Common Air-Conditioner’s Problems

Here are some common problems you may experience from your air-conditioning system :

• Icing or Frozen Coils : There is some ice formed on the fan coil unit. It may due to the following :

•  Faulty Fan / Blower :
  • An air conditioner works by moving air across an evaporator coil, or cooling coil, that is then circulated into the home. The moisture from the air is removed and generally forms condensation on the evaporator coils. The airflow allows the coils to stay just above freezing so the condensation can run down into a pan and drain away.
  • One reason ice can form on the evaporator coils of the air conditioner is when the airflow from the nearby fan is not moving the air fast enough or at all. A fan problem of this sort allows the condensation to remain on the coil for too long and also the warmer outside air is less effective in keeping the coils above freezing. The combination of the two factors leads to ice formation on the coils.

• Air filters, blower or cooling coil dirty :
  • Similar to the airflow problem caused by a faulty fan on the evaporator potion of the system, debris can also restrict the air entering the outside unit. If limbs, leaves or any type of debris prevent adequate fresh air from being pulled into the chamber where the evaporator is located, the condensation may be able to freeze on the coils before draining away. And once the freezing process begins, it will continue. Even turning off the system and allowing it to thaw will only restore cooling for a short time. Unless the cause of the icing is remedied, it will eventually happen again. A dirty air filter could potentially cause this same type of problem.

• Low / Insufficient Refrigerant gas :
  • When air conditioning refrigerant is running low, it can cause ice to form on the evaporator coil or the suction line. It may seem unlikely that low refrigerant causes a component of the air conditioner to ice up, but it’s true. When there is too little freon or other refrigerant in the system, part of the coils will be far colder than the other parts. This inconsistency will cause excessive condensation in one area of the coil, which then forms ice. As the ice forms, it makes it possible for more ice to form. It acts as an insulator and allows the coil to freeze up.     ​

• Water Leaking : 
  • INDOOR :
    • Drainage pipe chocked : This is normally caused by blockage in the drainage pipe. Dirt accumulative in the drainage pipes when contact with drainage water will form “jelly” in the pipes, and this “jelly” will caused blockage to drainage water from discharge. However, regular vacuum and checks on the drainage system can eliminate such an issue. For instant, check if water from the drainage end of the pipe is flowing smoothly during cooling. If there is no drain water, it may be due to clogging of the drainage pipe and drain water may be back flow and leak from the indoor unit.
    • Insufficient gradient drainage pipe : Drainage ping to be installed with a downward slope of at least 1/100. The drain piping will be easily clogged with water and water leakage may result if the water is accumulated in the drain piping.

• OUTDOOR :
  • Water leaking from the outdoor unit is Normal. During cool and dry operation, pipe connecting sections are cooled and causes water to condensate.

• Indoor unit cannot be switched on : This may be due to the following :
  • The remote controller may be faulty.
  • The sensor receiver at the indoor unit may be faulty.
  • Power supply failure / disconnected.
  • The battery of the remote controller needs replacement.
  • PCB / parts faulty. 

• Poor Cooling : This may be due to the following :
  • Lack of servicing :  The routine maintenance was not carry out effectively.
  • Low refrigerant : If the system is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply top up refrigerant is not a solution. A pressure test to determine the leak should be conducted, fix any leak, test the repair, and then recharge the system with the sufficient amount of refrigerant.

• Bad Odour : The indoor unit does not produce odour by itself. Generally, the surrounding smell is absorbed into the fan coil unit and discharges out with the air flow. Since the air conditioners undergo constant cooling and air circulation, quick build-up of moisture is likely to take place. Inefficient evaporation of the stagnant water can result in mildew, fungi, etc. thriving in your unit. This in the long run can result to bad smell.

• Noise :
  • INDOOR :
    • Wailing Noise : The fan belt loosen or faulty fan motor bearings may caused wailing noise generated.
    • Strong Airflow Noise : Lack of maintenance service on the air unit is one of the factor that caused noise as the blower was clogged and contributed strong air blowing sound.
    • Airflow noise due to “Hi” fan mode : The “Hi” fan mode is for rapid cooling and some noise is expected. It is recommended to switch to “Medium / Low” fan mode after room temperature is achieved and noise will be minimized.

• OUTDOOR :
  • Refrigerant pipes may be too near to each other.
  • Screws may not be properly tightened.
  • No rubber pads were placed underneath the outdoor unit.
  • Compressor weak and generated noise when running.