Air Conditioners are prone to breakdown, and that may cause a lot of inconvenience and discomfort. Aircons are used for long hours, and being a consumer-durable appliance, they last many years. Over time, there is a lot of wear and tear on the system, and parts may fail. Air conditioners have several problem areas that require specific attention.
Common issues and how to inspect and fix them
- No power at the aircon:
Check the wiring for disconnections, inspect the circuit breakers and the fuse. If the socket is receiving power, use a multimeter to examine if power is reaching the PCB.
Note: This is a complicated step and requires specialized tools and expertise. Homeowners may not attempt this step themselves. Professional technicians should be called to repair such problems. Book your slot now.
- Aircon switching on but turning off after some time and the problem is persistent
In this case, the electrical circuit could be overloaded. Tripping circuit breakers and blown fuses are definitive symptoms of electrical overload. If the circuit breaker is of inadequate capacity, replace the breaker with a higher capacity breaker, that suits the aircon. ACs may consume more than rated power due to aging and high ambient temperature.
- Inadequate cooling
This is the most common concern for air conditioners. A host of reasons could cause low cooling, and the following diagnostic and repair steps need to be followed.
- Check the filters: Clogged filters may block the airflow leading to lesser cooling. Remove the filters to sense the change in airflow. If you see the evaporator coil iced up, this could be the cause of low cooling. Clean the filters, turn off the aircon until the ice melts, and water drains off. Start the unit again and check cooling. If the formation of ice is persistent, you need to monitor gas pressure.
- Check refrigerant pressure: Low refrigerant causes overexpansion and leads to icing of the evaporator. Refrigerant pressure measurement requires a pressure gauge to be connected to the pipes. Check gas pressure when the aircon is turned off. Then turn the AC on and recheck pressure. If any of the two readings are not as per recommendation, top-up the gas in the AC. Note: This is a complex step and requires special tools and expertise. Homeowners may not attempt this step themselves. A professional technician should be called. At MCL aircon, we have well-trained staff to inspect all your aircon problems.
- Overheated compressor: If the condenser coils are clogged, the compressor will work harder to remove heat from the system. This leads to excess heating and the circuit cuts off the compressor to prevent damage. Check how long the compressor runs before it cuts off. If there is a higher than the regular frequency of compressor cut off, check the condenser coil and clean it.
- Compressor not starting – capacitor failure: If the aircon is turned on and the compressor does not start for a long time, the capacitor may have failed. In this case, the indoor unit fan typically works and supplies air, but since compression is not happening, there would be no cooling. Use a multimeter to check the resistance of the capacitor when the circuit is powered off. A minimal resistance value indicates a failed capacitor. In the case of a powered circuit, check if the capacitor has charged to the rated voltage. Alternatively, if you see signs of physical damage, no further inspection is required. Change the capacitor.
- Compressor not starting – relay failure: The circuit has a relay that turns the compressor on and off. Check the resistance of the relay and lookout for signs of physical damage (burnout) / molten plastic. In this case, the relay needs to be replaced.
- Compressor not starting – thermostat problem: The thermostat is a device responsible for regulating temperature. It controls the relay to control how long the compressor works. If the relay appears fine, check the thermostat for damage. Use a multimeter to measure resistance at the input side and voltage level at the output side. If the values are out of range, the thermostat is at fault.
- Other Failures: There are many complex components in modern aircons. The PCB is an electronic component and requires special expertise to inspect and fix.
- Overcooling
In case your aircon is making the surroundings uncomfortably cold, check the set temperature on the remote. Also, inspect the temperature display on the aircon (if equipped). If the unit has buttons to control temperature, try using them instead of the remote.
If the problem persists, check whether the compressor is cutting off. A continuously running compressor signals the failure of internal components.
In this case, you would require the services of a professional technician. At MCL air conditioning, we have reliable and well-trained professionals who can fix your air conditioner problems. Our services can be availed throughout Singapore. We also service, repair, and install aircons. Booking system is available 24 by 7 every day.