# A/C under warranty - company says it works **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 30, 2019, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893 "2019-07-30T19:08:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/21 "2019-07-31T01:06:07Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > So you’re saying it has worked well over the past 5 years? And there was a sudden and significant drop in performance? Yes ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/22 "2019-07-31T01:08:38Z")
> [@lingyi](#): > > How long did you run the A/C? It can take hours to cool 750 sf down. Also, we quickly acclimate to the temp in the room. I recently figured out that to be immediately comfortable when I go to bed (the AC is at the foot of my bed), I need to lower the temp down several hours before I hit the bed, then I can raise it a few hours later to remain comfortable. > Is 64 degrees the lowest it can go? Mine goes down to 60. > > Did they repair people tell you how long they ran the A/C? Maybe it starts off okay, but gets less efficient with time. > > Is your vent open or closed? If it’s open, you’re drawing in hot air from the outside, which may be a good thing as it also allows the hot air from your place out. If it’s closed, you’re recycling the air in our place and may take long. It’s a wall unit. It was on all night and day, full blast. I mean it was 104 outside that day or so. I am not just thinking it doesn’t work because it took too long. It’s becuase I was up at 4 am facing a health hazard that was new to me, from the temp in the apt. ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/23 "2019-07-31T01:11:47Z")
> [@beowulff](#): > > No, the output air will get colder and colder. Then the A/C will shut off until the room warms up. I still see the delta getting colder and colder too. And they will tend to converge relatively over time. Is that wrong? ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/24 "2019-07-31T01:17:02Z")
It’s worth noting that I have 4 panes of glass for windows, two double panes, one of those a sound proofing system. All sealed up tight for the whole heat wave. (It is top floor) Also I have installed a transom with a dual fan on top of a bedroom door to maximize circulation. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/25 "2019-07-31T01:24:34Z")
> [@drad\_dog](#): > > It’s worth noting that I have 4 panes of glass for windows, two double panes, one of those a sound proofing system. All sealed up tight for the whole heat wave. (It is top floor) > > Also I have installed a transom with a dual fan on top of a bedroom door to maximize circulation. Coupla notes, though I don’t know that you’re going to listen. 1)It doesn’t matter how many panes of glass you have, if your apartment is hot, it’s because heat from outside is getting in. It doesn’t matter how it’s getting in, it is. If it’s getting in faster than the AC can remove it, it’s going to get uncomfortable. 2)The hotter it is outside, where the AC is dumping the heat to, the more the AC has to work. On those really, really, hot days, if you were to set up a sprinkler to spray on the condenser coils, you’ll find that you’re getting much cooler air inside and the unit won’t work nearly as hard. 3)I’m sure you know this, but I want to bring it up. The fans you set up inside the apartment make you feel cool and yes, they distribute the cool air the AC is making, but they don’t actually cool the apartment (technically they warm it a bit). ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/26 "2019-07-31T01:27:26Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > It’s either broken or it’s not. If it’s not broken, what do you want the warranty to cover? > > I assume you’re talking about a window or portable unit. What’s the make/model? How old is it? What’s wrong with it? Should have said this before: It was underperforming so I called the dealer who advised me it was inside the warranty period and he made the calls for me and arranged the exchange. It’s a new compressor usually or so I was told. They take it away for service and leave a loaner, (at 2000 less BTU, and which is working fine this heat wave). The dealer texted me that the company said they found no problem with the compressor. So I am stuck. Haven’t talked to the co yet. I texted my dealer we need to get on the same page. I’m going to get a new one it looks like. I have no problem with that. It’s the idea of the warranty and then all this time wasting crap that’s annoying. ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/27 "2019-07-31T01:39:36Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Coupla notes, though I don’t know that you’re going to listen. > 1)It doesn’t matter how many panes of glass you have, if your apartment is hot, it’s because heat from outside is getting in. It doesn’t matter how it’s getting in, it is. If it’s getting in faster than the AC can remove it, it’s going to get uncomfortable. > 2)The hotter it is outside, where the AC is dumping the heat to, the more the AC has to work. On those really, really, hot days, if you were to set up a sprinkler to spray on the condenser coils, you’ll find that you’re getting much cooler air inside and the unit won’t work nearly as hard. > 3)I’m sure you know this, but I want to bring it up. The fans you set up inside the apartment make you feel cool and yes, they distribute the cool air the AC is making, but they don’t actually cool the apartment (technically they warm it a bit). 1. it does matter because with less I would have higher temps. That’s the definition of mattering. i don’t follow the point. The glass also holds the cold air in so your operation is more efficient. 1. Interesting. I’ll check that out. thanks 2. the transom and fans are the best idea I’ve ever had in my life. they make the temps in the apt consistent throughout, enabling the A/C to be in the LR, and to have no fan inside the bedroom proper at all. I had it done in February. O/W it’s a difference, or “shmelta” as we say, of about 8 degrees. as to the fans, you mean they are motors so they make heat? ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/28 "2019-07-31T01:45:55Z")
