Window air conditioners are a great way to make sure that a room stays nice and cool as you are working or relaxing. It's very frustrating, however, when the air conditioner stops blowing cold air and the temperature in the room begins to make you uncomfortable. Here is a look at what you can do to resolve this problem.

Coolant

One possibility for the unit malfunctioning is that the coolant, or refrigerant, is low. Coolant is the liquid that flows through a window air conditioner and is a key part of the device's ability to produce cold air. Typically, coolant is run through a loop and you should not necessarily have to replace it, but it's possible that the coolant could run low due to leaks.

Replacing coolant is not really a job for the average homeowner. It's a tricky process and coolant is a toxic substance that you don't want to handle if you can help it. If you think your coolant is leaking and needs to be refilled, contact a professional air conditioner repair service to take a look at the unit and refill the coolant if needed.

Cleaning

Another common problem that prevents window units form blowing cold air is an accumulation of dirt and debris on the inside of the unit. This is an issue you can handle yourself if you don't mind getting your hands dirty.

First, take the cover off the unit and remove the air filter. Wash the filter with soap and water and let it dry before putting it back into the ac. Next, clean the evaporator coil fins, which are the accordion-like protrusions sticking out of the evaporator coil, with a vacuum cleaner attachment. Also, clean the condenser coil at the back of the unit by lightly spraying it with water. Making sure that you cover the fan motor with a plastic bag to avoid getting it wet.

Fan Motor

The problem could also be that your air conditioner's fan or fan motor is not working properly. Inspect the fan and ensure that none of the blades are damaged. Test the fan to see if the blades will turn easily. If they do not, then the fan motor may have seized and the component will need to be replaced. This a usually a job for an experienced service person.

Repairing a window ac that is not blowing cold air is often a job for a professional. To learn more, talk to an air conditioning repair contractor in your town.