Life is not only in the south, but now in the middle lane in the summer is simply unbearable without air conditioning. Over the past few years, summer temperatures have been breaking records, and people are barely escaping the heat. So this product is snapped up like hot cakes for the season. But, like any technique, it has its own limited resource. These devices break down infrequently, but there is such a possibility, and the older the device, the greater it is. Today we’ll talk about how possible it is to repair split systems with your own hands, when you can try to do something, and when it’s better not to.
Read in the article
- 1 The device of the split system and the principles of its operation
- 2 Causes of breakdowns of split systems
- 3 How to make a preliminary diagnosis
- 4 The main malfunctions of split systems and how to fix them on your own
- 4.1 Split works but does not cool the air
- 4.2 Water is dripping from the indoor unit
- 4.3 Split system does not turn on or turns off spontaneously
- 5 In what cases it is better not to undertake independent repair of a split system
- 6 How to avoid breakdowns of the split system
The device of the split system and the principles of its operation
Before undertaking the repair of such, in general, a difficult device, you first need to understand at least its elements. So, what is included in the split system:
- outdoor unit - this is what is placed outdoors and performs the task of the compressor and condenser;
- The evaporator block is the internal part of the device, located in the room.
Each of these main blocks consists of individual parts. The outer box contains the compressor, condenser, control board, filter, fan and valve. The outdoor unit is the noisiest part of the device, so it is not in vain that it is installed outdoors. Its dimensions are usually impressive - it all depends on the model. The outer part of the split system is connected to the inner pipeline of rigid aluminum or copper tubes through which freon flows. The condensate is removed through the drainage channel.
Repair of the outdoor unit in apartment buildings is complicated by the peculiarities of its location: usually it is a high height, and without special equipment and skill it is impossible to get close to it. Often, to simplify the task, external units are installed on a balcony or loggia, in which case there is a chance to do the repair yourself. Competent installers during installation protect the outdoor unit with a grill and a cover from snow and rain, and better - with a box.
In the indoor unit under the front panel you will find the filters, evaporator, fan, drip tray, control board and display panel.
Externally, depending on the manufacturer and model, these devices may differ in size and design.
In addition, they are different in the type of installation. The most common option is wall-mounted split systems, which are suspended under the ceiling of the room. In addition to them, there are also cassette or channel ones - they are also placed under the ceiling in the area of \u200b\u200bair ducts available in the room. There are models that can be mounted on the wall and installed on the floor, or only floor options. For large rooms, column systems are used that can cope with the cooling of an impressive cubic capacity.
Modern split systems are multifunctional: they can not only cool the room, but also serve to heat and dehumidify the air, and carry out forced ventilation of the room. Their main advantage is the ability to maintain the air temperature selected by the user at any time of the year.
Causes of breakdowns of split systems
As already mentioned, the older the appliance, the higher the likelihood of a breakdown. It's just wear and tear, there's no getting away from it, because nothing lasts forever.
Any device, including a split system, needs to be serviced in a timely manner. Lack of periodic maintenance is detrimental to performance. If you didn’t fill in the freon in time after the depressurization of the route, you only need to blame yourself for the fact that it’s hot at home.
In addition to these most common causes, there are others that are not so common. For example, the fan in the outdoor unit may fail due to freezing of the impellers. This happens in winter when you use a split system to heat the air. With such a breakdown, a replacement of the fan or (and) replacement of the starting capacitor is required. In general, the heating function in split systems is used infrequently.
The failure of the air conditioner may be due to malfunctions in the electrical board of the device, and they may occur, in turn, due to a short circuit, voltage drops, or moisture ingress. Electric boards, in principle, are replaceable, but there are craftsmen who are able to make repairs without completely replacing this part.
Often the reason that the split system fails is an incorrectly selected model for the area of \u200b\u200bthe room.
This problem should be solved at the stage of system purchase. Each model has clear indications of the serviced area. You need to take this into account and never purchase devices whose power is less than what you need according to your parameters.
Malfunctions in the operation of the cooling device may be associated with an inattentive attitude to the temperature regime. In severe frosts, it is impossible to start a split, this is clearly stated in all instructions. The permissible mode for launching is up to minus 5 degrees. But many users forget about this and as a result face a breakdown. If there is an urgent need to start the split for heating in winter, it is necessary to use a special winter start mode.
Often, failures in the system can occur during the off-season. Sudden temperature changes during this period lead to the formation of condensate, and when the split is turned on, the condenser may be overloaded.
How to make a preliminary diagnosis
If a malfunction is detected, it is imperative to pay attention to an important detail: what error code is displayed on the control panel. This will help you a lot in diagnosing. Manufacturers may write their own codes, so they are likely to differ from model to model. In any case, the list of error codes should be in the technical documentation of the device.
What does knowing the meaning of the code give? Everything is very simple - it significantly reduces the time spent searching for the cause of the breakdown.
The main malfunctions of split systems and how to fix them on your own
Before undertaking any repair of a split system, you must first clean it. In half the cases, cleaning itself solves all problems. Banal pollution can be the reason for the loss of power of the device and its malfunction.
Now let's look at the main breakdowns that are considered typical for climate-type devices.
Split works but does not cool the air
Visually, the device turned on, the blinds on the case move up and down, as expected, the fan drives the air, but the temperature in the room does not change.
