Having an air conditioning unit that isn’t working properly can be extremely irritating. No matter if the problem is related to gas, fans or other parts of the system, you will want to be able to fix it as soon as possible.
In this blog post, we look at troubleshooting common aircon gas issues, what causes them and how you might go about solving them. Read on for more useful advice and tips!
Common Aircon Gas Issues
From leaks to incorrect gas type, learn what the most common issues facing aircons are and how to fix them!
Leaks
Leaking refrigerant can be caused by damaged parts such as cracked drier or loose components. It is important to pinpoint where and how the leak occurs in order to fix it properly. Common signs of an aircon gas leak are reduced cooling, strange noises coming from inside the unit, and visible frost on pipes.
It is recommended that all air conditioning units should be inspected annually by a professional, to ensure any leaks are identified and rectified before they become too serious. To prevent leaks, owners should ensure their aircon unit is regularly serviced with high-quality refrigerant systems that operate at optimal levels for maximum efficiency and long-term dependability.
Low Refrigerant Charge
Low refrigerant charge is one of the most common aircon gas issues. This occurs when there’s not enough refrigerant in the system and is often caused by an evaporator coil leak. Other causes include poor maintenance, electrical faults or a blockage in the system caused by dirt and debris. Low refrigerant can result in inefficient cooling and increase energy costs due to an overworked compressor. It can also cause frozen evaporator coils which can damage components of your air conditioning unit.
To fix this issue, technicians recommend inspecting the system for any leaks and repairing them if necessary before refilling the refrigerant levels back up to their appropriate level according to your unit’s specifications. If you notice that low-pressure returns quickly after a refill then it’s likely there are additional leaks that need repair as soon as possible before doing another recharge of the coolant level.
Compressor Problems
Compressors are the heart of any aircon system, as they work to drive cooled refrigerant into the evaporator. Compressor failure is a serious issue which can cause a number of other problems in an aircon gas system. Common signs of compressor issues include loud and rattling noises, warm air coming from vents, and tripping circuit breakers during operation.
To identify compressor problems, it is important to conduct regular maintenance checks on the unit and visually inspect it for any damage or wear and tear. If necessary, replace malfunctioning components within the compressor or consider replacing the entire unit if needed. It is important to use an experienced technician to ensure that all repairs and replacements are conducted according to safety regulations.
Blocked Evaporator Coils
Blocked evaporator coils are a common problem with aircon units, caused when dust and dirt gradually build up around the vents. This build-up restricts airflow, resulting in inefficient cooling or even no cooling at all. To address this issue it is important to regularly carry out maintenance on the unit such as cleaning microfilters and washing away any debris that has built up over time.
People often think blocked evaporator coils can be solved simply by turning off their aircon unit and letting it “defrost”. Unfortunately, this approach rarely solves the problem as defrosting will only help remove some of the build-ups but won’t get rid of it completely. Therefore, manual cleaning should always be done followed by regular checks. This ensures optimum air conditioning performance for your home or office space.
Unbalanced Refrigerant Levels
Unbalanced refrigerant levels occur when too much or too little of the refrigerant gas is present in the system. This can affect the efficiency and performance of an aircon unit and lead to further problems such as leaks.
The most common cause of unbalanced refrigerant levels is a leaking or damaged component in the system, which can lead to costly repairs if not corrected immediately. Additionally, incorrect installation may also cause unbalanced levels due to incorrect piping or faulty valves which do not allow for correct flow pressure balance inside the air conditioner.
Regular maintenance including checks on all components and repair works where necessary are important steps in preventing issues related to unbalanced refrigerant levels from arising.
Incorrect Gas Type
Incorrect gas type is one of the common aircon gas issues. It occurs when used refrigerant gases are mixed with others, resulting in reduced cooling capacity and efficiency.
This increases energy consumption as well as reduces the lifespan of a unit. In addition, it can cause compressor breakdowns due to the circulation of different mixtures of higher pressure and temperature that can damage components inside the refrigeration system.
To avoid this issue, ensure only recommended type of gas or blend is used for proper cooling operations in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Causes Of Aircon Gas Issues
Poor maintenance, damage to the refrigerant system, electrical faults and the age of the unit are all common causes of aircon gas issues.
Poor Maintenance
Poor maintenance is one of the leading causes of aircon gas issues. Neglecting regular checks on your unit can lead to obstructions such as dirt and debris build-up in condenser coils, resulting in pressure malfunctions and decreased efficiency due to an inability to cool.
Moreover, leaving filters dirty or clogged may cause cooling problems since the airflow will be blocked by dust particles.
Damage To Refrigerant System
Damage to the refrigerant system is one of the common causes of aircon gas issues. Malfunctions in the refrigerant system components, such as a faulty valve or welding joint, may cause air leakage and lead to the low refrigerant charge.
Aircon units that have been exposed to extreme weather conditions can suffer from damage due to corrosion and deterioration which further compromises its efficiency. The wear and tear caused by physical impact can also lead to leaks in the piping connected to an air conditioning unit, leading it to become dysfunctional.
Electrical Faults
Electrical faults in an aircon unit can be a major cause of gas issues. Faulty components such as fuses, relays and circuit breakers will interrupt the flow of electricity to vital parts of the unit, causing disruption to operations.
