What's wrong with my air conditioner?

Question

I got it last summer and it worked fine. This summer, however, it only works sometimes...

It's a window unit. When you turn on the AC sometimes it gradually stops blowing... not just cold air, but it stops blowing all together. You can hear the motor in it still humming (louder than usual) but there is no air coming through at all. When this happens I switch it to fan mode only. When changed to fan mode it slowly starts blowing again, until its blowing air at full capacity. I can then switch it back to AC which works again...

I have no idea why this happens. Also, last summer I noticed water built dripping on the outside of the unit (Which is normal, I think) but this year there has been no water what so ever dripping from the unit. Its always bone dry.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Air conditioners do have the nasty habit of freezing in the condenser section, which would cause the events that you notice to occur.  If you have a friend who handles AC units, ask him about it.

Answer 2

Window ACs are hermetically sealed. When these units need refrigerant, it usually means it is time to replace it.

With the motor humming but no fan you are in a dangerous situation of having a fire.

Just replace it. As cheap as window units are today, it is not worth the risk.

tcw

Answer 3

you can take it outside and wash it with simple green and a hose, avoiding any and all wires.  usually when the fan is stuck, it is a motor problem which can cost more than a new air conditioner.  Sometimes kids put things into the back or front of a/c's which can block the fan from working correctly.  If you use it non-stop at the coldest level then you may burn it out before it's time.  1 year old?  should have a warranty as long as you bought it new.

Answer 4

it sounds as if the blower motor is shot, bad bearings. if the unit has a start capacitor for the fan though, you might check that. if it's the blower motor, i'd probably condemn the unit and try a new one.

Answer 5

it sounds like your blower is bad, and you need to have the freon checked.

Answer 6

There are several different reasons,motor bushings might be bad,bad capacitor,wheel rubbing,bad relay,or bad switch.Does the compressor run ?Get inside it and take a peak at it.Just put everything back the same way that you took it apart.Worst comes to worst,you can always buy a new one.