Easy Fixes for Air Conditioners

A faulty air conditioner can leave you sweating. Big problems should be left to professionals, but there are a few tricks you can do to keep your air conditioner running.

Unblock the drain and clean the filters

If the air conditioner shows no signs of life, check that its thermostat is set to "Cool" and that it hasn't blown its fuse or tripped its circuit breaker. You'll need to call a repair service if this doesn't work — one of the fans may have blown.

• If the air conditioner is functioning poorly and is dripping water onto the floor, its drain pan may be overflowing due to a blockage in the drain pipe. This pipe usually protrudes outside the building or into a nearby floor drain. Try unblocking the pipe by prodding a length of stiff wire into its opening or attach a garden hose to the open end of the pipe and blast a pulse of water into the pipe to clear any buildup.
• Clogged filters block airflow through the air conditioner and will significantly reduce its efficiency. Disconnect the machine from its power supply, unscrew the grill facing into the room and take out the filters. Some models require filters to be replaced (consult your user's manual), but others can be cleaned in warm soapy water. Allow them to dry completely before replacing them. You should clean or renew filters every two months in the summer. With the filters removed, use your vacuum cleaner's brush attachment to clear any dust off the evaporator coils.
• Check the outdoor side of the air conditioner. Using a soft brush, clean leaves or other debris from the fins on the condenser coils and trim back any foliage to improve airflow around the machine.
• When your air conditioner is on, be sure to close your home's windows and outside doors.

If your air conditioner is still not cooling the room, the system probably needs to be recharged with refrigerant — you'll need a professional to carry out this work and to check the unit for refrigerant leaks.

Disinfect the drain tray

A bad smell from an air conditioner suggests that water is collecting within and becoming stagnant. This can become a breeding ground for bacteria, so it is more than just an inconvenience.

• Unplug the air conditioner and, following the instructions in your user's manual, remove the cover. Inside, you'll see a metal drip tray — its job is to catch any condensation that forms within the machine. Thoroughly sponge over the surface of this tray with household disinfectant.
• Clean or replace the filters.

Keep your air conditioner in the shade — it'll work more efficiently.