Have you encountered issues with your GE window air conditioner that you don’t know how to resolve? Well, you just found the home of all the answers you’ve been looking for.
This article is a complete troubleshooting guide for your GE window air conditioner and leaves no stone unturned. You’ll find a solution to all your GE window AC issues.
Here’s the table of contents that you can use to directly jump to the issue that’s affecting your GE window air conditioner.
GE Window Air Conditioner Not Cooling
If your GE window air conditioner is not cooling, it could be incorrectly-sized, improperly installed, the outdoor temperature may be low, the air filter may be clogged, or there’s ice on the coils. Dirty air filters are the most common cause for AC not cooling and can be resolved by washing the filter.
Wrong-sized GE Window AC
The comfort of an adequately cooled room is obtained by installing a right-size cooling unit, one with the capacity in BTUs per hour that’s recommended for the space being cooled in square feet.
What that means is your GE window AC should neither be oversized nor undersized:
- Oversized GE window AC with a BTU capacity larger than the room’s requirement in square units will cause the compressor to run shorter cycles because the cool air leaving the conditioner will be deflected back to the AC and cause it to shut off earlier. This will leave your room with spots of cold and warm air (uneven cool air distribution).
- Undersized GE window AC with a BTU capacity smaller than the room’s requirement will cause the compressor to keep running, raising the temperature in both the room and the cooling unit and leaving the humidity levels unaltered.
How to Diagnose a Wrong-sized GE Window AC
Find the BTU rating on your GE window air conditioner and then calculate the square footage of your room by multiplying the length and width.
Check the Energy Star Room Air Conditioner Buying Guide to determine if the area to be cooled (in square feet) corresponds to the needed AC cooling capacity (in BTUs per hour).
How to Fix a Wrong-sized GE Window AC
The best solution to a wrong-sized GE window AC is to buy the right size from the very beginning.
Consult the Energy Star guidelines mentioned above or read the GE Air Conditioner Buying Tips before proceeding to buy your window cooling unit.
Unfortunately, if you’ve already purchased a wrong-sized GE window AC, the only solution is to replace it with a correctly-sized unit.
Low/Cold Outdoor Temperature
According to GE APPLIANCES, you should not run your GE AC if the outdoor temperature is 70°F or below.
Doing so will not only limit the cooling capacity of your window unit but can also cause the indoor coil to frost. Plenty of energy is also wasted in the process.
As a rule, the lower the outdoor temperature, the less effective your GE window air conditioner becomes.
Running your window AC at temperatures of 50°F or below will cause the compressor not to start as the thermostat will not cycle, and temperatures at 32°F will even make the outer pan freeze.
How to Determine the Right Temperatures to Run your GE Window AC
Run your GE window AC when temperatures are above 70°F.
Also, the best way to avoid issues with your window AC due to outdoor temperature issues is to turn on your AC when your room has not yet accumulated the summer heat in the wall and in objects inside the home such as furniture, carpets, and the like.
If you start running your AC when the room has already accumulated heat, it will take longer to cool. Likewise, lower outdoor temperatures will put cooling energy to waste and cause the cooling unit not to run.
Clogged Air Filter
The air filter in your GE window air conditioner cleans the air of debris before it gets into the cooling unit.
If your AC’s filter is clogged, it will not let in air and your cooling unit will be short of air to cool, which is the reason you’ll be wondering why your GE window air conditioner is not cooling.
As a rule, your GE window AC air filter should be cleaned every 30 days.
How to Tell if your GE Window Air Conditioner Air Filter is Dirty
Open the front grill of your GE window AC to check if the filter is clogged with dirt. Consult your GE window air conditioner model User Manual for specific guidelines on how to check and remove your AC filter.
How to Clean your GE Window Air Conditioner Filter
To clean your GE window air conditioner: follow these steps and tips:
- Turn off your AC and remove the wall plug.
- Open the front inlet grille of your AC by pulling the tab at the top of the upper corners downward until the grill is slanting at a 45º position.
- Remove the air filter by following the specific instructions indicated on the User Manual that comes with your GE window cooling unit.
- Use warm water with a mild detergent to clean the air filter. Avoid any abrasives or bleach.
- Rinse the filter with clean water and leave it to dry.
- Once dry, place back the filter in the unit, ensuring it sits exactly as it was when you removed it.
- Turn your AC back on to start cooling.
Some dos and don’ts when cleaning your GE air filter:
- Do vacuum the filter gently with a soft brush attachment if it not extremely dirty to be cleaned with water or prior to cleaning with water
- Do run a bit of baking soda over the air filter before rinsing it to eliminate any odor.
- Don’t put your AC air filter in the dishwasher.
- Don’t place back a wet filter into the AC. Wait until it’s completely dry.
- Don’t leave your AC open while cleaning the air filter to prevent dirty air from going in.
- Don’t run the AC until the filter has been placed back.
