I have an Emerson A/C slider model. Its around 3 years old. It was working earlier this summer but when I returned from vacation and turned it on, the compressor seems to run, but I don't get any air coming out. Even if I just put it on fan no air comes out though the unit hums.

My question is whether it would be worth calling in a service on this. I doubt if its still under warranty. I wonder if I would be better off just replacing it. The room its supposed to cool is small (11'x11') so I don't need a very powerful unit. But because of the slider windows, I'm constrained to either a slider type or having a through the wall installation.

Suggestions?

Check the capacitor and the fan motor. If the fan motor hums,the cap is bad. Cheap and easy fix. Also, if the fan collect a lot of dust etc, it gets to heavy to start.Should clean unit every year. Goon luck and post back with results as it could help others

Ok Doug, as machanically inclined as I am I might be able to handle that But I haven't a clue what or where the capacitor is, how to replace or even check it.

Can you give me some clues?

Remove the unit from casing or window and get to the inside of unit. The cap will either be a round or oval silver looking. You will see 1 or2 wires connected to it going to the motor. Careful handling it as it will hold charge or several minutes after removinf power to it. May times a visual will tell if it's bad. I will be bulged at top or kind of "exploded" looking with oil on it. If passes the visual you can plug unit in and with a long handle screw driver or stick give the fan a spin. If it starts up, the cap is bad. Also check fan for dust and dirt. Should be a easy repair for you

Well I'll give it a try, but taking it out of the window is going to be a job, I'll probably have to do it from the outside.

Yes, that will be the hardest part of job. Get it out and troubleshooting will be easy. Keep posted. Most window units will slide out of case from inside and then the case for it remains in window. Won't yours do this?

It might. I'll have to see (not home now). I think it's a Model 5JV53 or 8JV73. At least the pics I found for those models look right. The main problem is that one of my computer desks sits in front of the window making it hard to get at the window.