Here are the Most Common Problems with Split Air Conditioners: Top 5 Things to Know
Air conditioners are an indispensable part of our lives. Due to the unbearable summer heat, most households in India have air conditioners. When buying a new air conditioner, we all research and buy the best ones within our budget. However, no matter what type of AC or brand we choose, the air conditioning unit is bound to wear and tear. To avoid this hassle, routine checks and timely servicing are advisable.
Here are some common problems that you might encounter with a split AC:
Uneven/Lack of cooling The most common issue faced in split AC is uneven cooling/ lack of cooling. It happens due to unclean or clogged air filters, dirty outside units or ice formation on coils.
Unclean air filters· Clogged air filters lead to overheating of the air conditioner, due to which the AC has to work harder to provide the cooling. When the air conditioner works hard, it consumes more energy and thus results in
higher electricity bills. To clean the air filters, remove them from split ac and keep them under warm running water.
Dirty outside unit As the compressor unit is present outside, it is more prone to dirt, debris and pollutants. A dirty outside unit hinders the process of heat transfer from the inside to the outside air.
1. Ice formation on coils Ice formation on the evaporator coils is another possible reason for your split AC not providing adequate cooling. Set the air conditioner mode to fan and turn the speed to high to remove the ice from the coils. The process will take 10-15 minutes to defrost the coils. Lastly, run the split AC on fan mode until it dries.
2. Faulty compressor
A compressor is the most important part of your air conditioner. It is responsible for circulating the refrigerant to transfer heat from inside to the outdoor unit. Some of the main reasons for faulty compressors are dirty outdoor units, clogged suction lines, lack of lubrication and low refrigerant levels.
3. Refrigerant or Gas leakage
Gas leakage is a common problem seen in split ACs. The most significant problem associated with gas leakage is that the gas released poses a substantial danger to human health. Refrigerants are responsible for the cooling of the air. Common causes behind gas leakage include corrosion, soldering issues, improper installation and poor servicing.
4. Noise from an indoor unit
The most common reasons for your air conditioner making noise are faulty compressors, dirty fans and issues related to shaft motors. Neglecting the noises coming from the air conditioner can lead to major problems. To fix the noise problem, loosen the screws and make sure to clean the dirt or debris stuck to the fans. If the fan blades are at fault, seek professional help to fix the issue.
5. Short cycling (AC turning on and off repeatedly)
The cooling mechanism is disrupted during short cycling because the AC switches on and off frequently. Some common causes of short cycling are dirty condenser coils, clogged air filters, refrigerant leak, improper thermostat or even an oversized air conditioner. Do seek professional help in case of short cycling.
A split AC has many parts that work together to keep the air conditioner running. For proper functioning, it must be serviced and maintained regularly. With this guide at your disposal, you can ensure your air conditioning unit works efficiently.