2,474 posts, read 2,112,362 times Originally Posted by larrytxeast Well additional information is helpful..First to get a window A/C that will last 15-20 years and longer you'd have to go back at least 30 years. No time machines available at this time. If rain is bad enough water can migrate forward up the motor shaft and wash out the bearings. That's if a special washer is missing from the rear shaft of the motor. This could cause it to start screeching. It could seize up or attempt to tighten up. It may need oil. Fan cap could be bad. More likely worn bearings as the shaft being pulled to one side will cause the magnetic hum. Slide the unit out and see if it has oil ports. Aluminum or plastic plug on top both ends of the motor. Unplug unit first of course. OP, maybe this site will help you... My A/C unit won't turn on. 350 posts, read 428,894 times Do It Yourself , How To Change Capacitor On Air Conditioning Unit - YouTube 227 posts, read 285,883 times

Air conditioning units nowadays allow you to switch it from "off" to various levels of "cool" without requiring you to "fan" setting first. Is there any reason to use "fan" setting (such as for example, to increase lifespan)? And why is it normally situated between "off" and "cool"? Is the purpose similar to idling a car, so to speak? This question came from our site for scientific skepticism. Typically the blower motor or fan on a forced air AC or HVAC system only run when the AC is running (this is also referred to as the "auto" mode). Turning the fan to the on position only runs the fan, but not necessarily the AC itself, giving you some air circulation, without the extra power required to run the AC compressor. With a window unit, you also have the option to allow outside air in with the fan, which can cool a warm room if it's cooler outside, without running the AC at all. The fan is also useful for homes where some rooms get especially hot between the AC cycles, so you can constantly run the fan instead of lowering the temperature on the thermostat, but if you do this for extended periods, I'd suspect it actually increases power consumption rather than decreases it.

As for whether you would damage an AC by skipping the fan setting, that would be highly unlikely since the fan automatically turns on when the AC is running. air handling unit featuresWhat you can do to damage an AC is rapidly turn it on and back off, since this can result in a pressure differential in the coolant lines that could prevent the compressor from starting normally, burning out the motor, and it could be in a state where the lubricating oils in the coolant are not at the compressor motor where it's needed (this is also why you don't turn a refrigerator on immediately after it's been tilted from shipping).air conditioners at target stores As for why the fan setting is found between off and cool on some thermostats, this is likely for convenience. home hvac units cost

It's either off, you want fresh air, or you want fresh air and cooling. What you're describing are the modes of a thermostat and not the A/C unit itself. In some A/C's, the thermostat is part of the unit, but with central A/C and a forced air system, typically you have an external thermostat. Some of these are very basic and require you to toggle multiple switches while others are more sophisticated and can automatically toggle between heat/cold, fan modes, etc. You've probably heard of the Nest thermostat which takes this automation to another level. With a central A/C/forced air system, in order for the cold/hot air to circulate, it requires the fan in the furnace to run; this is what the thermostats "fan" setting controls. The compressor unit also has a fan but this will run whenever the compressor is running and is not controlled by the thermostat. Reasons to use just the fan setting include helping to circulate the air for temperature control, or to move more air through an air filter.

Browse other questions tagged air-conditioning fan or ask your own question. For most homes in warm climates, air conditioning uses more electricity than any other use — up to 70 percent of a summer electric bill, according to some estimates. However, there are ways for most people to reduce this load by changing their air conditioning habits. Here are the biggest air conditioning mistakes people make, and how to reduce usage and electric bills.Mistake No. 1: Buying Too Big an Air ConditionerBigger isn’t always better. Many people are inclined to get a bigger air conditioner, assuming it will make the home colder faster. However, an oversized air conditioner won’t generate uniform temperatures or reduce humidity. It will also run inefficiently by cycling on and off quickly. Of course, a unit may also be too small to properly cool the space. To properly size a new air conditioning guide, start with this Consumer Reports worksheet.Mistake No. 2: Putting the Air Conditioner in a Hot SpotIt may seem convenient to put air conditioners in an unused spot on the southwest side of the house.

However, such placement will make the unit work too hard. Instead, install the air conditioner in a shady spot on the east or north side of the house, where it will receive less direct sunlight.Mistake No. 3: Hiding the Air ConditionerThe air conditioner may not be pretty, but neither are excessive summer electric bills. Don’t try to hide air conditioners behind shrubs or other plants. It will hinder ventilation, clog condenser coils and make the air conditioner run less efficiently. Mistake No. 4: Ignoring MaintenanceAir conditioners are deceptively self-sufficient. Many homeowners ignore basic A/C maintenance that can improve efficiency and comfort, and extend the life of the air conditioner.Clean or replace filters at least every two months. If it is used constantly or filters a lot of dust and pet hair, check the filters more often. Also check and clean the evaporator coil once a year. Run a stiff wire through the air conditioner’s drain channels regularly, and check the window seals around room air conditioners each year.

Mistake No. 5: Leaving the Air Conditioner Running All DayUse a programmable thermostat or individual unit timer to start cooling off the house before you get home from work. This is cheaper and more efficient than leaving the air conditioner running all day, despite rumors to the contrary.Mistake No. 6: Blindly Closing Unused VentsOpinions vary on the efficiency of closing vents and doors to unused rooms. In many cases, this can decrease the efficiency of a central air conditioning system. Consult an expert before closing off any parts of the house for the summer. Also be careful about closing off any rooms that may have a thermostat.Mistake No. 7: Turning the Temperature Way DownIf you are comfortable at 78 degrees, don’t come home and turn the thermostat down to 70 degrees. It will not get you to 78 any faster. It will just skip past 78 and waste ever more energy getting to excessively low temperatures.Mistake No. 8: Heating Up the ThermostatMake sure lamps, televisions, stereos or other heat-generators are not close enough to the thermostat to accidentally drive up the temperature reading and overwork the air conditioner.