Unit Will Not Cool

• If the air conditioner turns on but does not cool down the room, it may need to be cleaned. Check the condenser on the outside of the unit to make sure it is not blocked by leaves or other debris. Turn off the air conditioner's power before opening up the unit. Look for a disconnect panel or power shut-off switch near the compressor. If you do not see this, you will have to turn off the breaker switch at the home's main electrical panel. Remove the grill covering the fins of the condenser. Clean off any dust or debris with a soft brush, being careful not to bend or scratch the fins. If your vacuum has a brush attachment, you can also use this to clean the fins of the condenser. Replace the grill and allow the air conditioner to run for several minutes. Place your hand on the two pipes leading from the condenser unit. One pipe should feel cool and the other warm. If not, you may need to have the unit's refrigerant charged.
  
  

Water Leaks

• As the air conditioner runs, condensation builds up and must be drained out of the unit. This usually takes place through a small plastic pipe that runs into a condensate pump that sends the water out of the unit. If you notice a leak or water pooling around the air conditioner, there may be an obstruction in the pipe or a problem with the condensate pump. Check the tube for leaks first. This may be an easy repair if you can simply replace the plastic tube. Pour a little bit of water in the condensate pan to see if the pump starts. If not, make sure it is not simply disconnected from the power supply. If it is getting power and still not moving, you probably need to replace the pump. If the condensate pump runs, but does not empty the water from the pan, open the check valve and loosen the ball inside. Remove any obstructions from inside the check valve and test the pump again.
  
  

Squealing Motor

• If you hear squealing coming from the air conditioning unit, this usually means the belt between the motor and fan is slipping because it has become loose and stretched out over time. To replace the belt, remove the access panel covering the blower motor. Loosen the tensioning bolts until the belt slackens and you can remove it from the motor and fan. Make sure not to overtension the new belt because this may cause the motor's bearings to wear out. A grinding noise may mean that the motor's bearings need to be replaced, which is a more complicated repair that should be handled by a professional serviceman.