Troubleshooting a GE Window Air Conditioner (Step-by-Step Repairs)

On what seems to be the hottest day of the year, you crank up the air conditioner, expecting the room to be a refuge from the summer heat. You wait and wait, but the room never gets cool.

Not only is it frustrating, but it can also be quite dangerous if you let the extreme heat get to you. However, don’t panic because the fix can be very simple.

Here, we will delve into the most common problems with GE window air conditioners and show you how to troubleshoot them. 

What are the most common GE window air conditioner problems?

Here are the most common problems of GE window air conditioners.

• The air conditioner won’t turn on.
• The air conditioner won’t cool.
• The air conditioner keeps spraying water inside.
• The air conditioner won’t connect to WiFi.
• The air conditioner won’t drain.
• The air conditioner keeps rattling.

We will delve into these issues below. Keep reading our guide to learn how to troubleshoot these problems.

Troubleshooting the Most Common GE Air Conditioner Problems

The most common GE air conditioner problems are caused by poor installation, inadequate maintenance, and faulty service procedures. Lucky for you, a deep clean and proper installation is often enough to fix these common issues.

More importantly, routine maintenance can help you prevent these problems from recurring. You can maximize the efficiency and extend the lifespan of your appliance.

The air conditioner won’t turn on.

The first thing you need to check if your GE air conditioner isn’t turning on is its power supply. Sometimes, you just have to plug in the power cord properly to get your AC back up and running.

If it isn’t a simple case of forgetfulness, the power issue might be caused by other reasons that require immediate attention. Check our table below to find out the most common causes.

Causes	Solutions
Remote Battery Drain	• Unthread the screw on the remote’s back cover. Slide the cover down and remove it. • Remove the old batteries. • Insert the new AAA batteries. Make sure the + and – ends are installed properly. • Reinstall the cover and the screw.
Insufficient Power	• Plug your GE air conditioner into its own 3-prong wall outlet.  • Have a licensed electrician check if the outlet is properly grounded and has a voltage rating that matches the rating plate.
Tripped Circuit Breaker	• Turn off all the lights and unplug the appliances connected to the tripped circuit breaker. • Locate the circuit breaker that keeps tripping.   • Flip the switch on the circuit breaker to the OFF position. Wait for a few seconds and flip the switch back to the ON position. • Plug in the GE air conditioner and confirm that it has power and is functioning properly.  • Plug in other appliances and lights one at a time to test if they are working correctly.
Tripped Current Interrupter Device	• Press the Test button, followed by the Reset button on the current interrupter device. Make sure the AC is plugged into an outlet while you’re performing this test. • If the Test button won’t trip or the Reset button won’t stay engaged, don’t use the AC. • Contact a reliable service technician as soon as possible.

Remote Battery Drain

Do you often use the remote control to turn on the air conditioner? Perhaps there’s nothing wrong with your AC and your remote just needs a change of batteries.

Whether you use the remote control frequently or not, its batteries will drain over time. Once the batteries are running low on energy, the buttons will no longer respond appropriately.

What you’ll need:

• 2 AAA 1.5V batteries

Solution: To replace the batteries on a GE window air conditioner remote, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unthread the screw on the remote’s back cover.
• Step 2: Slide the cover down and remove it.
• Step 3: Remove the old batteries.
• Step 4: Insert the new AAA batteries. Make sure the + and – ends are installed properly.
• Step 5: Reinstall the cover and the screw.

Insufficient Power

Just like other household appliances, your air conditioner has its electrical requirements. These requirements may vary per model; thus, it’s always best to refer to your user manual for detailed instructions.

For example, a GE ATM06 model requires a 115/120-volt AC into a 60-Hz outlet. Since the unit has a 3-prong grounding plug, you must use a 3-prong wall outlet to minimize the possibility of electric shock.

Solution: Plug your GE air conditioner into its own 3-prong wall outlet. Have a licensed electrician check if the outlet is properly grounded and has a voltage rating that matches the rating plate.

Here are other electrical requirements for a GE window air conditioner.

• Don’t plug it into a multi-outlet adapter or a surge protector.
• Don’t use an extension cord.
• Don’t remove the third ground prong from the power cord. If you only have a 2-prong outlet, it’s your responsibility to have it replaced with a 3-prong wall outlet.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Does power keep fluctuating in one area in your house? If it is, you most likely have a tripped circuit, which happens when you overload it with too many appliances.

