Frigidaire air conditioners are known to be cost-effective yet reliable units that come in various models from inverter types, to standard air conditioners. This brand is one of the quality providers for air conditioning units at a mid-tier pricing, making them accessible to all types of homes.
7 Common Problems of Frigidaire AC Units and How to Solve Them
1. Air Conditioner Won't Turn On
First thing's first: check the power source of your Frigidaire window air conditioner. A window air conditioner is typically connected to the same power outlet at all times, which can cause circuit breakers to trip. Power outages are the most common reasons for an AC that won't turn on, but other factors may also contribute.
Possible Causes:
- Blocked or clogged filter
- Issues with compressor
- Issues with condenser coil
- Low refrigerant levels
- Power outage
- Unplugged power cord
- Tripped circuits
- Blown fuse
Quick Fix: For a Frigidaire window air conditioner, check the breaker box for tripped circuits connected to your unit. For portable units, try to plug the unit to a different outlet to see if the power source is the problem. Clean the filter to see if that solves the issue.
When it's Time to Call the Professionals: If the issue is not with the power source or a dirty filter, but with the unit itself, have a professional pinpoint exactly where the problem lies.
2. Air Conditioner Isn't Cooling
When the AC isn't blowing cold air into the room, it is difficult to pinpoint the problem. Anything from a dirty filter to a malfunctioning condenser coil can cause the entire unit to be faulty, and provide warm air instead of cool air. Your AC unit may be too small for your room too.
You can also check if you've set the temperature too high, or if the temperature outdoors is too hot for your window air conditioning unit to properly cool the room. Your room may have multiple openings for the cool air to escape, and so forth.
Possible Causes:
- Faulty thermistor
- High temperature setting
- Blocked condenser coil
- Dirty air filter
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Refrigerant leak
- Low horsepower.
Quick Fix: Check if the thermostat and the unit are connected, and lower the temperature to see if that fixes the problem. Clean the air filter with soap and running water, and see if that fixes the problem. Let the unit thaw if frozen, and close all windows and doors to keep the cold in. Replace air filter if necessary.
When it's Time to Call the Professionals: Call the professionals if you have tried the quick fixes but the AC still won't cool. The problem may lie in the internal components, and it would be best to have a technician open up the unit and check each individual part.
3. Compressor Won't Run
Some air conditioners may have problems with the compressor, and unfortunately, Frigidaire models commonly have this issue. Your unit may run its fan, but the compressor won't jumpstart, or the entire unit may not be working at all. You will need to look for signs of a dirty filter, tripped circuit, or a faulty thermostat.
Possible Causes:
- Blown fuses
- Tripped breakers
- Filthy coils and filters
- Low refrigerant levels
- Broken thermostat
- Disconnection between the control board and the unit
- Capacitor issues
- Dead compressor.
Quick Fix: Clean the filters and condenser coils. Check the breaker box for blown fuses, and top up the refrigerant when possible. Try turning on the AC unit manually instead of using the control board.
When it's Time to Call the Professionals: Call a professional technician if none of the quick fixes solves your problem. The issue is most likely with the capacitor or the compressor, which will need to be fixed or replaced to get the unit running smoothly again.
4. AC Fan is Not Spinning
There could be many reasons why the AC fan is not spinning. Issues with the fan motor, broken blades, and power outages are just to name a few. While Frigidaire air conditioners are generally durable, they can still have bent fan blade problems or motor issues over time.
Possible Causes:
- Bent fins or fan blades
- Faulty motor
- Jammed fan axle
- Faulty capacitor
Quick Fix: Carefully open up the unit, and remove any debris surrounding the fan blades and axle. You can use a can of compressed air to do so without opening up the unit. Fix bent blades back to their original position.
When it's Time to Call the Professionals: If the fan still won't run even after cleaning the unit, you may need to call for a technician to diagnose the problem, and repair it.
5. Air Conditioner is Noisy
This may be a common problem with the Frigidaire window air conditioner when debris from outside can get into the unit. However, even the portable Frigidaire air conditioner may make a rattling or whirring noise based on a number of reasons. A noisy air conditioner usually means something is moving around the unit.
Sometimes, the noise comes from debris that has gotten into the internal mechanisms. A rattling noise definitely means something is moving around inside. The noise may also be coming from the parts of the air conditioner, which may have bent or broken off.