Ice on Coils
Poor airflow and low outdoor temperatures can both cause the coils in your GE window air conditioner to freeze.
Some homeowners may opt to run the fan at a slower speed to reduce noise and leave the thermostat in a high setting. This also reduces the amount of air that goes into your cooling unit and can create conditions for frozen coils.
How to Tell if Your GE Window AC has Ice on the Coils
You can tell if the coils in your GE AC are frozen by opening the front grills and removing the filter to reveal the coils.
How to Prevent and Resolve Frozen GE window AC Coils
The best way to prevent your GE window AC coils from freezing is to run the unit at the right temperatures (above 70°F) and ensure proper airflow to the unit by keeping the filter clean.
Frozen GE window AC coils can be thawed by setting the thermostat to a warmer temperature and the fan to the highest setting when the outdoor temperatures are around 70°F. This improves your AC’s airflow.
If your GE window AC model has just the ON and OFF options, turn off the unit and allow the ice to melt at room temperature. You may want to turn the fan to low mode to speed up the thawing process, but this could cause the water from the melted ice to be splashed around the room.
Improper Installation
Installing your GE window air conditioner in a position where airflow is compromised will cause your cooling unit not to supply the needed cool air.
How to Diagnose Improper GE Window AC Installation
Check around your GE window AC for objects blocking the front of the AC. Objects obstructing airflow could be blinds, curtains, or furniture.
How to Fix Improper GE Window AC Installation
Ensure your GE window cooling unit is installed in a position that’s clear of airflow blockage.
GE Window Air Conditioner Not Heating
If your GE window air conditioner is not heating, it could still be on the normal 3-minute protective delay after your unit is turned on, the AC selector switch may be set on low heat, the windows and doors of your room may be open or the filter may be clogged, which is the most common cause.
Generally, if your GE window AC model is a heating and cooling unit, it will allow you to easily switch the temperature mode from cooling to heating when seasons change.
But, there are several reasons your reverse cycle GE window AC may not heat:
- Your unit is still on a normal protective time delay that safeguards the unit from tripping due to power overload.
- The selector switch of your GE window AC is set on low heat and the temperature control on a lower number.
- Your GE window AC filter is dirty and clogged, limiting airflow.
- There are objects (furniture or curtains) at the front of your GE window AC blocking airflow.
- The rear grill is air-restricted.
- The air-direction louvers are adjusted downwards.
- The windows and doors of your room are open.
How to Optimize your GE Window AC heating effectiveness
- Confirm you are not concluding that your GE window AC is not heating during the normal protective time delay after you turn it on (approx. 3 minutes).
- Ensure your GE window AC’s selector switch is set on ‘high heat’ and the ‘temperature control’ is set to a high value.
- Ensure that the filter of your GE window AC is always clean; clean it at least every 30 days.
- Ensure that no objects inside the room are blocking the airflow into your unit. These could be furniture, curtains, or drapes among others.
- Confirm that the rear grill is not air-restricted as this will cause your GE window unit to cycle off consistently due to the compressor overworking.
- Check the direction of the air louvers and ensure they are facing upward to improve airflow.
- If your model is equipped with a heat pump, use the ‘Electric Heat’ option to turn off the heat pump and the unit will warm the room only with electric heat. Note that this will increase your electrical power usage.
- Ensure that windows and doors are closed and the GE window AC vent control is set to ‘closed’.
GE Window Air Conditioner Not Connecting To Wifi/Wifi Not Working
If your GE window AC is not connecting to the Wifi, you’ve entered the wrong password, you have a failed communication between your home network and the SmartHQ App, or your home network is hidden or has failed. A wrong password is most common and can be resolved by re-entering the password.
A GE window air conditioner with built-in Wifi needs to be set up first in order to enjoy its smart features on your smartphone.
Check the GE Guidelines for Setting up Wifi on your Air Conditioner to help you complete the task or watch the GE video demonstration for WIFI Connect Comfort App for Air Conditioners.
If you have done your GE window AC Wifi set up and it’s not connecting to the Wifi, there are a few issues that could be causing it.
Wrong Appliance Network Password
If you enter the wrong password for the GE AC network, your AC will not be able to connect to the Wifi.
How to Fix Wrong Appliance Network Password for AC Wifi
Simply re-enter the correct appliance network password found on the Connected Appliance Info Label.
If after re-entering the correct password your AC still does not connect to the Wifi, call the GE Appliances’ Connected Home Support Line (1-800-220-6899) or send an email to [email protected].
Failed Communication between your Home Network and the SmartHQ App.
A failed communication between your home network and the SmartHQ app may be caused by a wrong password or a wrong choice of the home network.
How to Resolve Failed Communication between your Home Network and the SmartHQ App.
Verify that the password you have entered is correct and if it is, try disconnecting the phone and reconnecting it manually to see if it reconnects.
If the issue is not resolved, call the GE Appliances’ Connected Home Support Line (1-800-220-6899) or send an email to [email protected]. Note that the call times are 9 am to 11 pm ET on Monday to Friday and 9 am to 3 pm ET on Saturday and Sunday.
