How to Fix Aircon Not Cooling – A Step by Step Guide
Imagine it’s a hot day in Singapore, and you’re excited to cool down in your air-conditioned home. But when you enter, the air feels warm and stuffy. Your aircon is on, but it’s not cooling. You start to feel frustrated and realize you need to get it fixed.
Ever been in this situation? It’s really annoying and uncomfortable. But don’t worry, fixing your aircon is easier than you think. With the right steps, you can get it working again.
In this guide, we’ll cover why your aircon might not be cooling. We’ll also share DIY fixes for air conditioning problems. Plus, we’ll tell you when it’s time to call a professional for aircon servicing in Singapore. By the end, you’ll know how to fix your ac troubles.
So, let’s start and learn how to make your aircon cool again. This way, you can enjoy a comfortable home once more.
Identifying the Problem: Common Causes of Aircon Not Cooling
When your aircon isn’t cooling as it should, finding the cause is key. Knowing why your aircon isn’t cooling helps you fix it and keep it running efficiently. Let’s look at some common reasons why your aircon might not be cooling right.
A dirty air filter is a big reason for aircon problems. Dust and dirt in the filter block airflow and reduce cooling power. This makes your aircon work harder, using more energy and possibly breaking down.
Setting your thermostat wrong is another common issue. If it’s too high or in the wrong mode, your aircon won’t cool your space well. Make sure your thermostat is set to the right temperature and mode for best results.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause cooling issues. Refrigerant helps cool your air by absorbing heat. If there’s not enough, your aircon can’t cool your space. Look out for signs like warm air, ice on coils, and strange sounds.
- Warm air blowing from the vents
- Ice formation on the evaporator coils
- Hissing or bubbling sounds from the unit
Regular cooling system maintenance can prevent these problems. By getting professional service and doing simple tasks like cleaning the air filter, you can avoid many issues. This helps your aircon last longer and work better.
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Insufficient cooling | Dirty air filter | Clean or replace air filter |
| Inconsistent temperature | Incorrect thermostat settings | Adjust thermostat settings |
| Reduced cooling capacity | Low refrigerant levels | Contact professional for recharge |
Checking and Cleaning the Air Filter
A clogged or dirty air filter is a common reason for an aircon not cooling well. The air filter catches dust, dirt, and other particles, keeping them out of the aircon system. Over time, these particles build up on the filter, blocking airflow and reducing cooling efficiency.
Importance of Regular Air Filter Maintenance
Keeping the air filter clean is key for your aircon’s best performance. A clean filter not only cools better but also lasts longer, uses less energy, and improves air quality. If you ignore air filter maintenance, you might face issues like:
- Less cooling
- Higher energy bills
- More wear and tear on the aircon
- Poor air quality
To prevent these problems, check and clean the air filter every 1-2 months. This depends on how much you use it and your environment.
Steps to Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Cleaning or replacing the air filter is a simple task for most homeowners. Here’s how to keep your aircon’s air filter in good shape:
- Turn off the aircon unit and unplug it.
- Find the air filter in the indoor unit’s return air grille.
- Take out the filter carefully, remembering its orientation for reinstallation.
- If the filter is reusable, clean it by vacuuming or washing with mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse well and let it dry completely before putting it back.
- If the filter is disposable or can’t be cleaned, replace it with a new one of the same size and type.
- Put the clean or new filter back in, making sure it’s seated and oriented correctly.
- Close the return air grille and plug in the aircon unit again.
The table below shows when to replace air filters based on different conditions:
| Household Conditions | Replacement Interval |
|---|---|
| No pets, low occupancy | Every 6-12 months |
| One pet, average occupancy | Every 3-6 months |
| Multiple pets, high occupancy | Every 1-3 months |
| Allergies or respiratory issues | Every 1-2 months |
By regularly checking and cleaning or replacing the air filter, you can greatly improve your aircon’s cooling. This way, you avoid needing more handyman services or repairs.
