Troubleshooting Guide: What to Do If Your Amana 9,300 BTU Isn’t Heatin

0 comments

The Amana 9,300 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat is built for reliability, but like any HVAC system, it can run into performance hiccups. Maybe it’s not cooling on the hottest summer day, or the heat doesn’t kick in when you need it most.

The good news? Most problems are minor and fixable at home with simple checks. In this guide, I’ll walk you (in true Savvy style) through:

Common problems (weak cooling, no heat, leaks, strange noises)
DIY fixes you can safely do yourself
Red flags that mean it’s time to call in a pro

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to check, what to fix, and when to hand things over to a technician.

❄️ Problem 1: Weak or No Cooling

Symptoms

Air feels weak or not cold enough
Room never reaches set temperature
Ice buildup on coils

Possible Causes

Dirty/clogged air filter
Blocked airflow (curtains, furniture)
Dirty evaporator or condenser coils
Wrong mode or thermostat setting
Refrigerant leak (pro-level issue)

DIY Fixes

Check filter → Pull it out, wash it with warm soapy water, and let it dry.
Inspect airflow → Make sure nothing blocks the vents inside or outside.
Clean coils → Vacuum gently or use a no-rinse coil cleaner.
Check thermostat → Make sure the unit is set to “Cool” with a reasonable temperature.

When to Call a Pro

Cooling still weak after filter/coil cleaning
Ice on the coils → likely refrigerant problem
Electrical buzzing or compressor issues

👉 According to the U.S. Department of Energy, dirty filters and coils are responsible for most AC performance issues

🔥 Problem 2: Heating Not Working

Symptoms

No warm air in Heat mode
Unit blows room-temperature air
Breaker trips when switching to heat

Possible Causes

Wrong mode on remote
Tripped breaker
Faulty heating element
Voltage mismatch (unit requires 230/208V)

DIY Fixes

Check settings → Ensure it’s in “Heat” mode (not Fan).
Reset breaker → If tripped, reset and try again.
Inspect power → Verify outlet delivers 230V power (may need electrician).

When to Call a Pro

Heating element needs replacement
Electrical issues beyond a simple reset
Burning smells when heating is on

👉 Many through-the-wall units use electric resistance heating, which is less efficient than heat pumps. If your room never warms up properly, it may be a capacity or wiring issue, not the AC itself.

💧 Problem 3: Water Leaks or Moisture

Symptoms

Water pooling inside the room
Dripping from front grille
Musty smell

Possible Causes

Improper tilt (unit should slope slightly outward)
Clogged drain holes
Excessive humidity (unit runs constantly)

DIY Fixes

Check tilt → Adjust so the rear is lower than the front by ~¼ inch.
Clear drain holes → Use a pipe cleaner or thin brush to remove debris.
Control humidity → Run at lower fan speeds to dehumidify better.

When to Call a Pro

Persistent leaks even after cleaning drains
Signs of wall/water damage behind the unit

👉 Total Home Supply reports that improper installation tilt is one of the leading causes of wall-unit water leaks

🔇 Problem 4: Strange Noises or Vibrations

Symptoms

Rattling or clanking
Buzzing or humming
Grinding sound

Possible Causes

Loose screws or trim
Unit vibrating against wall sleeve
Debris inside fan or blower
Electrical buzzing from motor

DIY Fixes

Tighten screws → Check grille, trim, and wall sleeve fasteners.
Foam strips → Place between unit and sleeve for vibration dampening.
Clean fan blades → Remove dust/debris carefully.

When to Call a Pro

Loud grinding (fan motor issue)
Persistent buzzing despite cleaning/tightening

👉 Consumer Reports notes that unusual AC noises often indicate loose hardware, which is usually DIY-fixable

⚡ Problem 5: Unit Won’t Turn On

Symptoms

Dead display or no fan movement
Remote unresponsive
No power at all

Possible Causes

Outlet issue
Tripped breaker or blown fuse
Dead remote batteries
Faulty power cord

DIY Fixes

Test outlet → Plug in another device.
Reset breaker → Flip it off and on again.
Replace batteries → Simple but often overlooked.
Inspect cord → Replace if cracked or damaged.

When to Call a Pro

Outlet and breaker work, but unit still dead
Internal wiring issue suspected

👉 Home Depot’s troubleshooting guide lists outlet and breaker checks as the first step for any AC not powering up

🌡️ Problem 6: Temperature Doesn’t Match Setting

Symptoms

Set to 72°F but feels warmer/colder
Unit cycles on/off frequently
Uneven comfort in room

Possible Causes

Thermostat sensor obstructed (sunlight, lamps, drafts)
Dirty filter restricting airflow
Incorrect mode (Fan instead of Cool/Heat)

DIY Fixes

Relocate heat sources (lamps, electronics) away from unit.
Block sunlight shining directly on thermostat sensor.
Clean filter → Improves accuracy of cooling/heating cycles.
Double-check settings (Cool/Heat vs. Fan).

When to Call a Pro

If cycles are very short (possible electrical or refrigerant issue).

🧰 Savvy’s Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Checklist

Here’s how I walk through issues before calling for service:

Filter clean?
Coils clear?
Drain holes open?
Unit tilted outward?
Correct mode selected?
Breaker and outlet working?
Airflow clear (no curtains/furniture)?

If all seven check out and it’s still not working → time to call a pro.

⚠️ When to Call a Professional Immediately

Refrigerant issues → requires EPA-certified technician
Electrical burning smell → shut off immediately
Persistent water leaks → may mean sleeve or wall damage
Heating element failure → replacement parts and wiring needed

👉 The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) advises annual professional inspections for units like this

✅ Conclusion: Savvy’s Take

Most Amana 9,300 BTU issues boil down to dirty filters, coils, or drainage problems — things you can fix in minutes. Heating failures often point to electrical elements or wiring.

Here’s my golden rule: