Find out what some of the most common problems with air conditioners are and how to solve them.
As one of the most common ways of conditioning the home and office, air conditioning systems are periodically associated with questions from users about proper maintenance and the reasons for various possible problems. To clarify where the various issues in the efficient operation of air conditioners come from, we have created this useful list.
Here are 7 common causes of air conditioning problems:
1. Low level of refrigerant
Through the refrigerant, your air conditioning system manages to regulate the temperature and humidity in the home and office. When a refrigerant leaks, the air conditioning efficiency decreases greatly. It is possible to reduce the pressure in the different parts of the system. To deal with the problem, it is not enough to simply replace the old refrigerant. Often the leaks are in places that are difficult to access and they need professional experience and technique, and the procedure also takes time. Therefore, it is best to seek the help of a certified technician who is trained to quickly and efficiently troubleshoot such issues.
2. Frozen evaporating coil
The evaporating coil is that part of the air conditioning system that contains the refrigerant and its function is to absorb heat from the air. When these coils work for too long without interruption, they can freeze. In this case, the air conditioner is unlikely to heat or cool efficiently, or it will not blow air at all. If, when you place your hand next to the device near where the filter is located, you feel that the inside is cold, you may have a frozen evaporating coil. One of the tricks you can use in this case is to turn on the fan and turn off the cooling/heating mode to help the evaporator thaw. It is important to clean the filter and coils from the presence of dust beforehand so as not to damage the air conditioner. Another option is to turn off the device and wait for it to thaw. In both cases, you will have to wait a few hours. Under no circumstances use the air conditioner in cold weather, if it is frozen, better proceed to these steps or seek help from a professional.
3. Contaminated capacitor coils
If your device turns on and off or you notice an increase in your electricity bills, it is very likely that you have contaminated capacitor coils. Usually, their job is to remove the warm air from the room and in case of pollution, this process is difficult. This is a common problem especially if you live in a large city where the air is not so clean. When the coils are covered with dust and dirt, they cannot carry the air efficiently and therefore use more energy to handle the process. In turn, this can lead to wear and tear of the individual parts and even damage to the air conditioning system.
4. Fan problems
There are two types of fans in the air conditioning system: one blows the air over the evaporator coil and the other blows air over the capacitor of the outdoor body. If any of the fans on your device do not work efficiently, the cause for which may be a damaged engine, lack of lubrication, worn belts, or contamination, etc. - you have a problem with the airflow of the air conditioner. Do not miss these signs because this can seriously damage your compressor and make your air conditioner unusable. If the outdoor fan is not working, try turning off the device and turning the blades clockwise. If they rotate freely, the capacitor will likely need to be replaced.
5. Leaking ducts
Another reason for high electricity bills and uneven air conditioning may be leaking ducts. These ducts carry air to and from your room through walls and ceilings and can sometimes have openings caused by careless workers or rodents. A significant part of the air is transported through the openings and this leads to higher energy consumption because your device is trying to compensate for this problem.
6. Problems with the thermostat
If your air conditioner is not working and when you check it, you find that the problem is not in a burnt fuse or circuit breaker, most likely the thermostat is not programmed properly. This is very possible if you have an old system because it is more likely to be programmed incorrectly. The good news is that this problem is easily solved. It is necessary to either replace the thermostat or recalibrate it. First, check if the settings are correct. If not, seek professional help.
7. Clogged pipes
If you notice that water is flowing from the inner unit of the air conditioner, the problem is most likely clogged pipes or a damaged condensation pump. During the operation of the air conditioning system, condensation of moisture is created, which is removed from the air. This moisture is removed through pipes outside the building and drained into a container and subsequently into the sewers. To deal with the problem, you can clean the drainage pipe and check that there are no holes, clean the condenser pump, or change it.
A few steps to prevent air conditioning problems:
✔ Regularly change and/or clean air filters. Clogged air filters are one of the most common causes of contamination of windings and airflow problems.
✔ Regularly check the air ducts and fill any openings. If you have a problem with even room air conditioning and if you notice a higher energy consumption than usual, look for a service technician to check the condition of your ducts.
✔ Learn how to install your thermostat correctly. If this part of your air conditioning system is old, it may be better to install a new, improved version, that will save you money and work more efficiently. Some of the modern thermostats have the ability to control remotely via your smartphone or tablet.
✔ Regularly clean the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. If the capacitor and/or fan is clogged with dirt and rubbish, the device cannot work efficiently.
✔ Regularly do air conditioning checkups. You can prevent most problems with your air conditioning with regular and proper maintenance. To serve you well, the device must be checked for malfunctions by a specialist at least 2 times a year before entering the active heating and cooling seasons, of course, if the use is relatively common during both seasons.
We are the official distributor of Midea air conditioners for Bulgaria and offer the latest and most effective models with proven origin and quality. Contact us for a professional consultation on choosing the right air conditioning system for you. Our experienced team of professionals will explain everything you have to know for proper maintenance and prevention of possible problems with air conditioning.