Your Home Network is Hidden
If your home network is hidden, the SmartHQ App will not be able to locate it, and your GE window air conditioner is not going to connect to the Wifi.
How to Restore a Hidden Home Network
If your home network does not appear on the list of Wifi networks on your smartphone, chose the “Other” option and type your network name and password.
If the SmartHQ App still won’t locate your home network, purchase a Wifi extender or move the Wifi router closer to the Window AC.
Failed Wifi Connection
If your AC won’t connect to the Wifi and the WiFi Connect LED is solid, the app is unable to locate the window AC in the GEA Cloud.
How to Fix a Failed Wifi Connection
Close the app on your smartphone and restart it again to resolve the issue.
If the AC won’t connect to the Wifi and the WiFi Connect LED is flashing, you have wrong password or home network.
How to Fix a Failed Wifi Connection
Type the home network name and password to resolve the connection failure.
GE Window Air Conditioner Not Turning On/Not Working
A GE window air conditioner that is not turning on has a defective control board, a faulty power cord, or a defective thermostat or rotary temperature control depending on the model. All these issues are rare and require the service of a trained HVAC expert.
As can be guessed, most issues causing your GE window AC not to turn on are related to the power supply as we explain below.
Defective Control Board
Modern window Air conditioners use an electronic control board that directs the power supply to the individual parts of the cooling unit.
If your GE window AC compressor or fan is not working, the control board could be defective.
How to Diagnose and Fix a defective GE Window AC Control Board
Before concluding that your GE window AC control board is defective, check if your model has a brown internal fuse in the control board and replace it to see if it’s the one causing the power supply issue.
Alternatively, check the AC’s User Manual to determine if the unit is in its proper operation and check that there’s power flowing into the AC.
Defective Thermostat or Rotary Temperature Control
Depending on whether your GE window AC model has a thermostat or rotary temperature control, if any of them is defective, it could cause your AC not to turn on.
How to Diagnose a Defective Thermostat or Rotary Temperature Control
The thermostat detects temperature change in the room and signals the compressor and fan to run when the set temperature is reached. If this does not happen, the thermostat could be defective.
The rotary temperature control should make a click sound when you turn and set it to the required temperature level. If this click is not heard, the rotary temperature control could be faulty.
How to Fix a Defective Thermostat or Rotary Temperature Control
Use a multimeter to test your thermostat for continuity. If there’s no complete power path, replace the thermostat.
Call an expert HVAC to check your thermostat or rotary temperature control if you are not sure of what to do. The HVAC pro will replace the part if it’s concluded that it’s faulty.
Faulty Power Cord
If the power cord that sends voltage to your GE window AC is not transferring power, your room cooling unit will sure not turn on.
How to Diagnose a Faulty GE Window AC Power Cord
There are a few things you can do to test continuity in a power cord:
- Use a tester to check if the receptacle has continuity.
- Plug a different appliance to check if the circuit is live.
- Assess the AC power cord for signs of damage or fraying.
How to Fix a Faulty GE Window AC Power Cord
Do not attempt to repair a GE window AC power supply cord that shows signs of damage. Instead, replace the power cord with a safe functional one.
GE Window Air Conditioner Not Draining
A GE window air conditioner that is not draining should not be cause for alarm. This is because GE room air conditioners are created to recycle the moisture that is created in the cooling process.
As the cooling process is happening, the moisture is collected in the base pan. This moisture is then splashed back to the condensing coil by the slinger ring on the fan blades. Since the condenser coils are warm, the moisture evaporates to the outside.
So, unless there’s plenty of humidity in the air and your window AC is creating a lot of moisture or there’s rainwater passing through your unit, your GE window AC will not be draining any water.
You will also hear water splashing inside your unit, and that’s a normal sound.
Note that some people may drill a hole at the bottom of the pan to drain the water, but that reduces the efficiency of your unit as it’s designed to use up the water to cool the coils.
GE Window Air Conditioner No Drain Hole
Most GE room air conditioners are not designed with a drain hole. Instead, they have a slinger ring on the rear fan blade that picks water from the base pan and splashes it against the condenser coils to reduce the heat and dispose of the moisture.
As such, a GE window air conditioner without a drain hole is a normal occurrence. Also, it is normal for you to see the base pan overflowing and dripping outside when it rains or in high-humidity seasons and you do not need to drain the water or make a drain hole.
If you notice a drain plug at the bottom of your GE window AC pan, its function is to drain any excess water when the AC is being cleaned for storage or during professional maintenance when the HVAC needs to drain any standing water.
GE Window Air Conditioner Fan Not Working
If your GE window air conditioner fan is not working, it could be caused by a faulty thermostat, a faulty/worn-out fan motor, or a bad control/relay board. A faulty thermostat and a defective fan motor are most common and should be checked and replaced by an HVAC professional.
