How To Change The Power Cord On A Window AC Unit

For those who need to cool a small space, the best air conditioner is often a window air conditioning unit. And to keep your window unit in excellent working order, it’s best to know how to do some AC repairs. If you need to replace the power cord of your window AC unit, follow these steps: Turn off and unplug the unit, then remove the front cover to access the cord connection. Loosen the screws, remove the old cord, and insert the new one through the strain relief. Strip the wire ends and connect the new cord to the terminals, matching the colors. Tighten the screws and replace the cover. Plug in the AC unit and turn it on to test the new cord. If you’re uncertain about any steps, seek assistance from a professional or the manufacturer. If the AC won’t turn on at all, you may have another problem to solve.

And for those looking for further information on central AC units, we have another article that discusses when to replace a heat pump with an air conditioner. Plus, if your AC causes lights to dim, you’re having a whole ‘nother problem.

For more A/C-related questions, check out our info content covering leaving your A/C on when you’re not home, how to understand air conditioner symbols, and learning what E1 means on your A/C.

Replacing the Power Cord on a Window Air Conditioner

Basic knowledge of which wire goes to which terminal is all that’s needed to install your own power cord. If you are looking for more information on HVAC units, here’s an article that covers what causes Freon leaks in air conditioners.

STEP 1 Unplug the Old Power Cord

1. Make sure it’s unplugged from the electrical outlet. Then safely remove the unit from the window and place it on a level surface upright.

STEP 2 Remove the Sheet Metal/Plastic Inlet Cover

1. Once you remove the cover, take out the air filter. Then undo the mounting screws that take off the front panel (electronic control board) and lift the front panel out of place after disconnecting the wire connector.
2. Remove the front screws ‌on the sides of the air conditioner near the bottom. Removing these screws will loosen up the inner parts of the unit.

STEP 3 Access the Service Box

1. Slide out the internal components and find the service box. The service box should be a small grey box located in the upper section. You will ‌see the power cord going into it.
2. Remove the screws that fasten the service box cover.

STEP 4 Detach Old Wires

1. Disconnect the wire connector attaching the white and black wires. Unscrew the white and black wires from the terminals if you have an older unit.
2. Detach the ground wire.
3. Once all wires are detached, completely remove the power cord.

STEP 5 Attach the Replacement Power Cord

1. Connect the end of the wire connector on the cord to the wire connector in the AC unit. For older units, screw in the white wire to the common terminal and the black wire to the live terminal.
2. Then screw in the grounding wire.
3. Secure all wires, and thread the cord through the hole in the service box.

STEP 6 Reassemble Unit

1. Attach the cover to the service box.
2. Push the unit back into the AC cabinet and replace both front and rear cabinet screws.
3. Reconnect the front panel.
4. Place the air filter back.
5. Then reinsert the front cover.
6. Plug into the electrical outlet and power on the unit.

F.A.Q.S