A circuit trips when too much electricity is trying to flow through it. If it can’t handle the excess load, it shuts off automatically to prevent further overheating.

Solution: To reset a tripped circuit breaker, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Turn off all the lights and unplug the appliances connected to the tripped circuit breaker.
• Step 2: Locate the circuit breaker that keeps tripping. The switch would be out of place when a breaker trips.
• Step 3: Flip the switch on the circuit breaker to the OFF position.
• Step 4: Wait a few seconds and flip the switch back to the ON position.
• Step 5: Plug in the GE air conditioner and confirm that it has power and is functioning properly. 

Wait for a few minutes to check if the circuit trips. Then, plug in other appliances and lights one at a time to test if they are working correctly. 

If an appliance or light causes the breaker to trip, it may have faulty wiring. We recommend contacting a licensed electrician who can help you resolve the issue.

Quick Note: Don’t plug multiple high-amperage appliances into a single outlet to prevent the circuit from overloading. Transfer them to other outlets that are linked to different breakers.

Tripped Current Interrupter Device

Newer GE air conditioner units have a current interrupter device, which has a Test and Reset button on the plug case. According to the manufacturer, you must periodically test the AC using this device, especially when it’s having power issues.

If none of the aforementioned fixes have worked, you can test the AC using the current interrupter device.

Solution: To test a GE window air conditioner, press the Test button, followed by the Reset button. Do this while the unit is plugged into an outlet.

If the Test button won’t trip or the Reset button won’t stay engaged, don’t use the AC in the meantime. Contact a reliable service technician as soon as possible.

The air conditioner won’t cool.

Dirt build-up is the most likely cause of a GE window air conditioner that won’t cool. Without routine maintenance, dirt can accumulate on the filter, coils, and other parts of the appliance, reducing its efficiency and raising its energy consumption.

Not to worry, we’ll show you why your AC is struggling to cool and teach you how to fix it. Say goodbye to your hot, stuffy room with these troubleshooting tips.

Causes	Solutions
Undersized AC	• Measure the square footage of the room, and select a unit with a cooling power that matches the room size. • If you can’t find an exact match, choose a slightly undersized unit instead of an oversized one. • For larger spaces like the living room, it’s best to use two units instead of a single large unit.
Unideal Temperatures	• Never operate your AC when the outdoor temperature reaches 70°F or lower. • If the coils are frozen, turn off the AC and let it defrost at room temperature. • If you turn on the AC during a hot day, it will take longer for the room to cool. Simply give your unit enough time to cool the room. • Make sure no drapes, curtains, or blinds are blocking the unit while it’s running.
Dirty Air Filter	• Turn off the air conditioner and pull out the plug. • Pry the tabs on the upper corners of the AC unit until the grille opens at a 45° angle. • Remove the mesh filter. Clean it in warm soapy water and use a soft cloth to wipe away stubborn spots. • Rinse the filter thoroughly. • Wipe the filter using a soft cloth, or let it air dry. • Reinstall the filter and the inlet grille. • Restore power to your air conditioner. Turn on the AC and check if it cools.
Clogged Condenser Coils	• Get your condenser coils professionally cleaned each month.  • Hire a monthly cleaning service so that your AC can be properly maintained.

Undersized AC

Did you match the size of your GE air conditioner to the size of your space? If your AC is too small for the room it’s installed in, it won’t be powerful enough to cool the entire space.

The cooling power of an AC is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). We have a sizing guide below to help you figure out if your AC is the right match for your space.

Solution: Measure the square footage of the room. Look for a unit with a cooling capacity that matches the size of the room.

If you can’t find an exact match, choose a slightly undersized AC unit instead of an oversized one.

For larger spaces like the living room, it’s best to use two units instead of a single large unit. This promotes better air distribution and prevents hot/cold spots in the room.

Room Size	Cooling Capacity
100 – 150 Sq. Ft.	5,050 – 5,250 BTU
150 – 250 Sq. Ft.	6,000 – 6,300 BTU
300 – 400 Sq. Ft.	8,000 – 8,900 BTU
400 – 450 Sq. Ft.	9,900 – 10,500 BTU
450 – 550 Sq. Ft.	11,600 – 12,000 BTU
550 – 700 Sq. Ft.	13,700 – 14,300 BTU
700 – 1,050 Sq. Ft.	17,600 – 18,450 BTU
1,200 – 1,600 Sq. Ft.	22,900  – 25,200 BTU

Unideal Ambient Temperatures

Do you use the air conditioner even when the temperature outside is 70°F(21.11°C) or below? Operating your AC under such conditions can restrict the cooling performance of your appliance. 