Faulty Thermostat
The working of the fan is controlled by the thermostat. Normally, when the temperature in your room goes above the level set on your thermostat, a signal is sent from the thermostat to the fan and compressor to start cooling the room.
But, high-end GE window air conditioners have an electronic thermostat with a temperature fluctuation of around 3°F, which means normal cycling happens every 8 minutes even before the room temperature becomes higher than the set temperature.
Instead, GE window air conditioners with a mechanical thermostat maintain the temperature fluctuation every 4°/5°F.
Setting the fan cycle to continuous or normal makes the fan run continuously. If your GE window AC thermostat is not working right, the cycling process will not happen as intended, which is why it won’t run.
How to Identify a Faulty GE Window AC Thermostat
Use a multimeter to test your GE window AC thermostat for continuity.
How to Fix a Faulty GE Window AC Thermostat
Call an expert HVAC technician to confirm your ‘no continuity’ findings on your GE AC thermostat and have them decide if the thermostat needs to be replaced.
Faulty/Worn-out Fan Motor
A faulty or worn-out GE window AC fan motor that is not running compromises the distribution of cold air in the room.
How to Diagnose a Faulty/Worn-out GE Window AC Fan Motor
Open the fan compartment of your GE window AC and try spinning the fan blade by hand. A fan that won’t turn easily has worn out-motor bearings.
If you’ve set the fan to continuous or normal and it’s not spinning, the fan or the thermostat may be defective.
How to Fix a Defective/Worn-out Fan Motor
Call an HVAC professional for help with this repair.
Bad Control Board
Your GE window AC fan receives voltage from the control board. If your AC control board is bad, power will not flow to the fan and it will not run.
How to Diagnose and Fix a Bad Control Board
AC control boards are often misdiagnosed, which is why any indication that your GE window AC control board is faulty should be decided by a trained HVAC professional.
GE Window Air Conditioner Compressor Not Turning On
A GE air conditioner compressor that is not turning on is caused by a bad control board, a faulty thermostat, faulty compressor or compressor-connected parts. Defects in the compressor are the most common reason it won’t turn on.
Because the compressor is the heart of your GE window AC, not turning on means no cooling which is why it needs to be fixed immediately.
Defective Compressor/Compressor-connected Parts
If your GE window AC compressor is not turning on, it may not be receiving voltage or parts connected to it are faulty. This could be the capacitor, selector switch, or compressor overload.
How to Diagnose a Faulty Compressor or Connected Parts
Call a trained HVAC expert to check your GE window air condition if the compressor is not running.
The compressor is the main part of the cooling system and should not be fixed from a DIY approach.
The trained HVAC expert will perform the following tasks to test and repair your faulty compressor:
- Check the compressor for continuity.
- Test the capacitor, selector switch, and compressor overload for voltage.
- Check if any other power issues are causing the compressor not to work.
- Replace the compressor if it’s defective.
Bad Control Board
A bad control board will not power the compressor, causing it not to run.
How to Diagnose and Fix a Faulty AC Temperature Control Board
You can use a voltmeter to test the control board for electrical flow. However, the best decision is to call a trained HVAC expert to handle the task. DIY approaches often lead to misdiagnosed control board malfunction which could mean replacing it when there’s no need to.
Faulty Thermostat
As with the fan, the thermostat controls when your compressor runs and when it stops depending on the temperature levels.
Your GE window AC compressor will start running once the thermostat signals it to start cooling. So, if the thermostat is faulty, your compressor will not run.
How to Identify and Fix a Faulty GE Window AC Thermostat
Test your GE window AC thermostat for continuity using a multimeter. A faulty thermostat will need to be replaced, but that is best done by a reliable HVAC technician.
GE Window Air Conditioner Control Panel Not Working
If your GE window air conditioner control panel (module) is not working, it may not be set on the COOL mode, may be experiencing power issues, or has issues with internal parts.
The AC control module is used to electronically regulate the functions of the AC including cooling and heating, running the fan, and adjusting temperature levels.
How to Notice a Faulty AC Control Panel
If the control panel is faulty, you will notice uneven air distribution or incorrect temperature values.
How to Fix a Faulty AC Control Panel
If you notice signs of a faulty AC control panel, try these troubleshooting tips before calling an expert HVAC:
- Ensure that your AC is set to “COOL” and lower the thermostat reading a few degrees to see if anything changes on the reading or in the temperature.
- Turn off and unplug the AC or switch it off at the circuit breaker for 30 seconds to reset it.
- If neither 1 nor 2 works, contact the GE window AC manufacturer or call an expert HVAC pro as your unit could be having issues with internal parts.
GE Window Air Conditioner Filter Light Won’t Turn Off/Flashing/Blinking
If your GE window air conditioner filter light won’t turn off or is flashing or blinking, it is time to clean your filter or the fan has accumulated 250 hours of run time.
