A window air conditioner can be a great way to stay comfortable during a hot St. Louis summer, but like any appliance, it won’t last forever. If your unit isn’t keeping up anymore, the big question is whether it’s worth repairing or time to invest in a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Many window AC problems start with simple issues like dirty filters or damaged curtain panels.
- Signs of trouble in a window unit include poor cooling, unusual noises, ice buildup, water leaks, and rising energy bills.
- DIY maintenance can solve some common issues with window units.
- Outside of small DIY repairs, it’s often more cost-effective to replace than to repair window AC units.
What are the Signs an AC Window Unit Isn’t Working
Window air conditioners usually give you warning signs before they stop working completely. Paying attention to these symptoms may mean you can fix the issue before it worsens.
Common signs your window unit is experiencing issues include:
- Higher utility bills despite using the unit the same way.
- The unit runs but doesn’t blow cold air.
- Little or no airflow coming from the unit.
- Grinding, rattling, buzzing, or squealing noises.
- Musty, burning, or unpleasant odors.
- Ice building up on the unit.
- Condensation pooling around the unit.
Troubleshooting Window AC Problems at Home
Fortunately, a few common window AC problems can be fixed without special tools or professional HVAC experience.
Cleaning Filters
The Problem: One of the most common reasons a window AC struggles? A dirty air filter. When airflow becomes restricted, the system has to work much harder while also delivering warmer air.
The Fix: Most window units have an easily accessible filter behind the front cover. Simply remove the cover and filter, wash the filter (if it’s reusable) or replace it with the correct size (if it’s disposable).
During the heavy cooling season, servicing the filter monthly can help keep your unit running efficiently.
Replacing the Curtain Frame
The Problem: The curtain frame or “accordion” part of your window unit is prone to wear and tear over time. Damage to this part of your unit can mean costly (and uncomfortable) drafts. Plus, they leave plenty of opportunities for bugs and other critters to enter your home.
The Fix: Most homeowners can replace the curtain frames themselves at home:
- Check your unit model.
- Search online for “[Brand Model] replacement curtain frame.”
- Order a replacement.
- Follow the replacement frame’s installation instructions.
You can also add weatherstripping around the window frame to improve home insulation, which may help lower energy bills and reduce costly air leaks.
Repairing vs Replacing a Window AC Unit
At Future Aire, we’ve helped homeowners with heating and cooling solutions since 1984. While we specialize in whole-home HVAC systems, we also help homeowners understand when repairing a window AC unit makes sense and when replacing it is the smarter investment.
It’s Time to DIY Repair a Window AC Unit When…
Future Aire HVAC technicians recommend DIY repairs in the following cases:
- The unit is relatively new
- The unit only needs a single part replaced
- Replacement costs are covered under a manufacturer warranty
It’s Time to Replace a Window AC Unit When…
If an AC window unit needs extensive repairs, it’s often better to replace it than to attempt repairs yourself or hire a professional team.
For other types of AC systems, like mini-split systems, our team might recommend a full replacement in the following situations:
- The AC unit is old
- The AC unit needs several parts replaced
- A full replacement is covered under a warranty
- Repair costs are greater than replacement costs
- Long-term savings on utility bills exceed the upfront investment in a newer, more energy-efficient system
What Factors Affect Window AC Repair Costs?
Repair costs can vary based on factors like:
- Component availability, especially for outdated technology
- Manufacturer warranty coverage
- If replacement of multiple parts is necessary
- Machine age
What are the Average Costs of Repairing vs Replacing Window AC Units in St. Louis?
On average, the cost to replace a standard window AC unit (5000 BTUs) in St. Louis, Missouri, is $X. The average cost to repair such a unit is $X.
4 Ways to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Window AC Unit
There are a few ways you can help your AC unit live longer, including the following actions:
1. Perform regular maintenance
Routine annual maintenance of your HVAC system, coupled with monthly (or quarterly, depending on the unit) filter replacements, means your system works at peak efficiency. That means lower energy bills, increased home comfort, and less strain on the system.
2. Invest in a high-quality unit
You get what you pay for. Higher-quality units from reputable manufacturers are more likely to operate more efficiently and reliably for longer periods of time compared to lower-quality models.
3. Use the AC unit in an energy-efficient manner
How you use your system can impact its lifespan. Plugging the unit directly into a power outlet (not an extension cord), setting the temperature higher in hot weather, and keeping up with AC maintenance can reduce system strain.
4. Invest in a properly sized unit
Make sure your unit only works as hard as it needs to. Invest in a window unit that is the right size for the area you want to cool.
What’s the right size? Good question. Here is how to find the right size of window AC unit for your room:
- Find out the square footage of your room by multiplying the width (in feet) and length (in feet).
- Then, multiply that square footage by 20. Why 20? Because at Future Aire, we recommend 20 BTUs, or British Thermal Units, per square foot of room size.
- The number you get will tell you how many BTUs you need from your window unit. BTUs tell you the cooling capacity of an air conditioning unit.
When Is It Time to Call a Professional for Window AC Concerns?
When you can’t tackle DIY window unit repairs, the most cost-effective choice is to replace the entire unit, not hire a professional to repair it. That’s because costs for replacing a window unit are far below potential costs for professional services.
Choosing the Right HVAC Professionals
While window units are often not worth the trouble of hiring an HVAC professional, there are plenty of other times where it’s absolutely necessary to get professional help. Concerns about gas-powered appliances, HVAC units experiencing refrigerant leaks, or systems with frozen evaporator coils all require professional help to remediate.
But not all HVAC technicians are the same. When you choose to hire someone for HVAC replacements or repairs, consider a company that is:
- Local. Different areas have different climates, which can impact how a system runs. A local company will know your specific area’s weather patterns and commonly installed HVAC systems, giving them the necessary knowledge for appropriate repairs.
- Experienced. When the comfort of your home is on the line, you want someone who knows what they’re doing. A company with decades of experience is better situated to diagnose and fix your HVAC troubles quickly.
- Licensed. Licensed, bonded, and insured HVAC technicians mean you have added reassurance that your home is in good hands and can stay in line with manufacturer warranties.
- Reliable. When you’re sweating in the hot St. Louis summer or freezing in the winter months, you don’t want HVAC technicians who don’t show up when they say they will or who give you an 8-hour-long time window. Your comfort and time are more valuable than that. Choose a company that gives you an exact time window and shows up when they say they will.
Looking for an experienced, licensed, and reliable HVAC company in and around St. Louis, Missouri? Turn to Future Aire, your hometown heating and cooling specialist since 1984. We show up prepared and on time, every single time so that you can get back to a comfortable home as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
When a window AC unit develops minor issues, simple DIY maintenance like cleaning filters or replacing worn curtain panels can often get it back up and running. But once simple repairs no longer work, replacing the entire unit is usually the more money-savvy choice.
If you’re dealing with larger HVAC concerns, or you’re considering upgrading from window units to a whole-home comfort system, Future Aire is here to help. Since 1984, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout the St. Louis area find dependable heating and cooling solutions that fit their homes and budgets.
FAQs
What’s the average lifespan of a window AC unit?
10 to 15 years is the industry standard for how long a window AC unit lasts. Of course, specific brands, models, upkeep, and how you use the unit can impact lifespan.
Is it worth fixing a window AC unit?
It may be worth it to fix an AC unit if it is newer and needs simple repairs, like cleaning the air filters or replacing the accordion curtains. However, it may be time to invest in an AC upgrade if your current window unit is old and not easily repaired.