The coils can freeze over, which can further limit your AC’s cooling efficiency. As the temperature continues to drop, the more inefficient your unit will become.

Your air conditioner isn’t built for freezing temperatures. Although operating in such conditions won’t damage your AC, it is such a huge waste of energy.

Solution: Don’t operate your GE air conditioner when the outdoor temperature reaches 70°F or lower. If the coils are frozen, turn off the AC and let it defrost at room temperature. 

You can also set the Mode control to Fan or Cool and the Speed control to High. Keep the temperature as high as possible to defrost the coils.

Quick Note: If you turn on the AC during a hot day, it might take a while for the room to cool. Your draperies, furniture, and walls can absorb the heat, making it longer for your room to cool down.

Dirty Air Filter

One of the most common causes of an air conditioner that won’t cool is a dirty filter. Located right behind the front grille, the filter traps dust, mold spores, and other debris in the air.

An air filter helps improve indoor air quality—that is if you clean it regularly. You must clean the filter every 30 days or more frequently, if necessary.

Tips: • Only use mild detergent to clean the mesh filter. Avoid bleach and other abrasive chemicals that may potentially damage the filter. • Don’t clean the filter in the dishwasher.

What you’ll need:

• Mild detergent
• Warm water
• Soft cloth or sponge

Solution: To clean the air filter of a GE air conditioner, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Turn off the air conditioner and pull out the plug.
• Step 2: Pry the tabs on the upper corners until the inlet grille is open at a 45° angle.
• Step 3: Remove the mesh filter.
• Step 4: Clean the filter in warm, soapy water. Use a sponge or a soft cloth to wipe away dirt.
• Step 5: Rinse the filter thoroughly.
• Step 6: Wipe the filter using a soft cloth, or let it air dry.
• Step 7: Reinstall the filter and the inlet grille.
• Step 8: Restore power to your air conditioner.
• Step 9: Turn on the AC and check if it cools.

Clogged Condenser Coils

Over time, the coils at the back of the air conditioner can get clogged with dirt or soot, making it harder for your unit to release heat. As a result, your AC will become less efficient.

Your appliance has to work harder to cool your room. Aside from increasing your energy bill, it can wear out the internal components of the AC and cause premature failure, which may lead to costly repairs.

Solution: Get your condenser coils professionally cleaned each month. Hire a monthly cleaning service so that your AC can be properly maintained.

We don’t recommend cleaning the outdoor coils with a hose because water can get into the electronic components and cause irreparable damage. 

The air conditioner keeps spraying water inside.

Is your GE window air conditioner spraying water outside or inside the room? If your unit is spitting, spraying, or dripping water outside, this is completely normal and doesn’t require repairs.

During humid or rainy days, water pools in the drain pan and may eventually overflow. It should leak outside of the AC unit – not inside.

If the AC is leaking inside the room, it could be due to a dirty filter or poor leveling. Take a look at this quick step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot the issue.

Causes	Solutions
Dirty Air Filter	• Turn off the air conditioner and unplug its power cord. • Pry the tabs on the upper corner of the inlet grille until it is slightly opened. • Pull the air filter out of the AC. • Clean the filter in warm, soapy water. Use a sponge or a soft cloth to remove grime and dirt. • Rinse the filter thoroughly under running water. • Wipe the filter using a soft cloth, or let it air dry. • Reinstall the filter and the inlet grille to complete the clean-up. • Restore power to your AC and turn it on. Check if it continues to spray water.
Improper Leveling	• Prepare a piece of wood. It must be 2” in width, long enough to fit the frame, and about half an inch higher than the frame. • Attach this piece of wood to the windowsill. Use screws or nails to secure the wood.
Clogged Base Pan	• Get your GE air conditioner professionally cleaned.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter can cause all sorts of problems for your air conditioner. Once dirt accumulates on the filter, it blocks the flow of air through the evaporator coils, which can cause the coils to freeze.