Possible Causes:
- Debris
- Broken parts
- Loose parts
- Refrigerant leak
- Faulty compressor
Quick Fix: Turn off the unit and remove the visible debris to see if that makes the unit quieter. Take your portable air conditioner inside when not in use to prevent dust buildup.
When it's Time to Call the Professionals: Call an HVAC technician for faulty parts, or if the noise is accompanied by a burnt smell.
6. Remote Control or Control Panel Not Working
Your Frigidaire air conditioner may have come with a remote control or a control panel that makes it easy to operate your window air conditioner anywhere. When the air conditioner works, but the remote controls don't, the issue is most likely with the batteries.
Possible Causes:
- Low batteries
- Remote and unit not connecting properly
- Remote used beyond the area of the air conditioner.
Quick Fix: Change the batteries of your controller or remote.
When it's Time to Call the Professionals: If your remote control is damaged (such as after a fall or submerged in water), or if the control panel repeatedly disconnects from the unit even after changing the batteries, call a professional to repair the system.
7. Air Conditioner Has a Smell
Does your AC smell like burning tires, skunk spray, rotten eggs, wet socks, vinegar, or cigarette smoke? These smells may have been picked up from external sources, but they may also indicate a pressing issue going on in your unit. For instance, that rotten egg smell may actually indicate a gas leak.
Determine where the smell is coming from by shutting down your unit. If the smell dissipates even after turning your AC back on, then it is probably from external sources. If the smell persists, then you may need to check your air conditioner.
Possible Causes:
- Burning smell - overheating parts
- Skunk smell/rotten egg smell - gas leak or decaying animal matter
- Wet sock smell - clogged pipes
- Cigarette smoke - someone smoking around the house.
Quick Fix: Shut down the unit immediately, especially for burnt smells. Identify the smell, and check for a gas leak. Avoid smoking indoors where the air conditioner can pick up the smell. Remove any debris or stagnant water you can find in your unit.
When it's Time to Call the Professionals: Call a professional to handle burning smells, as they will need to check for overworked parts. Have them clean your air conditioner to remove lingering odors.
How to Reset A Frigidaire Air Conditioner
Sometimes, the best fix is to reset Frigidaire air conditioner systems to solve any malfunction in your unit, especially those pertaining to faulty connections. This is a 3-step method that Frigidaire made simple so their users can easily solve problems at home before going for expensive repairs.
Step 1: Check for the Reset Button
Keep your operating manual on hand for cases like this. The manual should show you exactly where the reset button is. Most modern Frigidaire air conditioners have the reset button conveniently located near the power switch.
Step 2: Shut Down the Unit and Unplug
Shut down the unit and unplug the whole air conditioner from its power socket. Wait at least 15 seconds before plugging it back in. Best to leave it unplugged for longer, not exceeding 1 minute.
Step 3: Reset Frigidaire air conditioner
Simply press and hold down the reset button for 3-5 seconds. Release the button, and turn on your unit to check if this solved the issue. Refer to your operating manual to know exactly how to reset your specific unit.
Bonus Step: Resetting the Breaker
Alternatively, you may try to reset your unit through the circuit breaker. Simply flip the switch that connects to your Frigidaire window AC, and flip it back to its original position to reset. Check your air conditioner if this method works.
How to Maintain Frigidaire Air Conditioner Units
Frigidaire ACs were meant to last for years with proper care and usage. While we can't avoid accidents and issues, we can minimize the likelihood of them happening with good maintenance of the unit.
- Avoid turning the unit on and off in short intervals.
- Do not overcrowd the same breaker connected to your unit.
- Have your unit deep cleaned twice a year.
- Check refrigerant levels every time the unit is serviced.
- Clean the filter once every two weeks.
- Avoid overloading the appliance with non-stop usage.
- Clean the outdoor unit as well as the indoor unit.
- Cover the air conditioner when not in use to prevent debris from accumulating.
Find the Right Professionals
Even with proper maintenance, your unit will require a checkup from experienced technicians every now and then. Trust Luce for all your air conditioner needs — from purchasing your unit, to installing and general servicing.
Check out our article on Frigidaire window aircon troubleshooting.
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