The summer season is here, and it's time for the air conditioners to do what they do every year. Devices that have been forgotten in recent months are back on everyone's lips, and problems with them simply cannot be tolerated! After such a period of rest, various problems can arise with the air conditioning system and it is important to check the equipment thoroughly before restarting it.
Air Conditioning Problems: Indoor Water Leak
If you notice water leaking from your air conditioner's indoor unit, your service is overdue! The reason for water leakage from the device may be that the condensate drain of the system is clogged with algae or fungi and the water flows back into the apartment through the pipe. Another possible reason for this problem could be that the condensate pump has completely failed and needs to be replaced. The water leak is one of the most common problems and can be fixed with the help of a technician or even a DIY solution. The clogged condensate pipe can be vacuumed out with a wet or dry vacuum cleaner. You can also pour 200g of vinegar down the drain line to kill any buildup of fungus or algae. If the exact location of the drain pipe in your device may not be entirely clear, you should check the user manual beforehand.
What to do if there is a water leak outside
On hot summer days, you may see a puddle of water outside your house, just below your air conditioner's compressor. There can be several reasons for this: a dry air filter, a defective condensate pan, a poor seal on the device, improper installation, etc. After diagnosing this problem, the first thing you should do isYour air conditioningswitch off and interrupt the power supply. For these types of problems, you may need to call in a professional.
Refrigerant leak in the device
The system's refrigerant is also known as freon and is responsible for cooling the air in your device or cooling your home. A refrigerant leak is one of the most common air conditioning problems and can reduce the efficiency of your unit. If there is a small leak, you will need to add refrigerant and make a small repair. If there is a major fault in the wiring, the entire network may need to be replaced. When refilling the refrigerant, be careful not to add too much or too little refrigerant. The performance of your device remains first-class if the refrigerant charge corresponds to the manufacturer's specifications.
Dirty filter of the device
The filter plays an important role in keeping the airflow clean and free of dust and pollutants. A clogged air filter restricts airflow and reduces the efficiency of your device. Check the air filter and try to clean it. Pet owners should pay special attention to the air filter as their pets' fur will require them to change it more frequently. You should clean your filter every two weeks and change the air filter every two months during peak seasons when the air conditioner is used most of the time. Smart AC controllers can also help you keep an eye on your system's filter status. You can send an alert when the air filter needs to be cleaned.
Air Conditioning Problems: Frozen evaporator coil
If your unit isn't cooling properly, it could be due to a frozen evaporator coil. This is a common problem withAir conditioners at homeand occurs when your device does not receive enough air to function normally due to dirt buildup. In this case, the refrigerant becomes too cold and the moisture on the coils freezes. To diagnose this problem, you should first inspect the damage. Then allow the evaporator coil to thaw. This can be done by not using the device. Make sure to disconnect the device from the power supply beforehand. It typically takes 24 hours for the evaporator coil to completely thaw. You can speed up the process with a hairdryer. During light frost, you should run your system in fan mode as the fan will defrost the frost without turning off the unit.
Defective air conditioning: thermostat malfunction
If yourRoom warmer with air conditioningthan usual, a defective thermostat is to blame. It could be a serious problem due to dust and corrosion buildup or a simple case of dead batteries. Loose screws or wires inside the thermostat can also affect its function. If you have placed your thermostat in a location where it is exposed to direct sunlight, this may also affect its reading. Another reason your thermostat may not be working may be incorrect calibration.
If you have a battery-powered thermostat, check to make sure the batteries are working properly. To remove dirt buildup, remove the cover and use a soft brush to remove the dirt. If you notice corrosion, contact a professional. Also, check the location of your thermostat; it is recommended to place it in a shaded area. To check the thermostat calibration, take a glass thermometer and place it next to the thermostat. After 15 minutes, check the readings of both devices. If there is a deviation of more than one degree, it is time to recalibrate your thermostat.
Bad smell from the device
A pungent smell from your air conditioner is due to mold growth. A fire-like smell indicates that some electrical components in the system are burning and a smell of gas indicates a leak of methyl mercaptan, which can be dangerous. When you turn on your device again after some time, you may notice a rotten egg smell coming from it. Birds and insects can enter your system and die, causing that strange smell. CleanYour air conditionerthoroughly when you take it out after a period of rest. Always contact a professional for electrical problems and gas leaks.
Failure of the electrical control
Sometimes you cycle your air conditioner on and off so often that the system's compressor and fan wear out. The compressor, condenser motor and blower motor are connected and connect to start the unit. A break in the connection due to corrosion of the wires or terminals may result in the compressor and motor not turning on. Power surges can also cause an electrical failure. As a result of a power outage, acid can build up in your device, causing further problems. To determine the problem, check the electrical connection and if you cannot solve the problem, contact a professional.
Air conditioning problems: fan failure
The outdoor unit transfers heat from inside to outsideby a fan, which is located in the outdoor unit. If the fan located outside the house is not working efficiently, proper heat transfer will not occur. As a result, the device's compressor may overheat. In the worst case scenario, the compressor inside can be damaged, requiring replacement of the air conditioner. If your system's fan stops, there may be a problem with your system's wiring or a loose component. In such cases, simply remove the outer casing and visually inspect the problem. In this case, too, you should switch off the system beforehand. However, in most cases, it can be difficult to diagnose such an air conditioning problem, which is why it is better to call a professional to fix the problem.