If left untreated, it may render the entire system unusable due to damage caused by short circuits or overloads.
Age Of Unit
Age is one of the most common causes of aircon gas issues. If a unit has not been regularly maintained and serviced, over time it will start to develop problems due to its age as parts become worn out. An aged unit can also be more prone to leakages and compressor failures, resulting in gas depletion from the system.
Therefore, if your air conditioner has had no maintenance for a lengthy period of time, there is likely an issue with its age that will need immediate attention before any other potential fault can be investigated and fixed. Additionally, older units may require complete replacement if they cannot be successfully repaired or are beyond their lifespan.
Solutions For Troubleshooting Common Aircon Gas Issues
From inspecting and cleaning to replacing components and refilling refrigerant, there are a variety of solutions available for common aircon gas issues. Read on to discover more!
Regularly Inspect And Clean Aircon Units
Regularly inspecting and cleaning aircon units is a great way to maintain their optimal performance. It helps identify any potential risks and damages before they can become major issues, thus saving you time and money in the long term. A thorough check of the filters, fins, condenser coils, refrigerant components, etc. should be conducted at least once every 3 months to avoid common aircon gas issues.
Cleaning your aircon unit regularly also includes changing out dirty air filters which are essential for effective airflow and energy efficiency. If dust accumulates on the filter or gets stuck between the evaporator and condenser coils it can lead to low cooling power due to restricted ventilation within the unit. Therefore regular cleaning of these parts is key for ensuring easy maintenance and good overall performance of your AC unit over time.
Check For Damage To The Refrigerant System
One of the common issues when troubleshooting aircon gas is checking for damage to the refrigerant system. This includes inspecting pipes, seals and condensers for any holes, cracks or tears that could be causing a refrigerant leak. If a leak is detected, it should be repaired immediately by a professional as leaks can cause further damage to the unit.
If there are no visible signs of damage but the issue persists, then further testing may need to be done with specialised equipment such as an electronic leak detector or dye-injection kits to precisely pinpoint where and how much refrigerant has escaped from the system. Once identified, repairs can take place quickly so that your aircon’s functioning correctly again in no time at all.
Replace Faulty Components
Replacing faulty components is an effective way to troubleshoot common aircon gas issues. Make sure that all worn-out parts are properly replaced in order to ensure the air conditioning unit is fully functioning as intended.
This includes evaporator coils, fuses, electrical wiring and circuit boards which need to be checked for any problems. Additionally, replacing old or non-functional parts can also help improve the energy efficiency of a unit and reduce operating costs over time.
Refilling The Refrigerant
Refilling the refrigerant in an aircon unit is a common solution to many of the issues associated with aircon gas. Refilling the gas can restore optimal performance and correct any unbalanced levels, allowing for improved efficiency and cooling power. It’s important for users to ensure their unit is checked regularly to prevent any potential problems from occurring due to low refrigerant charges.
Before refilling the refrigerant in an aircon, it should be confirmed that there are no leaks present as this may cause further damage or inefficient cooling if left unchecked. Once all relevant parts have been inspected, then it will be safe to proceed with filling up the system again according to manufacturer instructions. Regular checking and topping up of your aircon post-refill will help ensure its best possible performance.
Replacing The Compressor
Replacing the compressor is a complex task and should not be done without professional assistance. If there are signs that the aircon unit’s compressor has malfunctioned, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible by a qualified technician.
The technician will first assess if the unit requires new refrigerant or if replacing the compressor is more cost-effective in this situation. The technician will then be able to recommend an appropriate replacement model and have it installed safely with minimal disruption to your home’s daily routine.
Cleaning The Evaporator Coil
Cleaning the evaporator coil is a crucial part of aircon gas troubleshooting. Air filters should be regularly cleaned to ensure they do not clog up and block the warm air that moves over the cold evaporator coil. If this happens, it can lead to an unbalanced refrigerant charge which will cause issues with cooling levels in the home or office environment.
In order to clean an evaporator coil, it is important for a qualified technician to inspect and determine if there is any excess build-up on the coils from dust, dirt or debris. If so, then specialised cleaning foam solutions are used on certain models of air cons in order to remove any accumulated dirt from the system’s components completely. This ultimately helps improve airflow efficiency and maintain optimal performance levels across the whole unit during operation.
Replacing Aging Units
Aging units are prone to malfunctions and a decrease in efficiency. This can be attributed to wear and tear, which eventually leads to the deterioration of the aircon unit’s conditioning capacity. Therefore, it is essential that ageing aircons need to be replaced with newer models as soon as possible.
Newer models use higher levels of insulation and improved technology for better cooling optimisation. By replacing an ageing unit with a modern one, not only will you enjoy comfortable temperature regulation but also lower electricity bills due to increased energy efficiency.
Professional installation of new aircon systems should always be done by experienced technicians who have the necessary certification and know-how in installing them correctly without any mistakes or further problems down the line.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting common aircon gas issues can be a difficult process but with proper knowledge and appropriate tools, it is possible to do so successfully. To avoid such issues in the first place, regular maintenance and inspections of your aircon unit are recommended.
Be sure to check for any damage to the refrigerant system, replace faulty components and refill the refrigerant when necessary. Additionally, if your unit is old or has sustained major damage over time, you may need to consider replacing it entirely with a newer model