Inspecting the Thermostat Settings
If your aircon isn’t cooling right, check the thermostat settings first. Wrong settings can make your aircon work poorly or not cool at all. It’s key to check and tweak the thermostat settings for the best cooling.
First, ensure your thermostat is in “Cool” mode and the fan is on “Auto.” Then, look at the temperature setting. If it’s too high, your aircon won’t cool well. Try lowering it to 23-25°C (73-77°F) and wait a bit to see if it cools better.
If changing the temperature doesn’t fix it, you might need to calibrate your thermostat. Thermostats can lose accuracy over time, causing uneven cooling. Here’s how to calibrate it:
- Find the calibration screw or button on your thermostat, usually behind the faceplate.
- Use a small screwdriver or the right tool to adjust the calibration screw or press the button. Make sure the thermostat reading matches the room temperature, as checked with a precise thermometer.
- Put the thermostat faceplate back and watch your aircon’s performance to see if calibration worked.
If you’ve checked and adjusted your thermostat but your aircon still doesn’t cool, there might be other problems. Look into other possible causes, like a dirty air filter or a faulty condenser unit.
Examining the Condenser Unit
When your aircon isn’t cooling right, check the condenser unit first. It’s outside and crucial for cooling by releasing heat. A bad condenser means less cooling and more energy use.
Cleaning the Condenser Coils
Coils get dirty with time, affecting cooling. Cleaning them is key. Here’s how:
- Turn off the power to the condenser unit.
- Remove any debris, such as leaves or twigs, from around the unit.
- Using a soft-bristled brush or a coil cleaning solution, gently clean the coils to remove dirt and grime.
- Rinse the coils with a low-pressure hose, being careful not to bend or damage the fins.
Regular cleaning by a handyman in Singapore keeps your aircon running well and lasts longer.
Ensuring Proper Airflow Around the Unit
Good airflow is key for the condenser unit. Here’s how to ensure it:
- Keep the area around the condenser unit clear of obstructions, such as plants, furniture, or structures.
- Maintain a minimum clearance of 60 cm on all sides of the unit.
- Trim any nearby vegetation to prevent it from blocking the airflow.
Here’s a quick guide for the condenser unit’s clearance:
| Direction | Minimum Clearance |
|---|---|
| Front | 60 cm |
| Sides | 60 cm |
| Back | 60 cm |
| Top | 120 cm |
Check the condenser, clean the coils, and ensure good airflow to fix your aircon. If unsure, get a handyman in Singapore for help.
Checking the Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels can really hurt your aircon’s cooling power. If the levels drop, your aircon has to work harder. This makes it less efficient and might even make it blow warm air.
Signs of Low Refrigerant
There are a few signs that your aircon might have low refrigerant:
- Aircon blowing warm or less cool air
- Increased humidity levels in the room
- Visible ice formation on the evaporator coils
- Hissing or bubbling sounds from the unit
If you see any of these signs, you should fix it fast. This will stop more damage to your aircon system.
When to Call a Professional for Refrigerant Recharge
Recharging refrigerant is a job for experts. It needs special tools and knowledge. Trying to do it yourself can be risky and might make things worse. If you think your aircon has low refrigerant, call a pro.
A skilled technician will:
- Check the refrigerant levels with the right tools
- Find and fix any leaks in the system
- Put in the right amount of refrigerant
- Make sure your aircon is cooling well
| Refrigerant Type | Common Applications | Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) |
|---|---|---|
| R-22 (HCFC-22) | Older residential and commercial aircons | 0.055 |
| R-410A | Newer residential and commercial aircons | 0 |
| R-32 | Energy-efficient and eco-friendly aircons | 0 |
Letting a pro handle the refrigerant recharge is best. It makes sure your aircon works great again. It’s also safer and more efficient.
