Air conditioners are a modern necessity in Singapore, where temperatures often soar and humidity levels make the heat feel even more intense. With an average daily temperature of 27°C and frequent rainfall adding to the humidity, an AC system is an integral part of almost every household in Singapore!
10 Reasons Aircon Stop Working and How to Fix It
AC in your home suddenly not working? Don’t fret! There’s no need to call a repair service immediately, as sometimes these problems only need simple troubleshooting that can be done at home without looking into professional options in Singapore.
Leaking Water from the Air Conditioner
An AC would typically have slight condensation due to the changing temperatures in and around the unit. However, if air conditioners start leaking water and the aircon stop working properly, there might be a few issues with their hardware. If water is leaking inside, immediately turn off your air conditioner to avoid further water damage.
Some of our clients in Singapore have found that water continues to leak from their air conditioning units even after they have been turned off. This occurs because the AC unit freezes up during use. When air conditioners freeze, layers of ice form around the condenser coils, and the melting ice causes the AC unit to drip water.
How to Fix It?
Turn off your AC immediately and check the condensate pump for clogs, rust, or dents. Improving airflow by cleaning or replacing the air filter can also prevent water leaks, as a dirty air filter can be a cause. If the problem persists, contact the Luce aircon technician.
Air Conditioner Fan Issues
The blower fan is the component that circulates air around the room, leading to a cooler feel and temperature. If you feel that the airflow is weaker than normal, you may have a problem with your fan motor. A clunking or whirring sound is a sign that your blower fan is having issues.
How to Fix It?
Turn off the AC and check for any visible obstructions in the fan. But in this case, we recommend immediately calling a professional to assess and check the fan motor in your AC unit. They can immediately repair the problem, ensuring your aircon can work properly without any issues.
We at Luce Aircon have experienced professionals who can repair your unit in the comfort of your home. Book an appointment with us here.
Thermostat Batteries are Dead
Sometimes, the issue is not with the AC at all, but with your thermostat. If cool air is flowing out of your air conditioner, but your thermostat isn’t displaying the temperature, then it’s time to check if your thermostat batteries are out of juice. On the other hand, weak thermostat batteries may cause the connection between your AC unit and the thermostat to malfunction, which leads to the aircon not functioning well.
How to Fix It?
Simply replace the thermostat batteries with new ones and see if this will solve your issue. If not, check for other reasons why your AC may not be working properly. The same goes for remote control types—check the batteries to make sure they’re still active. Replace the batteries if needed.
Indoor Disconnect Switch is Off
If your AC unit has an indoor disconnect switch, it may have been accidentally turned off. Perhaps it was turned off when it was bumped during spring cleaning, or it may have been left off to save power by someone else in the household.
How to Fix It?
Locate the switch and turn it back on. Check if that solves the issue of your AC unit not working. You can check the manufacturer’s instructions in the AC manual on how to switch on the indoor disconnect switch.
The Outdoor Disconnect Switch is Off
Similarly, if you have an outdoor disconnect switch, check if it was turned off or damaged, as outdoor switches tend to be more exposed to the elements compared to indoor ones. One or both of your disconnect switches may have been turned off, but checking and resetting them is an easy task.
How to Fix It?
Check with your manufacturer for instructions on how to check, assess, and reset your disconnect switches. Avoid overloading the circuit by reducing the number of connected appliances. If the problem persists or if you’re unsure of how to fix it—contact an electrician for help.
Tripped Circuit Breaker in Air Conditioners
A tripped breaker can cut power to your AC, preventing it from functioning. You should check your breaker box for any tripped circuit breakers that may be connected to your air conditioning unit and are causing your cooling system to malfunction.
If the circuit breaker is indeed the problem, check to make sure your AC unit is not overloading the circuit. Consider shutting off other appliances within the same circuit while using your AC unit to not overload the circuit connected to these appliances.
How to Fix It?
Check the breaker box and reset any tripped breakers. If possible, reset it and try to use your air conditioner again to see if this is the problem. But, if you do not know how to reset or assess your breaker box, do not make attempts to remedy the situation yourself. Instead, call your maintenance provider or a licensed electrician to check the issue for you.
Busted Fuse
If your AC unit would not turn on at all, or the thermostat and air conditioner aren’t connecting, most likely you’ve got a blown fuse. A blown fuse can prevent your AC from turning on or disrupt the connection between the unit and the thermostat.
How to Fix It?
A busted fuse isn’t the type of maintenance a DIYer should be doing. For this issue, contact a professional to inspect and replace the fuse.
Blown Transformer
Much like a blown fuse, a blown transformer can be the reason your AC is not working in the house.
How to Fix It?
You’ll need to work with your maintenance provider to replace a bad or blown transformer in order for your aircon to work properly. Additionally, it’s also important to check your outdoor unit for a bad contactor, because this usually leads to a blown transformer. You might need to replace both the contactor and the blown transformer to get your AC unit up and running again.
Dirty Coils
If your unit turns on and is set to a cool temperature, but the air flowing out feels warm, the problem may be with your condenser coils. Your AC unit has two coils—one indoor and one outdoor; both of which are responsible for cooling the room by replacing warm air with cooled air. If one or both coils are dirty, they can’t function properly.
How to Fix It?
To avoid dirty coils, you should regularly maintain your AC to prevent dirt buildup. Schedule a professional AC cleaning from Luce to ensure the condenser coils are cleaned along with the rest of your unit during general servicing.
Dirty Filter
Air carries dust particles around, which can get trapped in the filter of your air conditioner. A dirty filter can block out air circulation and can cause your AC to freeze up with ice. Grime and oils restrict airflow, which is what causes your aircon to malfunction.
How to Fix It?
We always our client in Singapore to clean the AC filter every two weeks. This is because Singapore's hot and humid weather makes it easy for air filters in AC to get dirty quickly. Cleaning the air filter can be done at home, you just simply need to look for the manufacturer’s instructions on the correct way to remove and clean your aircon filter.
To clean a clogged aircon filter, make sure your AC is turned off. Never take out the filter with the AC on. Take out the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and use a damp cloth or vacuum to get rid of the visible dirt and grime. Wash the filter under running water for a deeper clean.
Helpful Tip: Some brands and types of air conditioners have replaceable filters meant to be changed every 3-6 months. