After a substantial period of use, window air conditioners may stop emitting cool air due to different reasons. Leakage on the closed-loop system is usually the primary cause of it. It may be because of decreasing or escaping air refrigerant. The refrigerant is the substance that cools down warm air, and it needs to be fully charged so your AC could efficiently function. Keep reading to know how to recharge a window air conditioner.
Recharging Your Window AC
Unplug the AC. There is a need to unplug the AC from the socket first, for you to work safely and avoid electrical injuries. It allows you to open the unit safely, inspect the AC’s interior parts freely, and give you more visibility inside to work. Wear all necessary protective equipment that would ensure your safety throughout the process. Wear hand gloves and protective goggles. This step is a precautionary measure to keep ourselves from being harmed.
Disassemble the AC unit. It is safer to go through your unit’s manual before performing anything to determine the proper method. Most AC requires to slide the unit’s front ends before seeing the internal surface; however, some also need you to use screwdrivers to unscrew and open the window AC unit.
Check for leaks. Repairing leakage is an essential thing to do in learning how to recharge a window air conditioner. Several methods are done in checking for leaks inside the unit that includes repairing leaks if there’s any. You can use a soap solution by mixing it with water to lubricate the refrigerant transmission gear such as the valves, hoses pipe, etc. After the lubrication of the transmission gears, plug the unit into the socket. When you see bubble formations, it will lead you to find where the leaks are. Another method to find out leaks is the use of a leak detector. From its direct draft, cover its outdoor part then turn on the AC system. Turn on the leak detector; its probe needs to pass near the AC’s outdoor unit. Audio and visual signals are given by the leak detector if there are any leaks inside the unit. After finding the location of the leak, check if the leak is progressing slowly or aggressively. Assuming that it has a slow leak, boosting the system is enough to compensate for the leakage without a manual fix. If the leak progresses fast, soldering the leakage area is necessary to repair it.
Attach the valves to the compressor. You need to look for the compressor’s location and the two lines that come with it, with your unit’s manual’s help. The service valve in the kit should be attached from the compressor line. The remaining line from the compressor is then connected to the tap valve.
Affixing valves to the freon kit. Utilizing the diagram that comes with the kit, showing the connection between the two valves such as the service and tap and the freon tank, you should be able to make the connection with the freon tank and the two valves.
Recharge the AC. After attaching the valves to the freon tank, check for the last time for any leakages from the unit. Then power your window AC, turning it up to its maximum power setting. The connection made by two valves allows the refrigerant to flow from inside the unit from the tank.
Know the amount of freon needed for your unit using the manual. After the gauge of the freon has reached its limit, turn off the AC. Unplug the unit and detach the valves connected, and turn it on again. Provided that all of the steps are done, you can now close back your AC. Screw it tightly when needed. It should able to restore the full function of your air condition system.
In any case that you are not sure of what you are doing, you can always call for professional help; an expert technician can help you out on how to recharge a window air conditioner. It will be for extra safety and convenience.
Aircon Maintenance Tips
Aside from knowing how to recharge a window air conditioner, here are some of the aircon maintenance tips that you may consider so your AC will be working more efficiently.
- Clean the air filters. There is a need to regularly clean your AC’s air filters of your AC, at least once a month. Filters are subject to dusty conditions, especially if you have pets in the house. A dirty or damaged filter slows down the performance of your AC.
- Remove debris from the exteriors. Leaves, dirt, and grass clippings are the common things that build up outside your AC and reduces its airflow capacity. You need to remove such items for more efficient use of your AC and minimize the risk for future unit damage.
- Clean the AC coils. Your AC has an evaporator and condenser coils that inevitably dirt over time. A dirty coil will reduce airflow and insulate the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. In some cases, outdoor condenser coils may also become very dirty, depending on the outdoor environment. It is recommended for you to have an annual maintenance visit to ensure your AC works well all the time. Here’s how to learn more about appliance maintenance.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance of your air conditioner will go a long way. When you notice that your unit seems to be not performing well, there might be a problem, and it might need recharging. As long as you know how to recharge a window air conditioner, there’s no need to stress out. Remember that a well-maintained AC increases your unit’s lifespan and prevent costly repairs in the future.