Insignia
Insufficient Cooling / Poor Performance
Air conditioner runs but does not cool the room effectively; air from the front is only slightly cool or just room temperature.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Dirty evaporator or condenser coils, Clogged air filter, Low refrigerant charge in sealed system, Failing compressor or stuck expansion device
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the unit before cleaning or opening panels.
Steps to improve cooling:
- 1. Verify mode and settings: Ensure the unit is in COOL mode, temperature is set at least 5°F (3°C) below room temperature, and fan speed is on MED or HIGH.
- 2. Clean the air filter: Remove, wash, and dry the filter. A clogged filter is the most common cause of poor cooling.
- 3. Clean evaporator coil: Remove the front cover and gently brush or vacuum dust from the indoor coil. Use a no-rinse coil cleaner if heavily soiled.
- 4. Clean condenser coil: For window units, remove the outer shell and clean the rear coil thoroughly. For portable units, clean the rear intake screens and any accessible coil surfaces.
- 5. Check room conditions: Close doors and windows, block direct sunlight with curtains, and reduce heat sources (ovens, lamps) in the room.
- 6. Evaluate refrigerant system: If coils and filters are clean and airflow is strong but cooling is still weak (especially if the compressor runs continuously), the sealed system may be low on refrigerant or the compressor may be failing. This requires a licensed HVAC technician; do not attempt to open the sealed system yourself.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Evaporator Coil
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