The coils defrost and melt whenever you turn off the AC, resulting in leaks. Fortunately, a dirty filter only requires cleaning, which should take a few minutes of your time.

What you’ll need:

• Mild detergent
• Warm water
• Soft cloth or sponge

Solution: To clean the air filter of a GE air conditioner, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Turn off the air conditioner and pull out the plug.
• Step 2: Pry the tabs on the upper corners of the inlet grille. 
• Step 3: Remove the mesh filter.
• Step 4: Clean the filter in warm, soapy water. Use a sponge or a soft cloth to wipe away dirt.
• Step 5: Rinse the filter thoroughly.
• Step 6: Wipe the filter using a soft cloth or let it air dry.
• Step 7: Reinstall the filter and the inlet grille.
• Step 8: Restore power to your AC.
• Step 9: Turn on the unit and check if it still sprays water.

Improper Leveling

Your GE window air conditioner should be level from side to side and slightly tilted toward the back so that water can drain outside instead of inside. 

If your AC is installed on a storm window frame, it can’t tilt outside unless you make a few adjustments. It can leak and spray water all over your room, ruining your floors and your furniture. 

What you’ll need:

• A piece of wood (length: long enough to fit the frame; width: 2 inches; thickness: half an inch higher than the frame)

Solution: Before installing the GE window air conditioner, attach a piece of wood to the windowsill so that it can tilt toward the outside. Use screws or nails to secure the wood to the window.

Clogged Base Pan

During storms or windy days, all kinds of dirt and debris can make their way into the drain pan of your air conditioner. 

Since the pan catches excess water from the evaporator system, it’s important to keep it free from obstructions to promote better drainage.

Even if your AC is leveled properly, a clog in the drain pan, along with high temperatures and high humidity levels, will cause your unit to spit or spray water inside the room.

Solution: When it comes to cleaning the internal parts of your AC, you should get the unit professionally cleaned. This is to prevent water from getting into the electrical components of the unit. 

The air conditioner won’t connect to WiFi.

GE window air conditioners that have SmartHQ technology have WiFi compatibility. Through the SmartHQ app, you can set up the WiFi on your GE air conditioner(GE air conditioner wifi setup) and manage your appliance on a mobile device.

From a single app, you can monitor and control all smart AC units in your home, as well as other appliances. The setup process is quick and easy, but if your GE air conditioner isn’t connecting to WiFi, you might have made a few errors along the way.

Take a look at the most common reasons why a GE smart air conditioner fails to connect to WiFi. Let’s also learn how to troubleshoot them.

Causes	Solutions
Incorrect Password	• Locate the Connected Appliance Info label on the AC. It should be on the right side of the unit. • Open the SmartHQ app and tap the plus icon (+) to access the Add Appliance section. • Select Profile and press the Air Conditioner icon.  • Click on Window Air Conditioner, then press Next. • Power on your AC. Push the WiFi button on the AC until the light begins to flash. • Open the app on your mobile device and tap Next. • Re-enter the correct appliance network name and password. • Select the WiFi module. Click on your WiFi network, then press Next. • Tap Done to complete the set-up. • If the password is correct, but the app still can’t connect to it, call GE Appliances and request service.
Wrong Home Network and Password	• Disconnect the mobile device from your home network. Then, reconnect it by entering your password manually. • If you selected the correct home network and password but the app still won’t connect, call GE Appliances.
Hidden Home Network	• Look for the list of WiFi networks on your device. If you don’t see the correct network, it must be hidden. • Click on the Other option on your mobile device. Enter the home network and password manually. • If the app still can’t locate the home network, move the router closer to the AC unit.  • Or, get a WiFi extender to expand the coverage.
Failed Connection	• Restart the SmartHQ app. Just close the app, then open it and re-do the setup.

Incorrect Password

After setting up and signing in to your SmartHQ account, you have to turn on the air conditioner and press the WiFi button on the unit. Then, you can begin the setup from the app.

The second phase of the process requires you to enter the network name and password, which is assigned to your AC. You’ll find it listed on the Connected Appliance Info Label on the right side of the unit.

Solution: First, check the Connected Appliance Info label on the AC.

