If your circuit breaker has tripped or you've replaced a part in the air conditioner, you may need to reset the filter. But how exactly do you do this on a GE air conditioner? We have done a bit of research on these air conditioners to provide you with an answer.
Most modern GE air conditioners come equipped with an LED light that will remind you when it's time to change the air filter. These lights usually come on after about 250 hours of runtime. After cleaning or changing the filter, reset it by simply pressing the filter light button. Afterward, turn the unit back on. If the air filter is clogged and preventing airflow, the light will not go off, so it's best to always replace it or clean it beforehand.
The great thing about most GE air conditioners is that they come with many modern features that make them easy to maintain and operate. Continue reading to learn more about how to clean the filters in these units and more about their operation.
Why is my GE air conditioner blinking red?
If your GE air conditioner has blinking red lights, it can due to one of a few reasons. Here are the most common issues that may cause the unit to blink:
The capacitor is faulty or breaking down
The capacitor is one of the most important components in an air conditioner unit. It essentially works like a battery in that it uses electricity to store energy. It also allows the unit to start and stop according to its temperature settings.
Some capacitors may power both the compressor and the condenser fan in the unit. So if this component fails or becomes weak at any point, the compressor and the fan may stop running, ultimately resulting in the unit becoming inoperable.
If you suspect that your capacitor is weak, it's best to have it professionally diagnosed as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue could lead to you replacing the compressor and the condenser fan motor, which means extra repair costs.
A bad wire connection
If there is suddenly an electrical or a wiring issue with the unit, a light may start to blank. Often, this may happen when wires become disconnected, blown out, or if there is a power surge. If there is a power surge, the unit will usually turn off due to the abnormally high level of voltage it has received.
Other things that can trigger a blinking red light include issues with the temperature switches, failed liquid line sensors, and faulty pressure switches. As these air conditioning units age, they'll likely experience some type of electrical issue at some point.
A blinking red light is the first signal that the unit may be experiencing such an issue. Be sure to refer to your user guide for guidance if you suspect that your unit has an electrical problem. If you're unsure, it's best to contact an HVAC professional to help diagnose the issue and fix the unit.
There is an issue with the compressor or contactor
Sometimes the unit will begin blinking if there is an issue with the contactor or the compressor.
GE air conditioning units come with a heavy-duty switch that's located on the exterior door of the unit (the contactor). When the contactor is working properly, the air conditioning unit will power on and off as necessary to maintain the desired temperature.
However, when the compressor or contactor is faulty, the fan in the compressor will no longer operate, though the condenser will continue to run. This will ultimately disrupt the entire air conditioning unit, leading to it overheating and ultimately burning out. You'll likely need to replace the contactor and the compressor if this happens.
The condenser fan is faulty
As stated earlier, a faulty or failing capacitator will place extra stress on the fan motor, causing it to burn out eventually. If the fan motor becomes faulty at any point, it can cause the light on the air conditioner to blink, signaling that it is due for replacement or repair.
How do I clean the filter on my GE air conditioner?
Cleaning the filter on a GE air conditioner is fairly simple. Here are the steps to do it:
1. Turn the unit off
Turn off the unit and unplug the power cord. Remove the air intake grill located on the front of the unit. You may need to pull it out from the bottom or the side of the unit to disconnect the latches.
2. Vacuum the filter
Use a hand vacuum or one with a brush attachment to clean the filter. Be sure to remove any debris located in the metal grid as well as all four corners where it's most likely to accumulate. If the vacuum itself doesn't remove all of the dirt and debris, you'll need to wash the filter as well.
3. Soak and wash the filter
If the filter is especially dirty, it's best to first soak it in a solution of baking soda and water to remove any debris and potential odor. You can create the solution using half a cup of baking soda and about a gallon of warm water.
It's best to soak the filter in either the sink or the bathtub. After soaking the filter, clean it with regular dishwashing detergent using a soft scrub brush (or a disposable toothbrush).
Be sure not to use any wire metal brushes on the filter, as they can damage the metal grid. Next, rinse the filter with cool water and let it dry completely before placing it back in the unit.
If you prefer not to place the filter in the sink or tub, you can also clean it in the backyard using a water hose with a spray attachment.
The force from the sprayer should be strong enough to remove any hardened debris and dirt. However, be sure to keep the sprayer at least 8-10 inches away from the filter to avoid damaging it.
Click here to see this soft cleaning brush on Amazon.
How often should AC filters be replaced?
The frequency at which you should change your air filter depends on your location, the size of your home, and the size of the air conditioner. On average, HVAC professionals recommend that homeowners change their filter at least once a month, or at most, every three months.
Is no AC filter better than a dirty one?
No, running your air conditioner without its filter can be hazardous and result in repairs to the air conditioner unit. It's actually better not to run the unit at all until you either clean or replace the filter. Here are a few risks of running the unit without a filter.
Your home's air quality will decrease
The main function of the air filter is to remove and absorb any pollutants that may enter your home through the air conditioning unit. If the filter is removed, any dust, debris, and other air pollutants from the outdoors can easily make it into your home.
These pollutants can cause issues for people with allergies and increase the possibility of debris and dust settling on your furniture, floors, and other surfaces.
The evaporator coils may freeze
Running the air conditioning unit without a filter can also cause dust to become stuck inside of the unit and settle on the evaporator coils. If this happens, the coils (which house the unit's refrigerant) can lose their ability to absorb heat from your home.
As a result, they may freeze over. If the coils freeze over, the compressor may become damaged, and the unit will work harder to cool the air coming from outside. Overall, it can result in the air conditioner unit burning out prematurely.
Not to mention that it can also cause your energy bills to increase during the warmer months of the year.
Wrapping things up
Staying on top of filter changes and replacements with your GE air conditioner is important to keep up with its maintenance. The air filter plays an essential role in keeping the unit running properly. So, if you see the filter light come on, be sure to check the filter as soon as possible.
Before you go, be sure to check out these other posts:
Should You Turn Your Heat Pump Off At Night?
Portable Air Conditioner Leaking Water – What Could Be Wrong?