The filter in our trusty window air conditioner(pictured above) is held together with tape. If we added any more tape to the plastic screening it would no longer allow air to pass through, rather defeating the purpose. We decided to find a replacement for the filter. The unit still works very well and we only needed a new filter.
Charlie started at the local appliance store which gave him a card with a parts warehouse number. Of course we would need to know the model and serial number to order the part. The machine is made by Friedrich whose phone number was easily visible. A call to them told us how to find the required numbers by taking off the front panel of the unit.
With the two required numbers in hand, I called the parts warehouse who said they didn’t carry Friedrich parts and that I needed to call Friedrich. When I did so, the lovely clerk told me they didn’t carry parts either. But she was able to give me the number of the part and another phone number to call to order the part.
I called the new company and optimistically gave the woman the part number. The reply? “That part is no longer available and there is no replacement.”
This winter, when the air conditioner is removed, Charlie can figure out how to fix the old filter with new screening material. He always needs projects when it is snowing.
Saved By Words 
I was going to say you could probably buy a filter of any size and then cut it to fit. I have the same problem with my unit. We moved in 13 years ago and the units are those that are on the wall with the main box outside. They were blowing hot air (hahaha, really) and when they came to service them they said that next time it will be cheaper to replace the whole system. Easy to say when you aren’t the one writing the check! Anyhow, he put more refrigerant in it at $150.00 a gallon! Luckily we only need 1.5 gallons.
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We covered up one like that and bought the window one instead of paying to fix or replace the one through the wall. I think you are right that he could cut one to fit. Thanks.
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I have been there so many times…
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Been there, done that. Actually Bob does the doing! 😉
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If they stop supplying spares they hope to force a new sale. I think modern equipment is designed with built in obsolescence!
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For sure. It is ironic that the main thing works well and only the plastic filter insert is worn.
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Elizabeth, you are hurting the economy…so many companies need customers right now. 😁😁😁
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OH. You are right. I better find some money and spend it. LOL
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Oh, goodness….
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If they made the spare parts permanently available, nobody would need to buy new airconditioners.
They call it ‘Planned Obsolescene’, and it really is a ‘thing’, in everything from cars to washing machines. (And airconditioners, apparently)
Best wishes, Pete.
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Good thing that our spouses haven’t caught on.
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I’ve got a 20-year-old VW Beetle I still love. I just hope we can keep parts for that for a while.
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Why that car is almost new!
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Yes, Beetles are supposed to last forever, if we can just continue to get the parts now that the model has been discontinued. I’m going to hang onto mine as long as I can.
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I had one in my 20’s and it was already ancient. Ran great.
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Yes! Been there. And it is SO frustrating. There are times when you hope the whole economy of cheap crap/ planned obsolescence breaks down and we have to make-do-and-mend. Somehow rigging up what we have so it functions. Good luck with shoddy crap.And not all of us have the basic skills to do that.
But I don’t want to live in end times.
I want good well-made products that can be serviced and mended as necessary. And then – after a couple of decades of solid service – we can try the duct tape and fix-it-up method.
And what’s with smoke alarms?
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And why are they just out of reach when they go off so you have to whack them with a broom thereby necessitating buying a new one?
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Good grief! You’ve performed a public service, though. We now know not to buy a Friedrich air conditioner.
What’s with that name? Fried rich?? Do they think you are rich and should be fried???
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Ha!
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Richly fried…use more oil, I guess!
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It so hard to find a “repairman” who knows how to fix something back up to “will work another decade” – I remember finally having to call it quits on a washing machine, when the guy who had faithfully repaired it for decades and decades said “time up” … it had been my Mothers I inherited it in 1975 but I think she had it from the mid 60s – it finally gave up about 2006…
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Now they seem to be built to go only 8 years.
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Built for three, actually, but we make it last for eight, against all warranties and manufacturers clear instructions! 😁😁😁
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LOL
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The typical runaround. At least it sounds like your hubby is good at working on appliances.
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Sounds like a great project this winter!
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That’s unfortunate, I hope it could still be fixed.
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I’ll keep my fingers crossed that your husband is able to fix it this winter.
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With enough time he can fix anything. And New England winters give him enough time!
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I recently replaced one of those, with a carbon pre-filter that I cut to fit. In the past, I have also stretched and glued a layer of nylon stocking/hose on the filter frame. It is generally better than the ones that come with it.
As long as it allows enough air, and yet catches as much as the real filter. You want something that isn’t going to restrict the air too much, so the fan doesn’t have to strain.
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Thank you. I will tell him. I hadn’t thought of just attaching a different mesh. The frame is actually fine.
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