Common Air Conditioner Problems [Updated Apr 2020]

With the ever-shifting Singaporean weather, if you find that your air conditioner suddenly stops working in the day or night, you’ll want to have it fixed—stat. Usually, aircon problems need the help of an AC technician, especially if the problem is complex. However, if you know how to identify and troubleshoot some of the most common problems that occur with air conditioners, you might be able to prevent larger issues from happening and save money on maintenance fees. Here are some tips to help you figure out what’s up in the event your aircon goes awry:‍

The Common Air Conditioner Problems and How to Fix Them

1. Air conditioner suffers from electrical problems

Since the aircon unit is an electrically powered appliance, it uses energy and electricity to give proper cooling and even ventilation. This also means that it is prone to developing common electrical problems — from issues with wiring, faulty capacitors, fuse issues to busted circuit breakers. In most cases, seeking the help of a professional aircon expert is needed when repairing or replacing these essential parts.‍

2. Air conditioner has a faulty sensor

There are a number of possible reasons why your aircon unit can act up when it comes to cooling. If you’re experiencing a similar problem, then it might be high time to perform a quick maintenance check on your unit’s sensor. Sensors are responsible for reading and activating desired temperature levels in a room, so having a broken might spell trouble for you. If this happens to you, consider checking the usual faulty sensor signs so you can have them repaired right away.

3. Air conditioner has a clogged drain line

Having a clogged AC drain line can cause a number of performance-related issues to your unit down the line. Most of the common signs of a blocked drain line are internal flooding, moldy smell and poor air cooling. If you happen to be experiencing any of these problems, you will need to unclog the AC drain line right away.

4. Air conditioner isn’t turning on‍

If turning on your aircon requires several presses of the button—or if it’s not turning on altogether—do the obvious and check if the unit is properly plugged in. If it is, it might be a blown fuse. If you see that the fuse is okay, then it might be something to do with the wiring. At this point, you should be hiring a technician to check the wiring to see if the unit is still receiving power. If it’s not the wiring, then it might be the compressor or motor at fault. ‍

5. Air conditioner isn’t cooling the room enough‍

Another common aircon problem with uncomfortable results, this aircon issue can be caused by a number of factors—but it’s usually due to dirt and grime build-up. Dirty evaporator coils and filters can hinder the cooling power of your unit. If it’s not those, then it might be a faulty thermostat. If the problem doesn’t go away even after you set a lower temperature, then it’s time to hire a technician.‍

6. The air conditioner is leaking water‍

Usually caused by a bad installation process, water leakage from the aircon can do a lot of damage to your walls, and should be nipped in the bud as soon as possible. This problem might be due to the water drainage channel being blocked off by dirt and debris. In any case, you’ll need a professional to chemically clean the unit to get rid of the problem.‍

7. The air conditioner is unnaturally noisy‍

We’re all used to the rumble of an air conditioner, especially if it’s a particularly old model. However, if the unit is excessively noisy, then that’s a sure sign that the unit needs service or repair. The noise might come from dirty evaporator coils, faulty motors, or loose internal components, and will need a servicing from an AC technician for it to get fixed.‍

8. The air conditioner is turning on and off repeatedly‍

When dust particles accumulate on the filters or the evaporator coils, a lot of normal air conditioning processes get affected. One of those is your air conditioner’s power system. If your aircon is turning on and off automatically at random intervals, then you need to give the air conditioner a good cleaning. If the problem persists even after DIY-cleaning the evaporator coils and the filters, then you’ll need to have a professional conduct a chemical clean on your unit.‍

9. The outside fan of the air conditioner isn’t working‍

Your aircon’s outdoor fan functions to release heat from the inside of the room to the outside. If the outside fan stops working, it’ll cause heat transfer issues that’ll eventually cause the entire system to overheat, and might even cause internal damage to the compressor. This one is tricky as it’s hard to notice if you’re constantly indoors, so make sure to check the outside unit of your air conditioner regularly. If you notice any problems, you’ll want to call an AC technician immediately.‍

Getting Your Aircon Regularly Maintained

Most of these problems are caused by three things: faulty installation, improper unit handling, or negligence for aircon maintenance. You can avoid most of these problems by ensuring proper installation and maintenance with a reputable aircon services company. While you can perform some basic aircon cleaning and maintenance tasks yourself, troubleshooting more complicated problems without adequate technical know-how would just ruin your air conditioner. If you’re in need of quality service from a trusted, local brand, call us at Oasis Aircon Singapore or fill the form below! Our team of highly-skilled AC technicians are there for any of your air conditioner needs.