8 Air Conditioner Problems and How to Fix Them

To work at their best, air conditioners, like any other equipment, require some TLC. And it's the air conditioners that haven't been well-maintained that have the greatest trouble.

You don't have to lose your cool just because your air conditioner isn't working. We enlisted the help of air conditioning experts and Consumer Reports test engineers to identify the most frequent issues with window and central air conditioners. They singled out eight issues that needed to be addressed. You'll also discover our recommendations for the best air conditioners for small, medium, and big rooms.

Here are eight questions to ask to keep your air conditioner running at its best. The No. 1 issue, it turns out, affects both window units and central air conditioning systems, and it's also the easiest to remedy.

Is the filter clogged? A blocked filter, regardless of the sort of air conditioner you have, inhibits airflow, lowering efficiency and limiting the unit's capacity to efficiently chill the air. Make sure you clean the filter in your window or portable air conditioner lately and then check it on a regular basis.

Window AC Checklist

Is it too bright in here? If your air conditioner is located near a window that receives direct sunlight throughout the day, it will have to work more to chill your room. If you have the option, relocate it to a more shady location. If not, keep your shades and drapes drawn during the day to keep the sun out of your home and keep it from heating it up.

Is there any warm air leaking in? Check the seals surrounding your window air conditioner to ensure that neither hot nor cold air is leaking in. If required, re-seal the area around your unit with weather stripping.

Does your window air conditioner vibrate? The buzz of the fan and the sound of the compressor spinning on and off produce a lot of noise in an air conditioner. However, if your device vibrates, it's possible that it was put wrongly. Make sure it's firmly in place in the window, then go through the installation instructions in your owner's handbook to make sure you didn't miss anything.

Is the thermostat set to the proper temperature? You can simply manage the temperature in your house with a smart or programmable thermostat, so it's pleasant while you're home and a little warmer when you're not. Make sure the thermostat isn't in direct sunlight if the temperature appears wrong.

Is the compressor overburdened with plants? To function properly, the outdoor central air compressor requires enough airflow, so leave at least 2 to 3 feet between it and any plants or structures. There should also be a 5-foot clearance between the unit's top and any trees above it.

Do you recall your annual physical examination? A professional HVAC examination can detect any severe issues before they worsen and leave you hot and irritated. The expert will inspect all moving parts as well as the refrigerant and, if required, refresh the system.

Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

When the weather rises, we rely on window air conditioners to keep us cool. Consumer Reports expert John Galeotafiore demonstrates how to maintain a window air conditioner to provide cool, clean air throughout the summer on the "Consumer 101" TV show.