> [@drad\_dog](#): > > The dealer texted me that the company said they found no problem with the compressor. Does that mean that the compressor is the only part of the AC they looked at? ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/29 "2019-07-31T02:14:39Z")
> [@drad\_dog](#): > > I sent it out because it wasn’t operating to cool the apt the way it should. But I can’t diagnose the problem, and they won’t do it in your home. > > The temp outside was 96 last week. The unit in question operating at full blast, 64 degrees temp, could not get the place below 86. The air coming out of the unit was not 86. The apt was. Just because the air is cool doesn’t mean it’s operating adequately. > > This is 1) unusual and 2) unhealthy. I felt like I was suffocating or stroking. > > They are saying it is not broken. But I can’t put it back in. It doesn’t work. You’re saying that the temperature of the air coming out of the A/C was 64 degrees? That means it was cooling the inside air by more than 20 degrees and any air coming in from outside by more than 30 degrees. I’m sorry, but that’s a fully functioning air conditioner. My suggestion is to put fans all over your apartment to help move what cold air you have. ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/30 "2019-07-31T02:46:40Z")
> [@Kent\_Clark](#): > > You’re saying that the temperature of the air coming out of the A/C was 64 degrees? That means it was cooling the inside air by more than 20 degrees and any air coming in from outside by more than 30 degrees. > > I’m sorry, but that’s a fully functioning air conditioner. My suggestion is to put fans all over your apartment to help move what cold air you have. I didn’t mean that at all. I meant I had the thing set to 64 manually. IOW the lowest I ever bother to set it in bad heat. The temps I don’t know how to measure. The air has to be colder to cool the room. It will be below the target room temperature. Don’t be sorry. it doesn’t work. I imagine they are thinking about whether to replace the unit or let me just buy a new one, but they will lose my business if they do. ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/31 "2019-07-31T02:47:44Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > Does that mean that the compressor is the only part of the AC they looked at? I’ll have to ask. Maybe theres something else they “forget” about. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/32 "2019-07-31T04:35:05Z")
> [@drad\_dog](#): > > Low end? 14000 isn’t too small for under 700 sq feet. It’s the biggest one they make. > > I have two rooms but there is very efficient fan set up. That is a pretty big A/C unit for a 115V unit, but is still on the small size for a single unit to cool 700 square feet. Home Depot uses the following guidelines: > [@Home Depot](#): > > Once you calculate your room size, use the following guidelines to find the right size air conditioner window unit to cool your space: > > • 100 to 350 square feet: 5,000 to 8,000 BTU > • 351 to 550 square feet: 9,000 to 12,000 BTU > • 551 to 1,000 square feet: 14,000 to 18,000 BTU > • 1,001 to 1,560 square feet: 18,000 to 24,000 BTU Also, 14,000 BTU is by no means the largest window unit on the market. You can get a 15,000 BTU unit that runs on 115V, and you can get much larger than that if you have a 230V supply. In fact, Home Depot sells 230V window A/C units as large as 28,000 BTU. > **[Window Air Conditioners - Air Conditioners - The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/b/Heating-Venting-Cooling-Air-Conditioners-Window-Air-Conditioners/N-5yc1vZc4lu?browsestoreoption=2&storeSelection=6234,6215,6221,4284,6230)** > > Get free shipping on qualified Window Air Conditioners products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Heating, Venting & Cooling Department. But if the unit is producing cool air, but is not adequately cooling the apartment, it may just be undersized for the space. Do you have another window you can put a second smaller unit into? ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/33 "2019-07-31T05:17:49Z")
> [@robby](#): > > That is a pretty big A/C unit for a 115V unit, but is still on the small size for a single unit to cool 700 square feet. Plus, he says he lives on the top floor, which probably makes things worse. (Heat rises, plus the roof absorbs the sunlight.) It may be, as the OP seems to think, that there’s something not right about the AC that’s making it not work as well as it used to; or it may be, as some others think, that it works as well as could be expected but it just isn’t up to the job. I don’t feel qualified to give an opinion either way. Were I in **drad dog** ’s place, I’d be inclined to try closing off the room that the AC is in and staying in that one room as much as possible until the heat wave subsides (after making sure the filter was clean). ---
**Author:** ![Snnipe\_70E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5a626/32.png) [@Snnipe\_70E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snnipe_70E)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/34 "2019-07-31T05:23:51Z")
The temperature setting is not a valve that will increase cooling. the compressor is either on or off. If the return air is 86 degrees setting the AC at 75 will give the same cooling as setting it to 64. If you really want to know if the unit is working get a simple thermoter and check the discharge air temp and compare it to the air returning to the AC unit. If you want the space to be 72 degrees set the control to around 70 degrees you will get the ssame cooling as setting it to 64 degreees. ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/35 "2019-07-31T05:33:17Z")