GE window air conditioners that are cool-only models come with a Reset Filter pad with LED on the Control panel. Reverse cycle or Heat & Cool models (those that start with AJEM or AJEQ) do not have the ‘reset filter’ feature.
What to Do if Your Ge Window Air Conditioner Filter Light Won’t Turn Off
Here’s what you should do if your GE window air conditioner filter light won’t turn off, is blinking, or flashing:
- Clean your GE window AC filter
Because a GE window air conditioner filter light that won’t turn off is reminding you to clean your filter, the first thing you should do is clean the filter.
Even without the filter light reminder, it is advised that you clean the filter every 30 days. See the “GE Window Air Conditioner not Cooling” section for details on How to Clean your GE Window AC Air Filter.
- Press ‘Reset Filter’
Press the ‘Reset Filter’ button to stop the LED from blinking, flashing, or staying always on. This will also reset the accumulated fan run time back to zero.
- Disable the Clean Filter Reminder
If you are faithful to the 30-days filter cleaning routine and don’t want your GE window air conditioner to be reminding you to clean your filter or alert you when your fan has run 250 hours, you can disable this feature.
To do so:
- Go to the dip switches (auxiliary controls) of your window unit that are located behind the cabinet. You can check your GE window AC Owner’s Manual for more info on auxiliary controls.
- Find the switch that controls the filter reminder which by default is always enabled (Right) and disable the switch by moving it to the Left.
GE Window Air Conditioner All Lights Flashing And Beeping
If all the lights of a GE window air conditioner are flashing and beeping, it is an indication that your AC has an internal fault. Your GE window AC will also beep, have all the lights on, and display the double “8s” for a few seconds when the power cord is connected or there’s a power interruption.
- GE Window AC Flashes and Beeps when the Power Cord is Connected
When you connect the power cord of your GE window unit, all the lights will turn on, and the double ‘8s’ will display on the LED for about 2 seconds. This is a normal occurrence.
- GE Window AC Flashes and Beeps when there’s Power Interruption
If power is interrupted or fails, your GE window AC will beep, display the double ‘8s’, and have all the lights on for about 2 seconds. This is also a normal occurrence and your AC will return to the previous mode once the power has stabilized.
- GE Window AC Flashes and Beeps when there’s an Internal Fault
Constant GE window AC beeping with all the lights on indicates a fault and is an alarm to warn you that your GE window AC has an internal issue.
It could be one of the electrical components: the capacitor, control board, sealed system, fan motor, or compressor.
How to Fix a GE Window AC that is Beeping with all the Lights Flashing
Since prolonged beeping by your GE window AC with all the lights on indicates an internal issue, you should call an expert HVAC to assess and make the necessary repairs and not try guesswork troubleshooting.
If the issue is not resolved, consider claiming the warranty of your AC depending on the age of your GE window AC and the years granted by the warranty. Check your GE air conditioner User’s Manual for details on the warranty.
GE Window Air Conditioner Rattling Noise
If your GE window air conditioner is making a rattling noise, the front grille could be loose, the filter could be dirty (most common), the louvers could be loose or broken, or the AC is improperly installed. It could also be the normal water splashing on the condenser coils by the slinger ring.
GE window air conditioners make some noise especially from the water splashing on the condenser coils by the slinger ring. This is normal and aids in cooling the coils and improving the efficiency of your room AC.
But, if the noise is louder than usual, something may be amiss, which could be one of the problems explained below.
A Loose or Broken Front Grill
If the front grille of your GE window AC is broken or loose, it will make a consistent rattling sound due to the wobbly parts.
How to Inspect and Fix a Loose/Broken GE Window AC Front Grille
To inspect and fix a loose/broken GE window AC front grill, follow these steps:
- Remove the front grill.
- Inspect the grill for any cracks. Call a reliable HVAC professional for advice on what should be done with a cracked AC front grill and hire their services for repair.
- If the front grill has no cracks but is just loose, put it back in its place ensuring that it is firmly fixed.
Note: Always check your GE window AC User’s Manual when removing, replacing, or installing AC parts.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter is the greatest enemy of the efficiency of your AC. If the filter is dirty, there’s limited airflow and your AC compressor will have to work harder to meet the cool air shortage, which can make it rattle.
Besides, limited airflow can also cause the evaporator coils to freeze up, and that comes with a rattling noise as well.
Loose/Broken Louvers
The movable louvers on your GE window AC can break or become loose. This creates a rattling noise when your AC is running.
How to Adjust Loose/Broken GE Window AC Louvers
Check your GE window AC model User’s Manual for instructions on how to adjust loose window AC louvers.
If the louvers are broken, hire the services of a trained HVAC technician and have them fixed.
Improper GE Window AC Installation
Improper GE window installation can cause your cooling unit to vibrate and make a rattling sound.
How to Fix Improper GE Window AC Installation
Ensure that the GE window AC installation instructions on our unit’s User’s Manual are followed to the letter.
