Because air conditioner repairs can be expensive, it is essential to schedule annual maintenance and tune-ups with skilled aircon experts to enjoy the finest aircon performance. It’s also critical to understand typical aircon problems so you can take preventive actions to avoid costly repairs. 

An aircon system is a popular household item that helps to make hot days tolerable, which is why it isn’t enjoyable when your aircon unit stops working correctly. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, you may have overlooked your home’s most significant appliance – the aircon unit. 

Knowing Your Aircon Problems Is Essential

Your aircon stopped operating because it was overworked and under-serviced. Heating, ventilation, and aircon problems must be rectified as soon as possible to avoid significant temperature variations in the residence and to reduce the danger of flooding. The good news is that some of the most frequent aircon problems may be resolved or avoided in minutes.

You don’t have to be an aircon expert to recognise when anything is amiss. Who wants to be trapped indoors during a hot Singapore day without air conditioning? Here are some of the most common aircon problems you might face. 

When the temperature rises and the heat is turned up, you last want your air con to go out. Maintaining consistent comfort in your facility to keep your occupants happy is critical. Here are some typical issues that may be avoided using common sense operational practices and performing routine home air conditioning maintenance.

15 Most Common Aircon Problems To Take Note 

1. The Aircon Won’t Turn On 

The main worrying thing could be when you turn on your aircon, and you feel absolutely nothing and not feeling anything. When no air blows, you have every right to start worrying about what happened with your aircon unit. 

A blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker might cause a power outage, requiring you to reset the circuit breaker or repair a blown fuse. It might also be the consequence of faulty wiring or a faulty thermostat.

2. Your air conditioner is blowing warm or hot air.

Few things are more inconvenient than an aircon that blows warm air. Check that your thermostat settings need to be changed correctly before proceeding. The first thing you should do if your settings are proper is to replace your air filter. Old, blocked air filters frequently cause AC issues such as frozen coils.

If the filter is not the issue, you may be low on refrigerant. Feel the bigger of the two copper cables that connect to the unit’s condenser. Your levels are good if it is wet and cool to the touch. The refrigerant level is low if it lacks one or both of these characteristics.

An expert should be called in to refill or fix the refrigerant reservoir. Hire an aircon repair and servicing specialist from EconCool to do the job for you swiftly! 

3. Refrigerant Leaks 

If your air conditioner is short on refrigerant, it was either undercharged at installation or leaked. If it leaks, it will need more than added refrigerant to solve the problem. A qualified technician should repair any leaks, test the repairs, and charge the system with the appropriate quantity of refrigerant. 

Remember that your air conditioner’s performance and efficiency are best when the refrigerant charge perfectly meets the manufacturer’s standard and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Leaks of refrigerant can potentially be hazardous to the environment.

4. Inequitable Temperature Distribution

Is one portion of your house noticeably colder or warmer than another? Don’t be alarmed; it’s not a ghost. An imbalanced air system might be the source of the problem. Some parts of your house will receive less attention from the aircon unit due to room size, air vent location, windows, and outdoor temperature.

Make careful to cover bigger windows with sun-blocking drapes or shades. From here, you may inspect each room’s insulation or add dampers to balance your system and redistribute part of the airflow to maintain each room equally cool.

5. Electric Control Failure

The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially if the air conditioner cycles on and off repeatedly, as is usual with extensive systems. Electrical connections should be examined during a professional service call since corrosion of wires and terminals is also an issue in many systems.

6. Sensor Issues

A thermostat sensor, positioned beneath the control panel, detects the temperature of the air entering the evaporator coil in room air conditioners. The air conditioner may cycle incessantly or perform unpredictably if the sensor is displaced. The sensor should be close to but not touching the coil; adjust its location by carefully twisting the wire holding it in place.

7. Your air conditioner is loud.

You should be able to feel your air conditioner functioning but not hear it. If your air conditioner sounds like it’s working hard to keep you cool, it probably is. Failing aircon units create a variety of noises that are difficult for a novice to recognise or diagnose. Screeching and screaming may indicate a defective belt. Rattling sounds might indicate a problem with the fans, motor, or compressors.

Besides checking your thermostat and cleaning debris surrounding your outside unit, professional aircon repair is required. 

8. Compressor Damage

The compressor, which aids refrigerants in heat exchange and maintains AC pressure, is an essential aircon component. Dirty coils, fluctuations in refrigerant levels, and a lack of maintenance can cause aircon compressor failure.

