Frigidaire FHTC105WC1 Repair

The FHTC105WC1 is a Frigidaire room air conditioner. Beyond that, we do not quote specifications for it. The focus here is one problem owners raise often with this kind of unit, which is water on the inside.

Why a cooling unit makes water

Pulling heat out of room air also pulls moisture out of it. That moisture collects on the cold coil and is meant to run to the drain pan and out the back. When the path is clogged, tilted the wrong way or overwhelmed on a muggy day, the pan overflows and the drip lands on the sill, the floor or the wall below.

Likely causes, in the order we test them

1. The case is pitched slightly toward the room instead of outward.
2. The drain opening or pan is packed with dust and slime.
3. The coil is iced over, and the melt overflows when the unit cycles off.
4. Gaps around the frame let outdoor air in, creating extra condensation where it should not form.

Number three is a cooling-side issue, so a technician checks airflow and the filter before assuming anything else.

Things to do while you wait

• Turn the unit off and place a towel or shallow tray under the drip.
• Clean the filter and look for obvious blockage at the back of the unit.
• Check, by eye only, that the unit leans slightly outward.
• Do not tip the unit or drain it into the room; call us instead.

Installation notes for a room air conditioner

Sleeve, window frame or wall opening, each handles drainage differently. In older San Francisco flats the sill itself may slope inward, which fights the unit. We look at that during the visit and tell you honestly if the setup rather than the machine is at fault. Our overall approach is described under Frigidaire air conditioner repair.

Related reading

See Frigidaire room air conditioner leaking water inside for more on indoor leaks, and Frigidaire FHTC105WC2 Repair for a closely numbered model. The full lineup sits on Frigidaire air conditioners.

When water means a bigger problem

Occasionally the drip is a sign that the unit has been running with a blocked coil for a long time. If you see staining, a musty smell, or water that returns each time the cooling starts, tell us when you book. It helps the technician bring cleaning supplies and check the pan, the drain path and the case seams in one trip.

Frequently asked questions