> [@robby](#): > > That is a pretty big A/C unit for a 115V unit, but is still on the small size for a single unit to cool 700 square feet. Home Depot uses the following guidelines: > > Also, 14,000 BTU is by no means the largest window unit on the market. You can get a 15,000 BTU unit that runs on 115V, and you can get much larger than that if you have a 230V supply. In fact, Home Depot sells 230V window A/C units as large as 28,000 BTU. > > [https://www.homedepot.com/b/Heating-Venting-Cooling-Air-Conditioners-Window-Air-Conditioners/N-5yc1vZc4lu?browsestoreoption=2&storeSelection=6234,6215,6221,4284,6230](https://www.homedepot.com/b/Heating-Venting-Cooling-Air-Conditioners-Window-Air-Conditioners/N-5yc1vZc4lu?browsestoreoption=2&storeSelection=6234,6215,6221,4284,6230) > > But if the unit is producing cool air, but is not adequately cooling the apartment, it may just be undersized for the space. Do you have another window you can put a second smaller unit into? OK but it’s certainly a reasonable power for the job, in the margin, esp with my mods and innovations. The replacement 12,000 btu has been great all through the over 95 degree days. Plus there is my history of living with this situation to consider. I will be happy with another 14,000 if it’s a good one. There wont be any other units. They wont be necessary. I just made the transom this year. The whole system is at peak circulation. Also I need a wall unit, and have no use for a window unit. I have done this shopping. I haven’t seen a 15k wall unit. ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/36 "2019-07-31T05:38:29Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > Plus, he says he lives on the top floor, which probably makes things worse. (Heat rises, plus the roof absorbs the sunlight.) > > It may be, as the OP seems to think, that there’s something not right about the AC that’s making it not work as well as it used to; or it may be, as some others think, that it works as well as could be expected but it just isn’t up to the job. I don’t feel qualified to give an opinion either way. Were I in **drad dog** ’s place, I’d be inclined to try closing off the room that the AC is in and staying in that one room as much as possible until the heat wave subsides (after making sure the filter was clean). One of two things is in the immediate future: I get a new friedrich or I get a replacement frigidaire. Either way I’m good. Right this second I am in a well cooled place, 12k btu loaner unit in the other room. The only problem I have is I won’t let that old unit back into my apt without an overhaul that I can understand. o/w it’s junk to me. ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/37 "2019-07-31T05:49:50Z")
> [@Snnipe\_70E](#): > > The temperature setting is not a valve that will increase cooling. the compressor is either on or off. If the return air is 86 degrees setting the AC at 75 will give the same cooling as setting it to 64. > > If you really want to know if the unit is working get a simple thermoter and check the discharge air temp and compare it to the air returning to the AC unit. > > If you want the space to be 72 degrees set the control to around 70 degrees you will get the ssame cooling as setting it to 64 degreees. What does the setting do? i havent tackled measuring the temp. Maybe I’ll look on youtube. I don;t think I’ll get a valid result. Why do you think a 2 degree difference is right when 8 isn’t? ---
**Author:** ![slash2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@slash2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slash2k)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/38 "2019-07-31T05:59:02Z")
How recently have you checked or cleaned the filter in your old unit? ---
**Author:** ![Snnipe\_70E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5a626/32.png) [@Snnipe\_70E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snnipe_70E)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/39 "2019-07-31T06:38:12Z")
> [@drad\_dog](#): > > What does the setting do? > > i havent tackled measuring the temp. Maybe I’ll look on youtube. I don;t think I’ll get a valid result. > > Why do you think a 2 degree difference is right when 8 isn’t? The setting determines when the compressor turns off. If the space is 86 and the setting is set to 70 degrees the compressor is on If the space is 86 and the setting is set to 64 degrees the compressor is on In both cases you are getting the same cooling. But if the unit can cool the space down to temperature and it is set at 70 the unit will shut down when the unit senses 70 degrees. A little cool but as you move away from the unit the temp will be a little higher and confortable. But if the temp is set at 64 degrees the temp will have to get down to 64 degrees before shutting down. And now you are looking for a jacket because the room is too cold. ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2019, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893/40 "2019-07-31T16:45:06Z")
> [@Snnipe\_70E](#): > > The setting determines when the compressor turns off. > If the space is 86 and the setting is set to 70 degrees the compressor is on > If the space is 86 and the setting is set to 64 degrees the compressor is on > > In both cases you are getting the same cooling. But if the unit can cool the space down to temperature and it is set at 70 the unit will shut down when the unit senses 70 degrees. A little cool but as you move away from the unit the temp will be a little higher and confortable. But if the temp is set at 64 degrees the temp will have to get down to 64 degrees before shutting down. And now you are looking for a jacket because the room is too cold. I think you are saying that the setting makes a difference in the temp the machine is going for and the eventual room temp. I think we all agree. I hope. I think when you set it at 64 it’s probably not functioning right and you are trying to compensate. It never gets to 64 that I have seen. So no jacket. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893.md?page=3)