Portable air conditioners are a popular choice for Singapore’s urban homes due to their several advantages. They come in various BTU ratings to meet your cooling needs, are easy to move around, and require little to no installation. This makes portable aircon very ideal for HDB flats or rented apartments where adding permanent fixtures such as wall-mounted AC may not be allowed.
However, it can be frustrating when your portable aircon, meant to keep you comfortable, keeps shutting off unexpectedly. Here are some common reasons that may be causing this.
10 Reasons Why Your Portable Air Conditioner Keeps Shutting Off
Reason #1 Portable AC Compressor Unit
A faulty compressor may be the reason your portable AC keeps shutting off. The compressor circulates refrigerant to cool the air, and if it malfunctions, the cooling cycle is disrupted. In Singapore, where air conditioners work hard due to the warm weather, compressors can wear out faster.
What’s the solution?
Contact a licensed aircon technician to inspect and repair or replace the compressor if needed.
Reason #2: Dirty Air Filter
Singapore’s urban environment can cause dust and dirt to accumulate quickly. If the air filter is clogged, airflow is restricted, making your portable AC overheat and shut off.
What’s the solution?
To avoid problems with the air filter, we always recommend our clients in Singapore to clean the air filter regularly. You can clean it at home by soaking it in soapy water and scrub gently. You can also use a vacuum or soft brush to remove the debris.
Reason #3: Dirty Evaporator Coils
Similarly to the air filter, the evaporator coils of your portable air conditioner can also accumulate a significant amount of dust and dirt. When this happens, the coils are unable to absorb the heat from the refrigerant, which can impede the overall cooling process, while also causing other issues inside your AC that can force it to shut down.
What’s the solution?
It’s important to clean your evaporator coils regularly, at the very least once a month. Follow these steps to clean your dirty evaporator coils:
- Unplug your portable air conditioner and locate the evaporator coils.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dirt and debris from the coils.
- Spray some commercial coil cleaner or soapy water on the coils and leave the solution to sit for a few minutes. Be careful not to soak any electrical components.
- Fill a spray bottle with clean water and use this to rinse away the solution.
- Leave the coils to air dry completely before reassembling your air conditioner.
Reason #4: Frozen Evaporator Coils
Aside from becoming dirty over time, the evaporator coils of your portable air conditioner can also accumulate ice. If your evaporator coils freeze, your AC will shut down to prevent further damage. This can be caused by poor airflow, incorrect thermostat settings, or low refrigerant levels.
What’s the solution?
Turn off the unit and let the ice melt. If freezing happens frequently, schedule professional aircon servicing in Singapore to check for underlying issues.
Reason #5: Refrigerant Issues
Refrigerant is a substance that plays a massive role in the overall cooling process of your portable air conditioner. Refrigerant goes around your air conditioner and absorbs the heat from the air. Any issue with your portable unit’s refrigerant will prevent it from functioning smoothly. If your refrigerant levels are low, or if you have a refrigerant leak, make sure to have a professional HVAC technician take a look at the issue.
What’s the solution?
Contact Luce to hire our professional technician. Our trusted aircon specialist in Singapore can check and refill the refrigerant if needed.
Reason #6: Wrong Cooling Capacity
If your portable AC is too powerful for the room size, it may short cycle (turn on and off frequently). Singapore’s compact apartments and office spaces require properly sized AC units.
What’s the solution?
Always choose a unit with the right BTU capacity for your room size.
Reason #7: Electrical Wiring Problems
Portable air conditioners rely on a stable electrical connection to function properly. Issues such as loose, burnt, or frayed wiring, along with faulty electrical components like a capacitor or relay, can disrupt the power supply.
What’s the solution?
If you experience sparks, burning smells, flickering power, or the AC shutting off unpredictably, you need to act immediately. Electrical issues pose a fire hazard, so the best thing to do is:
- Unplug the unit immediately to prevent further electrical damage.
- Inspect the power cord for visible signs of wear, burns, or frayed wires.
- Avoid using extension cords if the unit is not receiving sufficient power—plug it directly into a wall outlet.
- Call a certified electrician to diagnose and repair any damaged wiring, replace faulty capacitors, or fix any relay issues.
Reason #8: Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat in a portable AC unit measures the room temperature and controls when the AC turns on or off. If the thermostat is faulty, it may misread the room temperature, causing the unit to shut off too soon. It can also prevent the AC from turning on, making it seem unresponsive.
What’s the solution?
If your portable AC unit never turns on, keeps running, or shuts off too soon, replace the thermostat or seek professional help.
Reason #9: The portable AC Blower Fan is Malfunctioning
The blower fan plays a crucial role in circulating air through the cooling coils and expelling warm air out of the unit. If it stops working properly, the unit may experience reduced airflow, making cooling less effective.
What’s the solution?
- Check if the fan is running by observing its movement when the unit is on.
- Listen for unusual noises—if the fan is noisy or weak, it may need cleaning or replacement.
- Clean the fan blades to remove dust or debris that may be obstructing airflow.
- Inspect the motor—if it’s unresponsive, it may need lubrication or replacement.
- Seek professional help if the fan isn’t spinning at all, as this could indicate a faulty motor.
Reason #10: Blockage of Airflow Through Vents
Just as your portable AC requires unobstructed air intake and exhaust via its inlet and outlet hoses, it also needs proper airflow within the room. If airflow is restricted, the compressor has to work harder to compensate for the reduced amount of cool air being circulated. This extra strain can cause the compressor to overheat and shut off automatically.
What’s the solution?
- Keep plants, furniture, or decorative items at a safe distance from the portable AC to prevent blockage.
- Inspect the vent hoses for any obstructions or debris that may be restricting airflow.
- Check that the open end of the exhaust hose is clear and not blocked by objects outside the window or wall opening.
Keep Your Space Cool with Luce!
The best thing you can do to keep your portable air conditioner running smoothly is to have it regularly cleaned and maintained, and Luce is here to help you out with that. From installations and cleanings to servicing and repairs, Luce offers a wide range of services to ensure that your home in Singapore stays cool and comfortable!
