Weaknesses of air conditioners or how to avoid unnecessary breakdowns

Air conditioner is an expensive equipment. Its repair can be expensive. And if the breakdown occurs at the height of the summer season, it is a particular inconvenience. Therefore, it is better to try to prevent malfunctions. Let's consider what are the weak points of conditioners and what to do to avoid problems with them.

Incorrect installation of the air conditioner

Inefficient air circulation due to incorrect installation of blocks of climatic equipment leads to breakdowns. If the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is installed in a tight place close to the wall, in a niche, and is heated by the sun, its work is disturbed, the compressor overheats. When the indoor unit is installed close to the ceiling, air circulation is incomplete. To avoid this, the air conditioner should be mounted so that there is enough space for air outflow and air inlet. If it is not possible to install the outdoor unit in the shade, a sun visor is attached over it.

Contamination of filters in the internal unit of the air conditioner

If dust and other impurities accumulate on the filter and internal parts of the air conditioner, the heat exchanger is poorly blown. Its cold or heat output decreases, and the air conditioner's operation mode is disturbed. Copper pipelines freeze during operation of the equipment. After the air conditioner is turned off, the water melts and water drips from the indoor unit. If the drain is clogged, the liquid does not flow well. It accumulates inside and creates conditions for mold growth.

To avoid this, the filters need to be cleaned every two to three weeks. Replaceable models are removed and rinsed with water. If the dirt with resins does not come off well, the filter is treated with detergent and then removed with water. The deep-cleaning filter for the air conditioner is not washed. It is replaced with a new one. As the replacement filter wears out, it is also renewed.

Contamination of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner

As the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is located on the street side, it gets more polluted. Not only dust gets into it. In the area where poplar trees grow, down from these trees gets into the filter and heat exchanger. This leads to overheating of the compressor, because of which it can break down. Debris is blown out of the outdoor unit with a jet of compressed air. It is better to entrust this work to professionals, especially if the air conditioner is located above the first floor.

Refrigerant leakage from the air conditioner

Refrigerant circuit joints, no matter how well assembled, naturally leak 6-8% of their contents per year. When the amount of refrigerant drops below the acceptable minimum, the compressor gets excessively hot and can break down. Therefore, every one and a half to two years it is necessary to top up the refrigerant. To prevent damage to the pipe joints, do not overtighten the nuts.

If the refrigerant pressure drops, modern air conditioners detect this and display a message or error code. It is better to entrust refrigerant refilling to professionals, as there is a risk of pumping too much refrigerant, which can also lead to equipment failure.

Breakdown of the air conditioner electronics

Most often the board burns out due to voltage surges. To avoid this, a voltage stabilizer is installed in the wiring system. Then it equalizes the current strength to permissible values. Regardless of voltage surges, the air conditioner is supplied with current of suitable strength.