In today’s households, an air conditioner has become an essential item for maintaining a cool and comfortable home, particularly during the summer. Apart from providing comfort for you and your whole family, an air conditioner offers numerous health benefits. Heat-related illnesses, which sometimes will lead to hospitalizations, can be prevented optimally. Thus why, it’s very crucial to keep your air conditioner in top condition through regular professional check-ups.
However, there are instances when your air conditioner may encounter issues. For example, it may fail to cool your house during the sweltering summer heat. In such situations, instead of panicking, there are troubleshooting tips you can try before by yourself before deciding to call in a professional. By identifying the problem, you can potentially resolve it without outside assistance.
To help make your life easier, read below to learn some of the other troubleshooting guidelines that can help you restore proper functionality to your air conditioner!
1. Check the thermostat
Ensure that your thermostat is correctly set, as incorrect settings can prevent your air conditioner from working. If you have a dual-purpose air conditioner for cooling and heating, you might forget to switch it back to cooling mode when the seasons change. Additionally, if you haven’t replaced the thermostat batteries in a long time, issues with your air conditioner may arise. Look for signs such as a blank screen or flashing battery indicator on the thermostat before assuming your air conditioner is malfunctioning.
2. Inspect the air vents
Similar to the filter, ensure that your air ducts and vents are free from debris. Dirty vents can also hinder airflow. Clean the air vents before restarting your air conditioner. However, it’s worth noting that mold or vermin may accumulate in the concealed air ducts, impeding proper air conditioner functionality.
3. Check for electrical problems
Examine the circuit breaker associated with your air conditioner to determine if electrical issues are causing the problem. Look for a breaker labeled “AC” or something similar. If the circuit breaker connected to your air conditioner has tripped, resetting it may resolve the issue. Simply flip the switch off and on again. If you hear your air conditioner turning back on, you may have successfully fixed the problem.
4. Inspect the filter
A clogged or dirty air filter can obstruct proper airflow, causing your air conditioner to work inefficiently or worse unable to work at all. Regularly changing your air conditioner filter can prevent this common issue.
Dirt, debris, and dust accumulation can impede the intake and force your air conditioner to exert more effort to cool the air. If your filter appears dirty, you should try to replace it and allow some time for the system to stabilize before turning on your air conditioner. Here is a step-by-step guide to changing the aircon filter by yourself:
- Make sure the air conditioner is turned off before starting the filter replacement process. This will prevent potential injury or damage to the air conditioner.
- Locate the aircon filter, which usually is located on the front or rear panel of the air conditioner unit or inside the indoor unit.
- Carefully open the filter panel. This may involve unscrewing or taking the panel cover off.
- Check the existing filter to see if it is dirty or soiled. If the filter looks dirty or has accumulated dust and dirt, the filter needs to be replaced. Thus, be sure to purchase a replacement filter that fits the make and model of your air conditioner. The right filter will ensure the optimal performance of your air conditioner.
- Remove the old filter from the case. If the filter is connected by clips or holders, remove them carefully.
- Use a clean brush or cloth to clean the area around where the filter is located. This will help remove any dust and dirt that may have accumulated.
- Carefully place the new filter into place, but make sure the filter is in the correct position and securely attached.
- After the new filter is properly installed, carefully close the filter panel again. Make sure the panel is locked securely and that there are no loose parts.
- Once the filter panel is properly installed again, restart your air conditioner and check if it works properly with the new filter.
It is important to change the air conditioner filter regularly, preferably every 3-6 months. A clean filter will help maintain indoor air quality and increase the efficiency of your air conditioner. If you are uncomfortable or unsure about changing the filter yourself, it is better to call in a professional to do the job.
In summary
These troubleshooting tips can help resolve common air conditioner issues. However, if these steps do not resolve the problem, it may be necessary to wait for professional assistance. The underlying problem might be more complex and require further investigation. There are several indicators that your air conditioner may encounter a more serious issue:
- Blinking AC light: If the light on your unit continues to blink, it indicates low refrigerant levels. This is a common problem that requires professional attention, as refrigerant is crucial for proper cooling.
- Unusual noises: If your air conditioner emits strange sounds like clanging or other unfamiliar noises from the unit or vents, it suggests a serious problem that only a professional can rectify.
Visit the luceaircon.sg website, shall you need to book professional technicians to help change your air conditioner filter or do regular servicing for your aircon unit. With the right and regular servicing from a reliable technician, you can definitely minimize any worry of needing to pay hefty to fix your air conditioner!