• Step 1: Tap the plus icon (+) on the Home Screen of your SmartHQ app. It will lead you to the Add Appliance section.
• Step 2: Select Profile and press the Air Conditioner icon. 
• Step 3: Click on Window Air Conditioner, then press Next.
• Step 4: Turn on your air conditioner. 
• Step 5: Push the WiFi button on your AC unit the light begins to flash.
• Step 6: Go to the app on your mobile device and tap Next.
• Step 7: Enter the network name and password assigned to your AC. Check the Connected Appliance Info label on the right side of the unit.
• Step 8: Select the WiFi module. Click on your WiFi network, then press Next.
• Step 9: Tap Done to complete the set-up.

Wrong Home Network and Password

Is the WiFi Connect Led on your GE air conditioner flashing? This indicates a failed connection, which is most likely caused by entering the wrong home network or password. 

Solution: Disconnect your mobile device from the network. Then, reconnect the device to the correct network and enter the password manually to be sure.

If you entered the correct home network and password, but the app still won’t connect, call GE Appliances and request service.

Hidden Home Network

Is your mobile device unable to detect the home network? If so, the home network is probably hidden or out of coverage.

Hiding your home network can protect your privacy from nosy neighbors and hackers, but it will also hide the network from your devices.

WiFi interference is also possible. Obstructions like thick walls, doors, and even other devices can interfere with the wireless connection, preventing your mobile device and smart appliances from connecting to the WiFi.

Solution: Look for the list of WiFi networks on your mobile device. In most cases, you can connect to a hidden network using the following steps:

• Step 1: Pull down the notification bar on your mobile device.
• Step 2: Tap WiFi, and go to Add WiFi Network.
• Step 3: Enter the network name (SSID) and password.
• Step 4: Tap Connect.

Tips: If the WiFi connection is unstable and keeps disconnecting, try to move the router closer to the AC unit to make sure it’s in range. Or, use a WiFi extender to expand the range of your wireless connection.

Failed Connection

Aside from entering the wrong home network and password, a failed connection can happen when the SmartHQ app is unable to locate your GE air conditioner in the cloud. 

The WiFi Connect LED will illuminate but not blink when the connection fails.

Solution: Close the SmartHQ app on your mobile device. Open the app again and restart the setup.

The air conditioner won’t drain.

Most GE window air conditioners, not all, don’t have a drain hole or plug to enable the unit to drain water during operations. Instead, they have a slinger ring near the rear fan blade.

The fan picks up water from the bottom of the pan and flings it against the condenser coils. This cools the coils and removes water from the pan.

During rainy or very humid days, water will pool in the pan and sometimes overflow. If your AC isn’t tilting slightly toward the back, it might have trouble draining, especially when you have a storm window frame.

There are a couple of methods that can fix the drainage issue on your GE window air conditioner.

Method	Solution
Pull the drain plug.	• Locate the drain plug on your GE air conditioner and pull it out. Just wait for the water to drain out of the pan, then reinstall the plug.
Use gauze for drainage.	• Cut a long strip of gauze and carefully insert it into the opening at the back of the AC until it reaches the pan.  • Spread out the gauze and simply wait for the water to drain out of the unit.
Adjust the leveling.	• Before installing the AC, attach a piece of wood to the windowsill so that it can tilt toward the outside.  • Use screws or nails to secure the wood to the window.

Pull the drain plug.

Newer GE window air conditioners have a rubber drain plug which helps you drain the pan once it is full. To confirm if your AC has a drain plug, check the back of the unit and you’ll find the drain plug at the bottom of the pan. 

You can also refer to your user manual.

Under normal circumstances, you shouldn’t remove the plug as it reduces the cooling power of your AC. For routine maintenance, storage purpose, or simply to minimize water in the pan during operations, you can remove the plug for better drainage.

Solution: Locate the drain plug on your GE air conditioner and pull it out. Just wait for the water to drain out of the pan, then reinstall the plug properly.

Use gauze for drainage.

For air conditioners that don’t have a drain plug, there’s a quick way to help your unit drain water faster. All you need is a strip of gauze and access to the back part of the AC.

Take note that this isn’t a permanent fix and you might have to repeat this method every time your AC is struggling to drain. It should be very useful, especially during humid days.

Solution: Cut a long strip of gauze and carefully insert it into the opening at the back of the AC until it reaches the pan. Spread out the gauze and simply wait for the water to drain out of the unit.

Adjust the leveling.

A GE window air conditioner should be tilted slightly toward the back so that water can drain outside. If you have a storm window frame, you can’t tilt the unit unless you install a piece of wood on the windowsill. 