If there is insufficient refrigerant, the compressor will overheat and stop operating. If there is more than what is needed, the extra refrigerant will produce greater pressure in the unit, which may cause it to fail.

9. Frozen Evaporator Coil

A frozen evaporator coil might cause your air conditioner not to cool adequately. A typical issue with house air conditioners happens when your unit does not get enough air to function correctly due to junk build-up.

The dirt on the coils hinders airflow, preventing warm air from reaching the refrigerant. The refrigerant gets excessively cold in this instance, and any dampness on the coils freezes.

The coil becomes encrusted in ice over time, limiting the refrigerant in the coil from collecting latent heat. This aircon issue disturbs the smooth operation of your home’s air conditioning.

10. Aircon Water Leaking Outside 

Water pouring outside from your air conditioner on a hot or humid day, especially when the unit is running, is common. It is also usual if the water leak happens outside in chilly weather with temperatures of 60 degrees or less, as the unit might freeze and leak water as it melts. Other causes of your air conditioner leaking outside include:

• Clogged air filters
• Incorrect installation
• Drain pipe clog
• Low amounts of coolant
• Condensate pan shattered

11. Failure of a Capacitor

When your air conditioner goes on and off abruptly, followed by a clicking sound, it may indicate a capacitor problem. A capacitor is a vital component of your air conditioning machine because it provides the motor with the first push it needs to start running.

The capacitor might overheat when your air conditioner needs to work hard in the summer heat. Power fluctuations, as well as frequent changes in thermostat settings, can also harm your capacitor.

Schedule your aircon servicing with EconCool to avoid severe damages to your aircon unit that can disrupt your aircon maintenance. 

12. Faulty Thermostat 

The thermostat malfunctioning is one of the most typical problems with residential air conditioners. A broken thermostat, for example, is to blame if your air conditioner is short-cycling and your environment seems warmer than usual.

There might be a significant problem due to dust and rust build-up, or it could be a matter of dead batteries. Loose screws or wires within the thermostat can potentially interfere with its operation. If you set your thermostat in direct sunlight, this could affect its reading. Another cause of your thermostat not working is faulty calibration.

13. The circuit breaker continues to trip.

If your circuit breaker continues tripping, the cause might be a power surge, capacitor failure, filthy filter or coils, low refrigerant levels, compressor failure, or problems with the circuit breaker itself.

When you detect this problem, switch off the air conditioner and do not attempt to reset the breaker, as this might result in a fire.

14. Aircon Fan Failure 

The outside unit of an aircon unit distributes heat from indoors to outside through a fan positioned in the external unit. Proper heat transmission does not occur if the fan outside the home does not function properly. As a result, the aircon compressor may overheat or trip the protection load. The worst-case scenario is that it causes internal compressor damage, necessitating the replacement of an aircon.

In most circumstances, however, diagnosing such an air con unit problem may be difficult, so it is best to call a professional like EconCool and have it professionally repaired properly.

15. Low Airflow

It is an Aircon airflow problem if your house has cold and hot draughts or pressure imbalances. In this case, the fan cannot push enough air due to various factors, such as a filthy air filter or a defective blower motor.

Leaking ducts, vent obstruction, and low refrigerant levels can cause this problem. It’s an annoyance, especially during the scorching hot season in Singapore.

Maintenance Tips for Your Air Conditioner

Regular aircon servicing and maintenance is essential for every brand of an air conditioner. Here is our best advice for avoiding air conditioner troubles and keeping your AC unit in good operating order:

• Have your air conditioner cleaned twice yearly (at least every 6 months).
• Practise typical aircon problems to become familiar with symptoms to look out for. This will notify you of any underlying issues with your unit and help you avoid additional harm.
• Allow your air conditioner to be chemically cleaned at least once a year, especially if it is not cleaned regularly.
• For best performance, change the air filter every two weeks.
• Circuit breakers should be manageable. Unplug any superfluous equipment and devices.
• Avoid overworking the air conditioner.

EconCool is ready to give you high-quality repair and maintenance services for aircon of all types and brands for all your aircon service needs! As they analyse, fix, and cure the problem, our expert aircon specialists will get your aircon back up and running. Learn more about our aircon servicing. 

Call us immediately and book an appointment at your earliest convenience. If you need urgent aircon servicing in Singapore, we are ready to help you!