Troubleshooting Common Issues (When It Won’t Cool or Heat)
There’s nothing worse than turning on your GE 12,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Electric Heat (Model AKEQ12DCJ) and realizing it’s not cooling or heating like it should. You check the settings, hold your hand up to the vent, and… nothing.
Jake’s been there too.
“Most of the time, it’s not broken — it’s just cranky. A little cleaning or resetting usually gets it back on track.”
Before you reach for the phone or start pricing replacement parts, try these simple troubleshooting steps. Most issues with through-the-wall units are fixable at home with just a screwdriver, a clean filter, and a bit of patience.
🔌 1. Start With the Basics — Power and Controls
It might sound obvious, but the first thing to check is power. Many cooling or heating failures come down to a simple electrical or control issue.
✅ What to Check:
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Power supply: Make sure the unit is securely plugged into a 208/230-volt outlet. If it’s hardwired, confirm the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
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Breaker panel: Reset any tripped breakers or blown fuses. The National Electrical Code (NEC) advises keeping large appliances on a dedicated circuit to prevent overloads (nfpa.org).
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Control settings: Ensure the unit is set to Cool or Heat mode — not Fan Only.
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Thermostat setting: Try lowering (for cooling) or raising (for heating) the temperature by at least 5°F to test response.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), thermostat misconfiguration accounts for nearly 20% of air conditioner service calls (energy.gov).
Jake’s reminder:
“Half the time, it’s not broken — it’s just set wrong. Start with the simplest fix before digging deeper.”
🧽 2. Clean the Air Filter and Grille
A dirty filter is the most common cause of poor performance. Dust buildup blocks airflow, forcing the compressor to run harder and reducing cooling or heating output.
How to Fix It:
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Turn off and unplug the unit.
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Remove the front grille and slide out the filter.
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Wash it with warm water and mild soap if needed.
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Let it dry completely before reinstalling.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that clogged filters can increase energy consumption by up to 15%and cause inconsistent temperatures (epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq).
If the grille is also dusty, wipe it down with a damp cloth. Clean airflow paths equal better performance and less strain on the motor.
Jake’s take:
“If it’s breathing clean air, it’ll give you clean comfort.”
🌀 3. Check Airflow and Vents
If the unit runs but doesn’t seem to push enough air, the problem might be airflow blockage.
Common Causes:
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Furniture, curtains, or blinds blocking vents.
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Dirty coils behind the filter.
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Ice forming on the evaporator coil.
To test airflow, hold a tissue near the vent — it should move slightly. If airflow feels weak, inspect the evaporator coil(inside) and condenser coil (outside) for dust or debris.
The DOE’s Energy Saver guide recommends coil cleaning at least twice a year to maintain proper cooling performance (energy.gov).
If ice buildup is visible, switch the unit to Fan Only for 30–60 minutes to melt it. Then, check for dirty filters or low refrigerant — both can cause freezing.
🌡️ 4. It’s Running, But Not Cooling
When your GE wall unit hums along but doesn’t actually cool the room, it’s usually due to one of three things:
1. Thermostat Miscalibration
The thermostat sensor inside the unit may not be reading the room temperature correctly. Try resetting the system by unplugging it for 60 seconds, then plugging it back in.
2. Dirty Condenser Coil
If the outdoor coil (the back of the unit) is clogged with lint, pollen, or debris, it can’t release heat efficiently. Turn off power and use a soft brush or vacuum to clean the fins.
3. Low Refrigerant or Leak
Through-the-wall units like the AKEQ12DCJ use R-410A refrigerant, which is environmentally safe and efficient. However, leaks can reduce cooling power over time.
If you suspect a refrigerant issue — weak cooling, hissing noises, or ice on the coil — contact a licensed technician. The EPA’s Section 608 refrigerant rules require certified handling of all refrigerant repairs (epa.gov/section608/refrigerant-management).
Jake’s rule of thumb:
“If it hums but doesn’t chill, the coils or coolant are the culprits.”
💧 5. Dealing With Water Leaks or Drips
If you see water dripping inside instead of outside, the cause is almost always poor drainage or improper sleeve tilt.
How to Fix It:
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Ensure the wall sleeve tilts slightly outward (about ¼ inch).
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Check for clogged weep holes at the base of the unit.
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Clean any debris or insect nests blocking drainage paths.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) recommend regular drainage checks to prevent indoor leaks and mold growth (acca.org).
Jake’s fix-it saying:
“If it’s raining inside, it’s probably a tilt or a clog — not a tragedy.”
⚡ 6. Strange Noises or Vibrations
Unusual noises don’t always mean something’s broken — but they can be early warning signs.
| Noise Type | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Rattling | Loose screws or wall sleeve gaps | Tighten mounting hardware and add foam insulation |
| Buzzing | Dirty fan or coil fins | Clean debris buildup |
| Humming | Compressor or fan motor strain | Clean filter and check for airflow restrictions |
| Clicking | Relay switching (normal) | No action needed |
The EPA’s indoor air quality guidelines emphasize reducing vibration and dust buildup for quieter operation and better performance (epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq).
If the noise continues after cleaning and tightening, a worn motor bearing or fan blade imbalance might need professional service.
🔁 7. When to Reset the Unit
Sometimes, your GE unit just needs a hard reset — especially after a power outage or tripped breaker.
To Reset:
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Unplug the unit for 60 seconds.
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Press and hold the Reset button on the plug (if equipped).
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Reconnect power and restart.
This simple step clears temporary control errors and reboots the internal microprocessor. According to GE Appliances technical support, a reset resolves nearly half of all performance complaints before service is required (geappliances.com).
🧠 8. Preventive Steps for Future Reliability
Once your wall unit is back to normal, a few regular habits can prevent these problems from recurring:
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Clean filter monthly during heavy use.
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Vacuum coils every 3–6 months.
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Check drainage holes each season.
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Seal air gaps around the sleeve for better insulation.
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Run fan mode periodically to circulate air and prevent dust buildup.
The ENERGY STAR HVAC maintenance guide notes that regular cleaning and inspections can improve efficiency by up to 20% annually (energystar.gov).
Jake’s motto:
“Maintenance beats troubleshooting any day.”
🏁 9. When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all these fixes and your unit still won’t cool or heat, it’s time to call an expert.
A certified technician can:
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Test refrigerant levels.
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Replace faulty thermostats or heating coils.
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Check fan motors and compressors.
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Perform electrical diagnostics.
The ACCA recommends professional inspection at least every 2–3 years to catch early signs of wear or refrigerant loss (acca.org).
Jake’s closing thought:
“You don’t call a pro because you can’t fix it — you call one to make sure you don’t have to fix it again.”
In the next Blog we will learn more about Comfort Test: How Quiet Is the GE AKEQ12DCJ?