It’s worth starting with the control panel: see what is reflected in the settings. Maybe the cooling mode is not set corny, but the fan is just turned on. If the settings are correct, check the operation of the compressor. Perhaps it did not start, this will be clear from the suspicious silence in the external unit. If everything is noisy there, as in normal mode, the freon leak may be the cause. This usually occurs at the connection points of the copper pipes connecting the outdoor and indoor units. Checking the pressure is carried out with pressure gauges, but here it is already difficult to do without special tools and knowledge. In principle, there are not so many places of connections from where freon can leave - only 4.
But if the compressor does not start and “is silent”, then this is already serious. If the outdoor unit is located high above the ground, you will have to call the installers. The reasons for the breakdown can be different. Perhaps the power contacts were damaged, the temperature sensor failed, the compressor itself broke down for some reason. In any case, the external unit will have to be dismantled for repair.
Water is dripping from the indoor unit
This is another typical cause for concern. But in this case, the problem is solved quite simply. Most likely just a clogged drain pipe. This may be due to accumulated dust or a banal mold overgrowth of a block that has not been washed for a long time. That is why cleaning should be carried out regularly, twice a year. The growth of fungus inside the split system is a common reality. And imagine for a moment that when you turn on the device, all the spores of this fungus immediately enter the air and you breathe it.
The problem of dripping water is solved by removing the cover of the indoor unit and cleaning the drain. And since we are talking about this, you can clean the air conditioner yourself, without calling the master. Home improvement stores sell cleaning products in aerosol cans. All you need to do is spray the contents of the can into the indoor unit according to the instructions, wait until the product will not “eat out” all deposits, and then wash it all off through the drainage system using a conventional spray bottle with clean water. The whole procedure will cost you 200 rubles (cost of funds).
Split system does not turn on or turns off spontaneously
It’s worth starting with a banal check of the operability of the outlet and the remote control. Maybe the plug is not firmly inserted or the batteries are dead - and this happens. If both are in order, the cause may be in the control unit, and this is already a serious cause for concern.
If the split turns off after a normal start, the cause may be compressor overheating, malfunctions in operation of fans, clogging of the capillary tube, leakage of freon and all the same problems in the unit management. It is not easy to cope with finding a problem on your own, but still check the error codes, visually examine the possible breakdowns.
The failure of the electronic part of the device, if you have experience and knowledge in this area, it is worth investigating, starting with transformers and fuses. If a blown fuse is found, it is worth looking for the initial cause in the varistor. If the transformers and fuses are normal, you need to study the performance of the diode bridge, capacitors, voltage stabilizers and relays.
For those who do not understand such subtleties and at the same time do not have the opportunity to call the master, it remains only to advise them to purchase a new board. But here you can miss: if, due to lack of experience, you incorrectly established the cause of the breakdown, buying a board will not solve the problem.
In what cases it is better not to undertake independent repair of a split system
There are situations when it is better not to take risks and not undertake repairs on your own, so as not to cause even more harm to the device. For example, if a program crash occurs. Its sign is the chaotic flashing of indicators against the background of a non-working device. To correct such an error, reprogramming is required.
In the event of a freon leak, even if you have discovered and repaired the breakdown yourself, you need to replenish the refrigerant in the system, and this is also not easy to do without a special tool and the tool itself. So in this case, no matter how much you want, you will have to call the master.
And finally, in no case should you undertake repairs yourself if your split system is under warranty. Any unauthorized action may be regarded as tampering and you risk voiding the warranty. Moreover, the installation of the system should be trusted not to "shabashniks", but to professionals, because flaws in the installation are also a common cause of breakdowns and denial of warranty repairs.
How to avoid breakdowns of the split system
Prevention is always cheaper than repair, that's a fact. So it is better to follow some simple rules and significantly save your budget.
It's worth starting with the correct installation. A sealed system will prevent freon leakage, and a solid and safe installation will protect the units from accidental damage. It is better to pay extra for an outer box with a lid, so as not to face the problem of icing in the future.
Every year at the end and beginning of the season, it is necessary to carry out preventive cleaning and diagnostics of the device. The device should be cleaned with the power off, you can do it yourself, but very carefully. Cleaning the filters regularly will greatly increase the efficiency of the device. Freon must be added to the system at least once every two years.
All this will allow you to extend the life of the split system several times. In addition - a small step-by-step video on self-cleaning the air conditioner:
What kind of problems in the operation of split systems have you encountered? Share your experience in the comments!
Hello, thank you for the informative information. Health to you and your loved ones. Sk…
From strong winds, fences sometimes fall if they are installed unreliably. We have our own at Terem-p ...
We bought a summer cottage with a dilapidated country house. They restored it through the tower. AND …
The tm film and the zebra have nothing to do with PLEN, do not mislead people ...
We need this Vodonaeva with her cats like fifth leg dogs.
I need to make a Christmas tree out of cardboard for the office. If you do this please give me a call...
Don't chase the blizzard... In your opinion, all the great writers were prostitutes. Go...
Hello! And how can you make a cone planter for flowers, or rather, how to fasten the cone?
Four days ago I ordered a Revolts heating kit for our dacha. I'm going to pick up tomorrow...
If the apartment is ready, then why doesn’t Buzova broadcast to the whole world about moving and living ...
Like 10m. Enough tape for 1.5m of fence?!
This is most likely an Internet modem like yota. And, I remember, they used both polarizers ...
Wicker fence is a waste of time and money. When we were equipping the site, we bought: up to ...