Inspecting the Evaporator Coils
When your aircon isn’t cooling right, check the evaporator coils first. These coils are key in pulling heat from the air inside. Any problems here can really hurt your aircon’s cooling power. We’ll show you how to check the coils and when to call a professional aircon service in Singapore.
First, find the evaporator coils in your aircon’s indoor unit. Look for any damage like bent fins or rust. If you see damage, get a pro to fix it.
Then, see if dust, dirt, or debris is clogging the coils. These can block the coils from cooling the air. Use the table below to figure out how bad it is and what to do next:
| Buildup Level | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Thin layer of dust | Clean with a soft brush or compressed air |
| Moderate | Visible dust and debris | Clean with a coil cleaner and soft brush |
| Heavy | Thick accumulation of dirt and grime | Contact a professional for deep cleaning |
If you’re cleaning the coils yourself, be gentle to avoid harm. For light to moderate dirt, a soft brush, compressed air, or coil cleaner works well. But for heavy buildup or if you’re not sure, it’s safer to get a professional aircon service in Singapore.
Unclogging the Condensate Drain Line
A clogged condensate drain line can cause water leaks and lower cooling efficiency in your aircon unit. When the drain line is blocked, water can’t flow out properly. This can damage your aircon. Luckily, handyman services at low price can fix this problem, saving you money.
Identifying a Clogged Drain Line
Here are signs your condensate drain line might be clogged:
- Water leaking from your aircon unit
- Unusual musty odors coming from the aircon
- Visible mold or mildew growth around the unit
- The aircon is not cooling as effectively as usual
Clearing the Blockage
To clear a clogged drain line, follow these steps:
- Find the condensate drain line, a small PVC pipe near your aircon’s indoor unit.
- Put a bucket or pan under the drain line to catch water or debris.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum or a special pump to remove the clog.
- If the clog doesn’t go away, try using a plumber’s snake or a wire brush to gently dislodge it.
- Flush the drain line with water and vinegar to remove any remaining debris and prevent future clogs.
Regular maintenance and quick fixes can prevent bigger problems and make your aircon last longer. If you’re unsure, call handyman services at low price for help.
| Drain Line Issue | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Water leakage | Clogged drain line | Clear the blockage |
| Musty odors | Mold or mildew growth | Clean drain line and unit |
| Reduced cooling | Blockage affecting efficiency | Remove the clog |
Troubleshooting the Compressor
Is your aircon not cooling? The compressor might be the problem. It’s the heart of your air conditioning system, compressing and circulating refrigerant. If it fails, your air won’t cool. Here are signs your compressor might need air conditioning repair:
- Loud or unusual noises from the outdoor unit
- The outdoor unit vibrates too much
- The compressor won’t start or turns off too soon
- Circuit breaker trips when starting the compressor
If you think there’s a compressor issue, call a pro for air conditioning repair. Fixing it yourself is risky and might void your warranty. A skilled technician can find the problem and fix it right.
Some common compressor problems need a pro for air conditioning repair:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor won’t start | Faulty capacitor or relay | Replace faulty components |
| Compressor overheating | Low refrigerant or dirty condenser coils | Recharge refrigerant or clean coils |
| Compressor short-cycling | Oversized unit or low refrigerant | Replace with properly sized unit or recharge refrigerant |
Regular maintenance can stop compressor problems and expensive air conditioning repair. Get annual tune-ups from a pro to keep your aircon working well.
How to Fix Aircon Not Cooling: A Comprehensive Guide
When your aircon stops cooling, it’s really frustrating, especially in Singapore’s hot weather. You can try to fix it yourself by following a step-by-step guide. But sometimes, you might need a pro aircon servicing singapore company.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Process
To find out why your aircon isn’t cooling, follow these steps:
- Check and clean the air filter
- Inspect the thermostat settings
- Examine the condenser unit and clean the coils
- Check the refrigerant levels
- Inspect the evaporator coils
- Unclog the condensate drain line
- Troubleshoot the compressor
By checking each possible cause one by one, you can usually find and fix the problem. Regular maintenance and ac troubleshooting can also help avoid future issues and keep your aircon working well.
