and going. In this instance, it is almost always due to an issue with the control board or a sensor.
What is the mode button on a portable AC?
Most portable air conditioners have three settings: “Cool”, “Dry”, and “Fan”. Ensure that your AC is set to “Cool” mode and see if it starts blowing cold. The “Mode” button on this portable AC is used to cycle between “Cool”, “Dry”, and “Fan” modes.
How to fix portable AC unit that is not cooling?
How can you repair your portable AC unit when it’s not cooling? The first step is to clean or replace the air filter. Many times, air filters can become quite dirty and even block cool air from flowing smoothly. Air filters for portable units are easy to clean. However, if the air filter is torn or old, it would be better to replace it altogether.
Why is my portable AC not cooling?
The portable AC unit needs to vent hot air properly to cool your room. If your unit isn’t cooling, the cause can be a faulty exhaust hose. Your exhaust line could have a leak somewhere that is just returning the hot air back into your room. You can check this problem by going outside and checking the vent to make sure hot air is blowing.
Why is my portable air conditioner not blowing cold air?
A portable air conditioner not blowing cold air can also indicate an issue with the drainage line. Although most portable units will have a tank or a condensate pan, some could also have a drainage pipe.
Why won't my AC cool down?
Check the Condensate Tank. Another problem that can cause your air conditioner not to cool is a clog in the drainage line. Every AC unit needs a drainage line to drain condensate buildup. You could also have a condensate tank if you have a portable AC unit.
Why does my AC stop cooling?
If your line has a clog or is not draining properly, your AC could stop cooling. You may even start getting frozen coils within the system. The best way to fix this is to shut off your portable AC unit to find the drainage line.
What causes a coil to freeze?
Frozen coils can be the results of a few things. One of the first things to check is the air filter. A dirty air filter could be blocking airflow , which could cause a frozen coil and impede the cold air from flowing. The coil itself could also be dirty or even have rust within the coil system.
How to check if exhaust hose is leaking?
You can check this problem by going outside and checking the vent to make sure hot air is blowing. If you can’t find a leak, you could also have an obstruction somewhere in the exhaust hose. This could be in the form of dust and debris that could’ve collected with time. You can blow out the debris with some sort of vacuum or by using compressed air. This will create enough air pressure to clear out any type of blockage.
How long does it take to fix an AC unit?
When central air conditioning service fails during a heat spell, you may have to wait days for an HVAC repair technician or an ac contractor to show up, and you’ll probably pay at least several hundred for the repair. But if you’re comfortable working around electricity and are willing to spend about $50 on parts, you can probably repair your air conditioning service yourself in about two hours and save about $225 on parts markup and labor.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling the House?
Set your thermostat to AC mode and lower the temperature setting. If the furnace fan kicks in, the problem isn’t in the furnace. If the fan doesn’t run, try resetting the furnace circuit breaker. If the fan still won’t start, call a pro — the fixes shown here won’t work.
What is the AC unit in a home?
Central home air conditioner service systems consist of two major components: a condensing unit that sits outside your house, and the evaporator coil (often referred to as an A-coil) that sits in the plenum of your furnace or air handler. The refrigerant in the A-coil picks up the heat from your home and moves it to the outdoor condensing unit. The condensing unit fan blows outside air through the condensing coil to remove the heat. The condensing unit houses the three parts replaceable by a DIYer: the AC contactor, the start/run capacitor (s) and the condenser fan motor. The condensing unit also houses the compressor, but only a pro can replace that. The A-coil has no parts that can be serviced by a DIYer.
How to disconnect a condensing unit?
Open the electrical box next to the condensing unit and pull the disconnect block straight out.
What to do if compressor doesn't start?
If the compressor starts but the fan doesn't, the fan motor is most likely shot. Shut off the power and remove the screws around the condenser cover. Lift the cover and remove the fan blade and motor. Reinstall the blade and secure the cover. Then repower the unit and see if the fan starts.
How to remove crud buildup under a condenser?
Aim your garden nozzle upward into the top of the condenser coil to remove the crud buildup under the lid.