If an improper installation was done, seek the services of a reliable HVAC expert to correct the installation mistake.
GE Window Air Conditioner Turns On And Off Repeatedly
A GE window air conditioner that turns on and off repeatedly has voltage issues, a bad or badly-positioned thermostat, dirty coils, airflow restrictions, or the unit is oversized or low on refrigerant. Airflow restriction is the most common cause solved by cleaning the unit or clearing the airway.
A GE window air conditioner is programmed to cycle every 8 minutes. If your cooling unit is turning on and off in shorter cycles than that, you should check it or have it checked for the following problems.
Voltage Issues
Inconsistent power supply to your GE window air conditioner is the first issue you should think of if your room AC is turning on and off repeatedly.
Electrical issues that affect the compressor, the fan motor, the thermostat, the capacitor, or even the control board will all disrupt consistent supply to your unit and cause it to short cycle.
How to Diagnose Power Issues in a GE Window AC
Use a voltmeter to test voltage in AC parts you suppose could be having issues with the power supply.
It’s important that you check your window unit User’s Manual to know how much voltage should be flowing into each part and ensure you can read the multimeter correctly.
How to Fix Voltage Issues in a GE Window AC
It can be difficult and even dangerous for someone without the proper training to test and fix electrical connections.
As such, your GE window AC power issues should be tested and resolved by a trained HVAC expert.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
A GE window AC thermostat directs your fan and compressor to start running every 8 minutes, which accounts for a 3°F temperature fluctuation for high-end ACs with an electronic thermostat or 4°F-5°F temperature fluctuation for ACs with a mechanical thermostat.
A faulty thermostat will disrupt these default settings and give inconsistent signals. These signals will cause your GE window unit to go on and off in shorter cycles.
How to Diagnose a Malfunctioning Thermostat
Check your GE window AC thermostat for power issues with a voltage meter and check the temperature readings on the panel to see if they are within the set range or are fluctuating abnormally.
How to Fix a Malfunctioning Thermostat
Since the thermostat is the central control of your GE window cooling system, a faulty one should be replaced to enhance the efficiency of the system. Call a reliable HVAC to confirm that your AC thermostat is faulty and requires replacement.
Airflow Restrictions
An AC that’s not receiving the required amount of air is not going to be meeting the needed room temperature. This will cause your cooling unit to either run perpetually or cycle more often than it should.
Restricted airflow could be caused by dirty air filters or air blockage in the front of the AC.
How to Fix GE Window AC Airflow Restrictions
Ensure you clean your AC air filter every 30 days or earlier if it appears to you that it could be dirty before then. Check the procedure for How to Clean GE Window AC Air Filters in the section on “GE Window Air Conditioner not Cooling.”
Ensure that no objects are blocking the airway of your GE Window Air conditioner which could be furniture, drapes, or curtains.
Over-sized GE Window AC
Your GE window AC should be purchased with in mind the cooling capacity in BTUs/hour and the size of the room being cooled in square feet.
If your GE window AC is over-sized, the compressor will go for shorter cycles because the cooled air will be deflected back to the AC and make it turn off before the normal cycle is completed.
Subsequently, the thermostat will detect low temperatures due to uneven air distribution and signal the compressor to start running in shorter cycles.
How to Diagnose an Over-sized GE Window AC
Find the BTU rating on your GE window air conditioner and check the Energy Star Room Air Conditioner Buying Guide to determine if the BTU rating is within the limit indicated for the square footage of your room (length x width).
How to Fix an Over-sized GE Window AC
Ensure you buy the right GE window AC size (in BTUs/hour) for the size of your room (in square feet).
If you have an oversized GE window unit already, consider replacing it as this could save you money in power bills.
Bad Thermostat Positioning
An AC thermostat signals the compressor and fan to start cooling based on the surrounding temperature.
If your GE window AC thermostat is in a position where it receives heat from the sunlight or from other heat-generating appliances, it can send faulty signals to the compressor and fan, causing them to run for shorter cycles.
How to Resolve Bad Thermostat Positioning
Ensure your GE window AC thermostat is installed in a position that’s not near a window that lets in sunlight or next to a home appliance that generates heat.
If a bad thermostat position is what is causing your GE window AC to turn on and off repeatedly, calling an HVAC to re-install it in a more appropriate position could cost you less than the power bills you’ll pay if your AC is forever short cycling.
If that’s not an option for you, find ways to shield your GE window AC thermostat from the external sources of heat.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Because condenser coils are in the outside part of your window AC, they are exposed to dust and debris. This means they need regular maintenance cleaning.
If your GE window AC condenser coils are coated with dirt, they will struggle to complete the heat exchange process.
Heat build-up will then be sent to the indoors and cause your AC to keep working hard to meet the required temperature, and this could mean shorter-than-usual cycles.
How to Clean Dirty GE Window AC Condenser Coils
Condenser coils are found on the outside part of your Window AC. You’ll notice them by the set of fins that appear when you remove the outer casing.