What you’ll need:

• A piece of wood (length: long enough to fit the frame; width: 2 inches; thickness: half an inch higher than the frame)

Solution: Attach a piece of wood to the windowsill so that it can tilt toward the outside. Use screws or nails to secure the wood to the window.

The air conditioner keeps rattling.

Rattling noises are often caused by loose or broken parts in your GE air conditioner, which is quite common for older or heavily-used units. For new units or recently serviced ones, poor installation is a likely culprit of the rattling noises.

Here are the most common causes of rattling noises in a GE air conditioner and how to troubleshoot them.

Causes	Solutions
Loose or Broken Front Grille	• Locate the locking tabs of the front grille. Pull downwards on the tabs until the grille is at a 45° angle. • Inspect the front grille for signs of damage and replace it, if necessary.  • If there are no signs of damage, push the locking tabs until they snap back into place.
Poor Installation	• Prep your AC by installing the accordion curtains if needed. Then, measure the window and mark the center. • Install the AC and keep it centered using the mark as your guide. Set the front edge of the bottom mountain rail against the windowsill. • Slide the top window down. Make sure the front edge of the mounting rail is in front of the window. • Use a carpenter’s level to check if the AC is level. Make the adjustments until the bubble is centered. • Extend the curtain panels on both sides of the AC to fill the window area. • Drill pilot holes through the frames, then thread the four type-b screws to secure the side panels.  • Loosen the screw on the bottom right corner of the unit. Then, slide a bracket over it and tighten the screw. • Drill two pilot holes through the side bracket. Screw two of the screws to secure the AC. • Repeat the same steps to install the left bracket. • Measure the area of the curtain panel on each side of the AC. Cut the foam sheets following these measurements. • Apply the foam sheets on the side curtains and frames for insulation. • Mount the window lock bracket and drill a pilot hole. Secure the bracket with a type-B screw. • Insert the foam top window gasket between the glass and window, blocking outside air, dust, and insects. • Plug in your AC.
Dirty Air Filter	• Turn off the air conditioner and pull out the plug. • Pry the tabs on the upper right corner of the inlet grille until it opens at a 45° angle. • Remove the mesh filter. Wash it in warm, soapy water.  • Use a sponge or a soft cloth to wipe away dirt on the filter. Then, rinse it thoroughly. • Wipe the filter using a soft cloth, or let it air dry for several minutes. • Reinstall the filter and the inlet grille. • Restore power to your AC. Turn it on and check if it still rattles.
Loose or Broken Louvers	• Turn off the AC and unplug its power cord. • Use a flathead screwdriver to pull out the louver assembly from the corners. • Remove the fins and levers on the old louver assembly. Then, transfer them onto the new assembly. • If some fins or levers are damaged, get replacements and install the new ones.  • Align the new assembly with the mounting posts on the AC. Just push it in until it snaps into place.

Loose or Broken Front Grille

The rattling noises can come from a loose or broken front grille. If you recently cleaned the AC, you probably didn’t install the grille properly, causing it to rattle while your unit is running.

Solution: Locate the locking tabs on the GE air conditioner’s front grille, which should be on the upper corners of the unit. Pull downwards on the tabs until the grille is at a 45° angle.

Inspect the front grill for signs of damage and replace it, if necessary. If there are no signs of damage, just push the locking tabs until they snap back into place.

Poor Installation

The rattling noises might be due to poor installation. If your window air conditioner isn’t mounted properly on the window, it might vibrate and produce a loud rattling noise when it is operating.

Quick Note: • Our guide will show you how to install a GE window air conditioner on a standard double-hung window. Take note that the steps will vary for other types of windows. • Different AC models also require different window dimensions. For the exact specifications, reference your user manual.

What you’ll need:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Drill with ⅛” drill bit
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Carpenter’s level
• Scissors or knife
• Weather seals
• Foam sheets

Solution: First, prep your GE air conditioner and the window for installation. Follow these steps to install your AC properly, or refer to the user manual for detailed instructions.

• Step 1: Install the top mounting rail of the air conditioner. 
• Step 2: Add weather seals to the top and bottom edges of the window.  If necessary, cut the seals to make them fit the window.
• Step 3: Apply weatherstrips on each side of the curtain frame that extends out from the AC to the sides of the window.
• Step 4: Insert the slide curtain panel on the rails. Slide the curtain frames, then snap the curtains into the frames.
• Step 5: Use a tape measure to measure the window from side to side, then mark its center.

