why is my window air conditioner not cooling

Why is My Window AC Not Cooling? Five quick tips

“The main reason a window air conditioner is not cooling is usually due to a problem with the refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant can be caused by leaks, and can prevent the unit from cooling the air properly.”

Why is My Window AC Not Cooling?

Even though the window air conditioner is convenient and it’s a pretty cheap way to cool a room, If it’s not working right it can be super frustrating and uncomfortable.

And if you don’t know what you’re looking for, it can be pretty scary or at least a bummer thinking you may have to purchase a new one.

But if someone were to give you a few things to look for, that maybe you could even fix yourself, that would probably make a decent article.

So let’s give it a go.

AC not coolingThere are a number of reasons why a window air conditioner may not be cooling effectively.

Here are 5 common causes and solutions to consider if you’re experiencing issues with a Window AC not cooling.

1. Dirty air filter:

 The air filter in your window air conditioner plays a crucial role in keeping the unit running efficiently.

The filter traps dirt, dust, and other particles from circulating through the unit and into the air you breathe.

A dirty filter can restrict airflow and cause the unit to work harder to cool the room.

To rectify this issue, check the filter regularly and replace it or clean it as needed.

2. Low refrigerant levels:

The refrigerant in your air conditioner is responsible for removing heat from the air.

If the refrigerant levels are low, the unit will not be able to cool like it’s supposed to.

Unfortunately when you’re talking about a window air conditioner, if there’s refrigerant leaking out then you most definitely have a problem that you may not be able to fix yourself.

Finding the leak and refilling the unit is something most people will need to call a professional for.

3. Obstructed air flow:

The filter is not the only part of the window AC that can get cluttered and cause the AC not to work right. The unit’s coils and fins need to be kept clear of debris in order for the unit to function properly.

If the coils and fins are dirty, or if the unit is blocked by furniture or other objects, the unit will not be able to Do its job right.

But fortunately, This issue just comes down to cleaning the coils and fins and making sure that the unit is not blocked.

Here’s an article we wrote about homemade coil cleaners made of things you probably already have around the house. Check it out.

4. Malfunctioning thermostat:


A malfunctioning thermostat can prevent your window air conditioner from cooling properly.

If the thermostat is not calibrated correctly or is not working properly, it can cause the unit to cycle on and off too frequently or not turn on at all.

To fix this problem, check the thermostat settings and ensure that it is functioning properly.

This is a issue that can be as easy as switching from on mode to “auto”. Or if the thermostat is not working correctly, you might have to call a guy in.

5. Faulty compressor:


 The compressor is the heart of the air conditioner and is responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the unit.

A faulty compressor can prevent the unit from cooling properly. If the compressor is not working, the unit will not be able to cool the room effectively.

If the compressor isn’t working, depending on the quality of the air conditioner and how much you paid for it in the first place, it may be Time to shop for a new one.

But like I said, if you have spent a lot of money on it, it’s a mechanical issue and it can definitely be fixed by the right person.

In summary,

There are a few reasons why a window air conditioner may not be cooling properly. Some common causes include a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, or a malfunctioning thermostat.

And it’s usually something that can be solved on your own.

A dirty air filter or debris and stuff around the coils, as well as just making sure the settings are right, or all easy things you could do very quickly to get your window air conditioner cooling again.

Hopefully the problem doesn’t turn out to be too substantial.

By understanding the common causes and taking steps to rectify them, you can help ensure that your unit is running efficiently and effectively.

Published by

Dennis Reed

Dennis Reed Owner and Author @ BreatheBetterAir.org