Most AC user manuals will recommend that you call a professional to clean your AC coils.
If you decide to clean your window AC condenser coils yourself, here’s what you should do:
- Remove the outer casing to reveal the condenser coils.
- Use a vacuum attachment to remove any debris and dust.
- Mix some warm water and a bit of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle and soak the fins for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the coils by passing clean water with a hose. Be careful not to send any water to the electrical part. You can use a soft bristle brush to scrub gently if the fins are really dirty.
- Use a fin comb with the same size as the fin spacing to straighten any bent fins as this could compromise the airflow. You can find fin combs fit for your AC fin size on Amazon.
- Allow your unit to dry off and replace the outer casing before starting to run it again.
Low Refrigerant
The refrigerant in your AC is crucial in the cooling process and in absorbing heat. If your AC was charged low on refrigerant or has a leak, it will be inefficient in absorbing heat and cooling air.
As a consequence, the pressure levels in the compressor will become unstable and your GE window AC will keep short cycling.
How to Diagnose Low Refrigerant Levels in your GE Window AC
An AC that’s low on refrigerant can be diagnosed by these signs:
- Uneven cooling cycles.
- Not blowing cold air.
- Frozen refrigerant lines.
- High energy bills from running consistently.
How to Fix Low Refrigerant Levels in your GE Window AC
Refrigerant issues should be addressed by a trained HVAC expert.
GE Window Air Conditioner Thermostat Problems
GE window air conditioner thermostat problems may be caused by thermostat sensitivity to outdoor/indoor temperatures or a faulty thermostat.
GE window air conditioners are either high-end with an electronic thermostat or older models that have a mechanical thermostat.
Electronic GE window AC thermostats are designed with a temperature fluctuation allowance of 3°F while mechanical thermostats have a temperature fluctuation of 4/5°F.
What this means is that your GE window thermostat will cycle every 8 minutes even though the room temperature has not surpassed the set level.
While this is the normal working of your GE window AC thermostat, the temperature control device can have issues and cause problems with the working of other AC parts.
Here are the two most common GE thermostat problems.
Sensitivity to Outdoor/Indoor Temperatures
Operating your GE window air conditioner under outdoor/indoor temperatures at 70°F or below will not only limit its cooling capacity but will also disrupt the functioning of the thermostat.
Low temperatures at 50°F or less will cause your thermostat not to function and stall the compressor because the thermostat will not initiate the cooling cycles.
How to Fix Thermostat Sensitivity to Indoor/Outdoor Temperature
The simple way to ensure your GE window air conditioner does not stop working due to low indoor/outdoor temperature is to ensure the temperatures are above 70°F and especially not below 50°F when you start running your AC.
A Faulty GE Window Thermostat
A faulty GE window AC thermostat will not run by the default settings and can give inconsistent signals, causing the AC to shut off when it shouldn’t or run when it should be off.
A window AC with internal issues can also cause your AC not to turn on or to run continuously if the cycling signals are not given.
How to Identify a Faulty GE Window AC Thermostat
Use a multimeter to test your GE window AC thermostat for continuity.
How to Fix a Faulty GE Window AC Thermostat
If there’s no indication of voltage in your thermostat, call an HVAC expert to test your AC thermostat and replace it if need be.
GE Window Air Conditioner Keeps Beeping
A GE window air conditioner that keeps beeping could be announcing internal faults in your unit and should be attended to by a trained HVAC expert. A GE window AC will also beep once or twice when power is connected or interrupted, a remote control button is pressed, or a pressed button fails.
Normal GE window AC beeping sounds include:
Beeping once
- The GE window AC power cord is connected (all lights will go on and the double ‘8s’ will appear on the LED for 2 seconds).
- When there’s a power failure or interruption (all lights will go on and the double ‘8s’ will appear on the LED for 2 seconds but, normal operation will resume when power stabilizes or is restored).
- A button such as the remote control button is pressed.
- When the increase-temperature button (+) or the decrease-temperature button (-) is pressed continuously.
Beeping twice
- A button such as the remote control button is pressed and has failed.
Faulty GE window AC beeping:
GE window AC continuous beeping happens when there’s an internal fault affecting electrical components such as the control board, capacitor, fan motor, compressor, or sealed system. In this case, the beeping is consistent and all the lights are on.
How to Fix a GE Window AC that Keeps Beeping
Call an HVAC professional to examine your GE window AC for internal faults and to make the necessary repairs or replacements.
GE Window Air Conditioner Buttons Not Working
If your GE air conditioner buttons are not working, you may have the wrong thermostat settings or the AC control panel is faulty. Wrong thermostat setting is a more common problem and can be easily troubleshot if the issue only requires you to set the AC on COOL.
Wrong Thermostat Settings
Your GE window AC can run on the COOL or FAN mode. The COOL mode has to be active to adjust the temperature setting.
