April 19, 2023

DIY window air conditioner repair

A window air conditioner cools the room it's in, so you get relief from the heat without using energy to cool the whole house. If your window AC unit isn't cooling well, don't sweat it. Sears PartsDirect has common symptoms and troubleshooting solutions for any make or model, as well as window air conditioner repair guides that walk you through repairs step by step.

If your window unit flashes an error code on the display, look it up on our error code charts to see what the problem is and how you can fix it. Find answers to common questions, simple tips for maintaining your window air conditioner and more in our articles and videos. To find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your window air conditioner, search for your model number.

window air conditioner

Symptoms for window air conditioners

Choose a symptom to see related window air conditioner repairs.

Main causes: clogged condensate drain, air conditioner not leveled properly, leaky window air seals …

Main causes: bad compressor, lack of refrigerant, bad compressor start relay, electronic control board failure…

Main causes: turning the air conditioner off and the back on too quickly, dirty or restricted condenser coil, compressor…

Main causes: dirty air filter, air conditioner is too small for the room, temperature set too cold, control failure…

Main causes: clogged drain hole, air conditioner not leveled properly…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad electronic control board, wiring failure, bad temperature sensor…

Repair guides for window air conditioners

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your window air conditioner.

How to replace a window air conditioner ambient thermistor

How to replace a window air conditioner ambient thermistor

If your window air conditioner isn’t cooling properly, it might need a new ambient thermistor. You can replace it yourse…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a window air conditioner user interface control board

How to replace a window air conditioner user interface control board

Control buttons or lights on the user interface control board can stop working. This repair guide shows how to replace i…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a window air conditioner condenser fan

How to replace a window air conditioner condenser fan

If the condenser fan blade is broken or the condenser fan motor won’t run, you can replace the broken parts yourself by…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 90 minutes or less
How to replace a window air conditioner electronic control board

How to replace a window air conditioner electronic control board

The electronic control board is the brain of your window air conditioner. Here’s how to replace it.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Articles and videos for window air conditioners

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your window air conditioner.

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…

What are the most common window air conditioner replacement parts?

What are the most common window air conditioner replacement parts?

Learn about the most frequently replaced parts in room and window air conditioners.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

How to tell if a fuse is blown

How to tell if a fuse is blown

Learn how to tell whether a fuse is blown…

Wiring schematic symbols explained video

Wiring schematic symbols explained video

Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.…

Using a wiring schematic to trace a current video

Using a wiring schematic to trace a current video

Find out what’s wrong with your appliance by following a circuit.…

How to read a wiring schematic video

How to read a wiring schematic video

Learn how to decipher symbols so you can buy the right part for your problem.…

Keeping your smart appliances secure from hackers

Keeping your smart appliances secure from hackers

Find out how to protect your smart appliances from malevolent invasions by hackers.…

What to check when your air conditioner won't turn on video

What to check when your air conditioner won't turn on video

Try these easy fixes if your central AC won't start.…

Prep your AC for summer video

Prep your AC for summer video

5 things to do to your central AC before it gets hot.…

How to maintain your HVAC system video

How to maintain your HVAC system video

6 ways to extend the life of your HVAC system.…

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…

How to maintain your window air conditioner

How to maintain your window air conditioner

These simple maintenance tips help your window air conditioner keep its cool.…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…

Window air conditioner myths busted

Window air conditioner myths busted

Let's clear up some misconceptions about room air conditioners.…

How to fix a smelly room air conditioner

How to fix a smelly room air conditioner

Learn how to remove and prevent odors in a window air conditioner.…

Troubleshooting a leaking room air conditioner

Troubleshooting a leaking room air conditioner

Learn why water leaks from a room air conditioners and how to fix it.…

Room air conditioner installation and operation tips

Room air conditioner installation and operation tips

Window air conditioner installation tips.…

How to figure out which room air conditioner you need

How to figure out which room air conditioner you need

Grab your calculator and punch in these numbers to figure out how many BTUs your room AC needs to keep you cool.…

Window air conditioner common questions

Window air conditioner common questions

Browse this list of questions we hear from our Sears PartsDirect customers most frequently, to see if we have the answer…