How Do You Lubricate A Window Air Conditioner Fan Motor?
How Do You Lubricate A Window Air Conditioner Fan Motor?
Window air conditioner fan motors use a lot of oil to keep them running smoothly. In some cases, the lubrication may have failed, causing the fan to not work.
A fan motor can become gummed up with debris and built-up oil, preventing it from running smoothly and efficiently. Luckily, lubricating the fan motor is easy to do.
To lubricate your window air conditioner fan motor, take the following steps:
- Remove the fan motor from the window air conditioner: You’ll need to loosen the nut on the shaft of the fan motor. Then, remove it from the unit and clean off any debris that has accumulated on it.
- Clean the motor with a solvent or degreaser: Use a degreaser to remove any built-up dirt and grime. Then, wipe it off with a clean cloth.
- Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the motor shaft and gears: A thin layer of grease should suffice to keep the window air conditioner fan motor humming along smoothly. Coat the fan shaft with an oil or lubricant designed for motors. You can also dip a rag into clean motor oil and use it to coat the shaft and gears of the fan motor.
- Replace the fan motor and secure it in place: If you are applying a small amount of lubricant, you don’t need to secure the fan motor in place. If the lubrication failed and if you are applying a thicker layer, re-secure it in position with the nut on the shaft.
- Reinstall the window air conditioner: If the window air conditioner fan motor requires no lubrication, place it back into place and re-secure it with the nut. When a window air conditioner fan motor fails, it can be expensive to have the issue repaired.
What If My Window Is Too Wide For Air Conditioner?
If the actual window is wider than the maximum window width, you can buy extensions to “bridge the gap” between the window air conditioner and the window frame. These extensions typically range in length from 9″ to 18″ on each side. You can also buy a kit that comes with extensions and mounting hardware.
Window air conditioners that are installed lower than 15 feet from the ground should have safety grills on them. These grills prevent birds from flying into the unit, posing a safety hazard for the people using it. Safety grills are made with stainless steel wire that is solidly attached at all four corners of the unit on an angle outward from vertical.
To install the extensions, follow these steps:
- Find the window brackets that are compatible with your window air conditioner. The bracket will most likely be made of metal and will be attached to the wall or ceiling with a bolt.
- Slide the window extensions into place, connecting the brackets to the window brackets.
- Align the inner part of the extension with the outside frame of your window air conditioner, and use a screwdriver to tighten it up.
- Do this same procedure for the other side of your air conditioner and tighten it up so that your window air conditioner will be secure in place.
- Once you have tightened both sides of your extensions, secure those with nuts and screws placed through holes in each bracket into studs or joists inside your home the spacing between these holes should ensure enough room for you to insert a screwdriver into each bracket to tighten it up properly.
- If you are using a window air conditioner on the bottom of the window, check to make sure your window is open enough to allow room for airflow around the unit. Now, it’s time to install your window A/C unit.