So, if you are trying to increase or decrease the temperature setting on the temperature adjustment buttons but your AC is set on FAN mode instead of COOL on the operating mode selection button, you will not be able to adjust your window AC temperature.
How to Fix Wrong Thermostat Settings
Ensure your GE window AC thermostat is set on COOL before trying to raise or lower the temperature level.
A Faulty AC Control Panel
A Faulty control panel will not activate button commands on your control panel.
How to Fix a Faulty AC Control Panel
Try resetting your GE window AC buttons by turning off the AC and unplugging the power cable. You can also turn off the unit from the circuit breaker and leave it for a minute before switching it on again.
If your GE window AC buttons still do not work, call a GE window AC expert and enquire about a solution for the problem.
GE Window Air Conditioner Icing Up/Freezing Up
A GE window air conditioner that’s icing up or freezing up is experiencing poor airflow due to a dirty air filter or the unit is running while the outdoor temperatures are below 70°F. Poor airflow is the number one cause for a GE room AC that’s freezing up.
As explained earlier, running the fan at a slower speed to minimize noise and leaving the thermostat on a high setting also reduces the amount of air flowing into your GE window AC, which can cause the coils to ice up.
How to Diagnose a GE Window AC that’s Frozen up
Notice any sweating on the outside casing of your GE window AC. To assess the coils for ice, open the front grilles and remove the filter to identify any ice buildup on your AC’s coils.
How to Fix a GE Window AC that’s Frozen up
If your GE window AC is frozen, the first thing you should do is to turn it off and allow the ice to thaw at room temperature.
You can also hasten the thawing process by setting the thermostat at a higher temperature and the fan at the highest speed. This works best if the outdoor temperatures are below 70°F.
Overall, avoid running your Window AC when the outdoor temperatures are low and ensure there’s proper airflow into the unit by keeping the filter clean and checking that no objects are obstructing the airway of your GE window AC.
GE Window Air Conditioner Spitting Water Out Front
If your GE window air condition is spitting water out front, the air filter may be dirty, the unit may be installed with a tilt to the front or the entire unit is dirty and requires cleaning. Clogged air filters are the most common cause for a GE window AC that’s spitting water from the front.
GE window air conditioners have a slinger ring around the fan blade at the rear which takes the water in the drain pan and sends it to the condenser coils to enhance the efficiency of the AC and to dispel moisture.
As such, if your GE unit is spitting water to the outdoor, it is the result of the water being thrown by the slinger ring to the condenser coils, and this is a normal occurrence.
However, if your GE window AC is spitting water out from the front into the room, this is not normal.
There are several things that can cause your GE window AC to spit water out from the front:
- The air filter is dirty and needs to be cleaned.
- Your GE window unit is installed in such a way that it tilts into the room instead of the outside.
- The entire unit is generally dirt and requires maintenance cleaning.
How to Fix a GE Window Unit that’s Spitting Water Out Front
The solution for a GE window AC that spitting water out front will depend on the cause:
If the cause is a dirty filter:
Remove and clean the filter. See How to Clean Dirty GE Window Air Conditioner Filter in the earlier section on “GE Window Air Conditioner Not Cooling.”
If your GE window air conditioner is tilting into the room:
Call an HVAC expert to rectify the installation mistake and reinstall the unit with a ¼ʺ tilt to the outside.
Ensure the Installation Instructions on the User Manual that comes with your GE window AC are followed correctly.
If the entire GE window unit is dirty and needs maintenance cleaning:
Clean the GE window AC by performing the following tasks:
- Use a damp cloth with a bit of detergent to wipe the rear and front grilles of the AC.
- Use a vacuum soft brush attachment to clean the areas behind the indoor and rear grilles.
- Clean the air filter. Follow the instructions on How to Clean Dirty GE Window Air Conditioner Filter provided earlier.
- Use a mixture of warm water and a bit of detergent to run down the dirt on the unit’s cabinet.
- Check the outdoor coils for dirt. If they are dirty, call a professional HVAC technician to clean the coils. We do not recommend cleaning the coils yourself to avoid getting water into the electrical parts.
GE Window Air Conditioner Error 88/E8/Ep Codes
GE window air conditioner error 88/E8/Ep codes are fault codes programmed in your cooling unit controls to help AC service technicians diagnose issues with the unit.
According to GE Appliances, if your GE window AC displays any of these error codes, you should call a trained service technician to diagnose and address the issue coded in the error.
The GE Appliances manufacturer does not have a complete list of the fault codes and their respective meanings as these codes are linked to service issues.
As such, though you may find an explanation for individual errors, you should detest from following explanations given to the errors without confirming with GE experts that the explanation is right for the error code.
Also, most GE window air conditioners are not serviceable and have no repair parts. If you have a model that can be serviced, you should schedule a service online with the GE Appliances Factory Service or call their toll-free number (844-278-6631).
If you need to make a warranty claim for any of the GE window air conditioner error codes, download a copy of the User’s Manual for the warranty details.