If the window is quite narrow, you don’t have to install the accordion curtain panels. Just make sure that the window meets the required dimensions for your AC.

Once you’ve prepped the unit and gathered all your tools, you can install the air conditioner on the window.

• Step 1: Lift the air conditioner and install it on the mark you made. Set the front edge of the bottom mountain rail against the windowsill.
• Step 2: Slide the window down. Keep the front edge of the top mounting rail in front of the window.
• Step 3: Place a carpenter’s level right in front of the mountain rail to check if the AC is level. Make the adjustments until the bubble is centered.
• Step 4: Extend the curtain panels on both sides of the AC to fill the window area.
• Step 5: Drill pilot holes and thread the four type-b screws to secure the side panels. Use two screws for each frame, one at the top and the other at the bottom.
• Step 6: Loosen the screw on the bottom right corner of the unit. Then, slide a bracket over it and tighten the screw.
• Step 7: Drill two pilot holes through the side bracket. Screw two of the screws to secure the AC.
• Step 8: Repeat steps 6, 7, and 8 on the left side of the unit.
• Step 9: Measure the area of the curtain panel on each side of the AC. Use the measurements to cut the adhesive-backed foam sheets.
• Step 10: Apply the foam sheets on the side curtains and frames for insulation.
• Step 11: Mount the window lock bracket and drill a pilot hole. Secure the bracket with a type-B screw.

For wood windows, place the bracket above the lower window with the hole facing you. For vinyl windows, the hole must face the side.

• Step 12: Insert the foam top window gasket between the glass and window, blocking outside air, dust, and insects.
• Step 13: Plug in your AC.

Dirty Air Filter

Dust and all kinds of debris can make their way into the air conditioner after heavy winds or storms. When your AC is running, these large pieces of debris will rattle and make loud noises.

Luckily, the air filter can trap the debris, preventing them from getting into other parts of the AC. It also makes cleaning much easier for you.

What you’ll need:

• Mild detergent
• Warm water
• Soft cloth or sponge

Solution: To clean the air filter of a GE air conditioner, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Turn off the air conditioner and pull out the plug.
• Step 2: Pry the locking tabs on the upper corners until the grille is slightly opened.
• Step 3: Remove the mesh filter.
• Step 4: Clean the filter in warm, soapy water. Use a sponge or a soft cloth to wipe away dirt.
• Step 5: Rinse the filter thoroughly.
• Step 6: Wipe the filter using a soft cloth or let it air dry.
• Step 7: Reinstall the filter and the inlet grille.
• Step 8: Restore power to your air conditioner.
• Step 9: Turn on the AC and check if it still rattles.

Loose or Broken Louvers

Air conditioners have adjustable louvers that allow you to change the direction of the airflow. At the same time, these louvers can help keep unwanted elements like water and dirt from entering the AC unit.

A louver assembly consists of fins and levers that enable you to change the direction of the airflow horizontally and vertically.

Moving the air deflectors will let you change the direction of the airflow vertically. On the other hand, the levers give you control over the horizontal direction of the airflow.

If these parts are loose, you can simply remove the louver assembly and install the parts correctly to stop the rattling noises. However, if you see cracks and other signs of damage, a replacement is necessary.

You don’t necessarily have to replace the entire assembly. If only the levers or fins are broken, you can buy new replacements and install them in the old assembly.

What you’ll need:

• New louver assembly/fins/levers
• Flathead screwdriver

Solution: To replace the louver assembly on a GE window air conditioner, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Turn off the AC and unplug its power cord.
• Step 2: Use a flathead screwdriver to pull out the louver assembly from the corners.
• Step 3: Remove the fins and levers on the old louver assembly. Then, transfer them onto the new assembly.

If some fins or levers are damaged, don’t reuse them. Get replacements and install them in the old assembly.

• Step 4: Align the new assembly with the mounting posts on the AC. Just push it in until it snaps into place.

Quick Note: • When you buy a new louver assembly, the fins and levers will not be included. Thus, you’ll have to pull these parts out of the old assembly and transfer them to the new one—that is if they are not broken. • If the assembly isn’t damaged but the fins or levers are, you only need to replace the broken parts. There’s no need to buy a new assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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