There is no better way to beat the summer heat than with a quality window air conditioner, but not all units offer the longevity and performance we're used to.

Over time, these appliances may develop problems as they become older and have been used for several seasons.

In contrast to traditional "whole house" air conditioners, window air conditioners are easy to clean, maintain, and troubleshoot.

Even if you don't have special technical skills or tools, you can do this.

If you want to fix them, you'll need to know as much as you can about how they work.

To help you repair air conditioners more efficiently, we have written this guide to help you better understand everything they can do.

Common problems and their solutions

Are you hearing strange noises coming from your air conditioner?

Strange sounds coming from your window AC unit, especially loud or wailing ones, could indicate something is wrong with an internal part.

In case you hear anything disturbing, take a closer look.

Fan belts can wear out and dislodge in the back of the unit, causing these kinds of problems.

To improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your air conditioner, you should replace the belt periodically.

Do you smell something coming from your window air conditioner?

Particularly if large amounts of moisture are accumulating in the condenser coils of window AC units that haven't been run in a while (like those that have been stored for the cooler months and over the winter), bacteria, mold, and mildew can sometimes grow.

Your air conditioner's filter should be cleaned frequently, your compressors should be cleaned periodically, and your AC unit should be checked for moisture accumulation.

Moisture promotes the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Water leaks from the front panel?

Condensation from the evaporator coil drains onto a metal pan underneath your AC unit, which then drains outside through a hole or drain tube. If you see water dripping out the front panel, then the metal pan is not sloping correctly.

To allow condensation to drain outside, the drain pan should slant towards the back of the air conditioner, if it is level on the window sill.

What is the frequency of your air conditioner's cycling?

Usually, Window AC not working like window air conditioners that cycle on and off constantly have a faulty thermostat or temperature sensor.

It is important to ensure that the thermostat and the temperature sensors are properly positioned (near, but not touching, the evaporator coil). If a wire touches the coil, adjust it.

In the event that that's not the problem, curtains or other obstructions might block the thermostat.

Condenser coils should be free of debris or leaves, and fins should not be bent. If they are bent, use a fin comb to repair them.

When none of these solutions work, the refrigerant may be low or the thermostat or temperature sensors may need to be replaced.

Are you having trouble getting cold air from your air conditioner?

This problem affects many people, and the solution is probably much simpler than you would expect.

This problem affects many people, and the solution is probably much simpler than you would expecta damaged condenser coil.