When to Call a Professional Aircon Servicing Company
While you can fix many aircon problems yourself, some need a pro aircon servicing singapore company:
| Issue | DIY or Professional |
|---|---|
| Refrigerant leaks | Professional |
| Compressor failure | Professional |
| Electrical problems | Professional |
| Persistent issues despite troubleshooting | Professional |
For serious problems like refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, or electrical issues, get a pro aircon servicing singapore company. They have the skills and tools to fix your aircon safely and right.
Preventive Maintenance Tips for Optimal Aircon Performance
To keep your aircon running smoothly, regular maintenance is key. Follow these simple tips to extend your cooling system’s life, boost energy efficiency, and dodge expensive repairs.
Regular Cleaning and Servicing
Cooling system maintenance starts with cleaning and servicing. Get professional aircon servicing yearly to keep everything running right. The tech will clean filters, coils, and check refrigerant and electricals.
Between professional visits, clean your air filter monthly. A clean filter ensures better airflow and energy efficiency, easing your cooling system’s load.
Maintaining Ideal Room Conditions
Optimal aircon performance also depends on room conditions. Follow these tips to ease your cooling system’s work:
- Set the thermostat between 23°C and 26°C for comfort.
- Close windows and doors to keep cool air in.
- Use curtains or blinds to block sunlight, which heats rooms.
- Avoid placing heat-generating appliances near the thermostat to avoid interference.
By following these preventive maintenance tips and keeping your room conditions ideal, your aircon will run better. This means less energy use and a longer-lasting system.
Affordable Services Pte Ltd: Your Trusted Handyman Services Provider in Singapore
When you face aircon problems in Singapore, Affordable Services Pte Ltd is your best choice. They have a team of skilled technicians ready to help. They offer excellent aircon servicing and repairs at great prices.
They can fix any issue, from an aircon not cooling to other problems. Affordable Services Pte Ltd is known for their commitment to quality and affordability. They know how important a working aircon is in Singapore’s hot climate.
Choosing them means you get fast and reliable service. Their clear prices and great customer service make them a top pick. Don’t let a broken aircon ruin your comfort. Contact Affordable Services Pte Ltd today for a trusted solution.
FAQ
What are some common reasons why my aircon is not cooling properly?
Your aircon might not cool if the air filter is dirty or the thermostat is set wrong. Low refrigerant, a clogged drain line, or compressor issues can also cause problems. Finding out what’s wrong is key to fixing it.
How often should I clean or replace my aircon’s air filter?
Clean or replace your air filter every 1-3 months. This depends on how much you use it and your environment. Keeping the filter clean helps your aircon work better and saves energy.
Can I clean the condenser coils myself, or do I need a professional?
You can clean the condenser coils yourself or get a local handyman in Singapore to do it. But, if you’re not sure or run into trouble, it’s safer to get a pro from a reliable aircon service company.
What are the signs of low refrigerant levels in my aircon?
Low refrigerant might show as your aircon not cooling as well, ice on the coils, or strange sounds. If you think you have low refrigerant, call a pro for a check and refill.
How can I prevent future problems with my aircon’s cooling performance?
To keep your aircon cool, clean the filter, coils, and evaporator regularly. Also, keep your room conditions right and get professional service once a year. This keeps your aircon running well and saves energy.
When should I call a professional aircon servicing company for repairs?
If your aircon still doesn’t cool after trying simple fixes, or if you have big problems like leaks or compressor issues, call a pro. A reliable aircon service in Singapore can help.
How can Affordable Services Pte Ltd assist me with my aircon issues?
Affordable Services Pte Ltd offers handyman services in Singapore, including aircon work at good prices. Their skilled team can find and fix your aircon’s cooling problems, making sure it works efficiently.