Causes of faults in split systems and how to fix them

Any equipment can break down before the indicated maximum operating time. And it's not always a matter of marriage, a poor-quality product. The very use of the technique may be incorrect. It also happens that the owner simply stops caring for him. Split system breakdowns happen for various reasons.

Split systems are becoming more and more popular every day. They allow you to stably keep the optimal air temperature in the house, differ in affordable cost and can be used in any season. The system breaks down not so often, but since such devices are still considered an innovation, in the event of a malfunction, the owners do not know what to do.

A small educational program related to the operation of the system will not be superfluous. The split system itself is represented by an outdoor condensing unit, as well as an evaporative unit, which is considered an indoor unit. The outer part of the split system includes a compressor, a condenser, a fan, a control board, and also a four-way valve, a filter and a housing. The internal unit includes a front panel, filters, display panels, an evaporator, a fan, a control board, and a condensate tray.

During operation, freon is in two states - liquid and gaseous, therefore copper tubes are represented by several diameters.

Let's consider the most common malfunctions in the operation of the presented mechanism.

• The split system does not turn on / does not start. Most likely, the point is a defect in the electrical cable. If you are convinced that there is voltage in the mains, then the breakdown should be looked for in the mains socket, mains plug or cable, or in the power connectors (which are located on the control board). Sometimes it happens that the voltage in the network is not enough for the device to work. If the split system does not work, there may be an overload in the internal network.
• Dripping water. This is probably a blockage in the drain line. If the blockage is of a mechanical type, then this is due to dirt that has gotten into the tubes. If the blockage is climatic, then it can be in winter in case of freezing of individual parts of the pipeline. Ice plugs are dangerous and unlikely, but still a possible cause of blockage.
• Bad smell. This internal problem indicates a clogged filter. If the fan of the indoor unit emits a repulsive odor, it may be an indicator of bacteria growing in the unit. Sometimes flushing the filter does not help; you need to order a comprehensive service.
• Compressor does not work. This breakdown has several variants of occurrence. The compressor itself may fail, the thermal relay may break. If a particular compressor has broken down, then it will not be possible to repair it on your own. It is relatively easy to repair only the stuck motor shaft.
• Turns off quickly or immediately. If the split system began to turn off quickly during externally normal operation, this means that one of the temperature sensors is out of order. You can check the operation of the sensors with a multimeter. Sensor repairs are inexpensive and can usually be resolved quickly.

There are also breakdowns of the remote control - in this case, you need to contact the service department. If the device is still under warranty, the remote control will be replaced.If the warranty has expired, they will tell you where it can be repaired or buy a new one.

If it seems that the split system has some kind of problem, if you do not feel that it is working at full capacity, conduct an external inspection. Call specialists if necessary. You can remember if something happened recently that could disable the equipment.

One of the most common causes of equipment malfunction is commonplace wear and tear. For example, freon leak... The air conditioner stops cooling the air normally and continues to turn on. But the reason for the leakage of freon can also be a depressurized freon line. Not such a rare case - untimely, incomplete system maintenance.

There are other reasons for the problem.

• Freezing of the impellers. If the system is used with an active thermal mode, the impellers really begin to freeze. The fan eventually fails. It is necessary to replace the fan in the device, otherwise the problem cannot be solved. For the same reason, the starting capacitor may fail.
• Breakdown of the electrical circuit. This reason can lead to the fact that the device simply does not turn on. Replacing the electrical board can help. But if this does not help, you need to take the device for service.
• The power is incorrectly selected. And this reason is also not very rare. If you have incorrectly adjusted the air conditioner, then the device will work with a heavy load. If you buy a system in a good store, experts will advise you on how to calculate the power. But when a purchase does without these calculations, you should not try to calculate the power yourself if you do not understand anything about it. Contact the masters: an incorrect calculation will quickly lead to an overload of the device.
• Incorrect temperature conditions. In order for the split system to work safely, it must fit within certain temperature values. For example, the subzero temperature limit is -5 degrees Celsius. If a non-standard situation has occurred, use the "winter start" function.
• Incorrect use during the off-season. Some breakdowns happen after winter. Cold nights give way to conditionally warm days, and this leads to condensation. At minus temperatures, it freezes, and at plus, it defrosts again. And each subsequent inclusion of the split system loads the capacitor, and therefore operational flaws occur.

Make sure that the cause of the breakdown is determined accurately and proceed to fix it. Many faults can be removed by yourself.

Most users are interested in specific ways to eliminate breakdowns.

Let's describe the most common problems and ways to solve them.

• Water appeared. If you find this problem, you should just stop using the device first. The liquid will begin to flow out of the system case: the device itself will deteriorate, and you can also harm the decoration of the room.

If the system begins to leak in the cold season, then the channel needs to be warmed up. The optimal heating temperature can be considered +7 degrees. But if an ice plug has already formed, then you will have to wait for natural warming, only in this way the plug will safely dissolve. And you can also arrange drainage water flushing using a compressor unit or a pump.

• Clogged filters. It is required to clean the filtering components in the indoor unit of the device. Various lint and dust are not so rarely collected on them. Carpets and woolen things are to blame.

Split system filters can be removed by opening the front panel. They just need to be rinsed under running water. A brush may be useful for stubborn dirt.

• The air conditioner has stopped heating the air. Assess the condition of the four-way valve or control system.The elements will have to be replaced, after which you need to charge the refrigerant, and also install a new receiver-dryer.

• The split system does not cool the air in summer. Most likely, operational standards have been violated. When installing the system, place the external element of the device in the shade. So it will not overheat in the heat, and this will save the equipment from breakdowns.

• Excessive air cooling. The thermostat is probably out of order. Either the sensor or some area of ​​the electrical circuit has broken. We'll have to replace them.

In addition, self-repair can be a reason for denial of warranty service.

According to experts, problems with a split system usually begin at the time of its installation, if this is not done according to the rules.

If this is not done properly, freon will slowly leave the system.

Incorrect, not very accurate operation is also by no means a rare situation.

When moving from season to season, such diagnostics are especially important. The specialist will refuel the unit, clean it, check the pressure.

If you decide to carry out the repair yourself, consider the following points:

• cleaning the system is possible only after it is disconnected from the power supply;
• any process is carried out carefully, with a reference to the manufacturer's recommendations;
• if you need to check for freon leaks, use a pressure gauge on the refueling manifold.

Do not start heating mode if the outside temperature has dropped below that prescribed as the maximum in the operating instructions. Check the freon pressure in the system at least once a year. Both parts of the system should also be cleaned at least once a year. And remember, only specialists can mount the device. Let the split system work without problems and longer than the warranty period!

The following video will tell you how you can save time and money if you suddenly have a split system leak.