What does a blown fuse on a condensing unit mean?
Many disconnect blocks contain two cartridge fuses. Check them before you proceed with repairs. A blown fuse is a sign of a failing part inside the condensing unit. So don't just replace it and think you've solved the problem. Instead, replace the parts, install new fuses, and fire up the unit. If it blows again, call a pro—you've got more serious issues.
How to fix a portable air conditioner that is not working?
A few quick fixes for this problem are straightening the hose, removing any blockages, and positioning the portable air conditioner further away from the window.
What is wrong with my portable air conditioner?
If there is no problem in any of those components then there is something wrong with the portable air conditioner, which can be as simple as a blown internal fuse.
Why won't my portable AC cool my room?
The most common cause of a portable air conditioner not cooling a room is lack of airflow. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, there may not be enough air flowing over the evaporator coils and the coils can become too cold and frost over. This restricts airflow and a portable AC won’t cool the room.
What causes a portable AC unit to not flow?
An overheated compressor may also lead to a lack of airflow. Inspect the window section of the portable AC unit and the hose to see if there is adequate ventilation.
Why does my portable air conditioner shut down?
A portable air conditioner may suddenly shut down if a timer was active. Restart it again and see if it stops again without the timer being active.
How to diagnose portable AC not cooling?
Similar to the last problem mentioned, to diagnose the problem of the portable AC not cooling enough, first check the filter and see if it is clogged or dirty. If it is, clean it.
Why is my AC compressor not turning on?
Another reason the AC compressor is not turning on the portable AC unit is because it doesn’t need to run at that moment. The compress in a portable air conditioner cycles on and off as necessary to cool the room. Once the set temperature is met, the compressor will turn off and not come back on until the unit senses that the room air has raised in temperature.
Common Reasons Why The Portable AC Is Not Cooling (Possible Causes)
Many reasons can cause your portable AC not to produce the required cooling. A portable air conditioner not blowing cold may occur due to a lack of airflow or less available power.
How Do I Reset My Portable Air Conditioner?
Most portable air conditioners have a reset button on their control panel. You can find where it lies on your AC unit’s manual.
Troubleshooting Popular Portable AC Brands
Popular portable AC brands have their characteristic issues that may require your care. Here is a short discourse on different portable air conditioners:
Conclusion
If a portable air conditioner is not cooling, the problem can occur due to clogged filters, loss of power, or leaked refrigerant. Moreover, you can also resolve many issues by resetting your portable AC to its default settings.
How to fix a portable air conditioner that won't vent?
This is a very common portable air conditioner issue. Similar to the last problem and its solution, check the filter to see if it’s dirty or clogged. If it is, clean it. Then look for any air intake blockages and remove them. Check the exhaust hose to see if there is any obstruction in there. An overly long exhaust hose could also be an issue. If it’s too long, then it will not vent hot air efficiently. Ensure that the exhaust hose is as short as possible.
What is wrong with my portable AC unit?
If there are no problems with any of these components mentioned, then something is wrong with your portable AC unit, which can be as simple as a blown internal fuse. In this case, you’d want to contact an air conditioner specialist.
Why is my portable AC not working?
The Portable Air Conditioner Is Not Starting. This could be caused by a lack of power going to the AC. You should check the air conditioner’s specific power outlet. Check if there is power in the socket, check the AC’s power cord to see if it’s damaged, and check the circuit breaker to see if it’s functioning well.
Why does my AC shut down?
If your AC’s timer is active, the unit might suddenly shut down. Deactivate the timer and try restarting your AC unit again and see if it stops again. Many portable AC units’ versions shut down when the user’s temperature choice is achieved and the room is cooler than the outside or ambient temperature.
Why is my AC not working?
This could be caused by a lack of power going to the AC. You should check the air conditioner’s specific power outlet. Check if there is power in the socket, check the AC’s power cord to see if it’s damaged, and check the circuit breaker to see if it’s functioning well. You can try another outlet to see if the unit will start.
When does a thermostat work again?
When the room temperature rises too or is higher than the outside or ambient temperature, the system will work again.
