Today, air conditioners are an indispensable attribute of almost any room in most parts of the planet. The problem of air cooling is absent only in the cold northern regions. But the history of air conditioning has more than 200 years. As known, frenchman Jeanne Shabannes received in 1815 a British patent on the method of air conditioning and temperature control dwellings and other buildings. Of course, modern models are radically different from the prototype.
Today they are multifunctional, high-tech devices. For example, many models use inverter engine, most modern air conditioners regulate the air humidity, the direction of its flow, provide cleaning and disinfection, automatic power control, support Wi-Fi control and many additional modes, including heating, self-cleaning, etc. But, of course, these models have a fairly high price. For example, the cost of innovative Samsung wind free air conditioners reaches $ 1,000.
Of course, their repair also requires significant costs. Therefore, reducing the risk of breakage and increasing service life is quite an urgent task for many users. However, regular care greatly simplifies it. In addition, many malfunctions are caused by simple external causes and can often be resolved by yourself.
Filter clogging and low cooling efficiency
Clogging the internal filter disrupts the normal circulation of air within the system and can cause ice formation on the copper pipelines. As a result, condensate begins to drip from the device housing.
Some manufacturers recommend washing the filters under running water about once a month. But, of course, the frequency depends significantly on the degree of air pollution. For example, the intensity of filter pollution is significantly higher in the major city or near a highway compared to rural or suburban areas. This filter is located under the front cover with snaps.
Of course, it requires thorough drying before installation to prevent moisture from entering the electronic board. The video at the end shows the process of LG Split AC filter cleaning.
The following reasons cause low cooling efficiency.
1. Power does not provide the required performance for the room.
Of course, the choice of air conditioning should take into account its performance and floor space. The simplified calculation formula is 10 m² – 1 kW or 107 ft² – 3,412 BTUs per hour.
2. Compressor malfunction.
A serviceable compressor should make some noise when operating. Causes of failure:
– breakdown of the starting capacitor;
– contacts do not provide power supply;
– malfunction of temperature sensors;
– breakdown of the compressor motor;
– fault in the control board.
Besides problems with contacts, this repair requires the involvement of a qualified technician.
3. Lack of refrigerant.
Leak of condensate from the indoor unit or refrigerant in the cooling circuit
Unfortunately, refrigerant leak is present even in a serviceable device at ideal conditioner operation. The normal value reaches 2-3% per year or 150 grams, which requires regular refueling of the refrigerant approximately once every 2-3 years. Exceeding this value indicates a breakdown.
Signs:
1. Unpleasant smell in the room near the air conditioner.
2. Lack of air cooling.
In fact, the air conditioner operates in fan mode. But there should be the following factors:
– the room temperature is above the set temperature;
– the performance of the air conditioner corresponds to the cooled area;
– it is necessary to exclude a possible delay in the start of the compressor in the external unit, after waiting a few minutes.
3. The evaporator or radiator of the indoor unit is covered with frost. In this case, it can work with extraneous noises.
4. Icing the external unit valve connected to the thin tube.
Any of these signs may indicate a lack of refrigerant in the split system. Of course, this problem requires the intervention of a specialist who will diagnose the device.
Condensate leak from the indoor unit most often occurs due to clogged drainage pipe or filter. As a rule, their cleaning does not require the involvement of a specialist. The drain tube can be cleaned with a powerful vacuum or with a piece of sufficiently long and rigid wire.
Moreover, the temperature range for most models varies from -7 to +40 degrees. Therefore, low air temperature in winter can disrupt the operation of the compressor and drainage system due to freezing the water. Accordingly, water will flow into the room.
Device operation stop after 15-20 minutes and no temperature adjustment
Possible causes of device stops working:
– failure in the settings;
– control board failure;
– faulty thermostat;
– pollution of the radiator.
The radiator of the outdoor unit is exposed to dust, lint, dirt, etc. As a result, trash blocks it holes, and a violation of heat transfer causes to overheat. Cleaning the radiator with a powerful jet of water or a brush eliminates this problem.
The lack of temperature adjustment is often associated with a breakdown of the temperature sensor. But sometimes the problem lies in its wrong position relative to the evaporator. In this case, the user can solve the problem yourself. Of course, initially you need to turn off the power using the switch on the main panel. Then you need to release access to the evaporator of the indoor unit, which can be under the cover. Thermal sensor is located near the coil without touching it. In case of their contact, it is necessary to bend it gently to the side. This simple procedure can solve the problem.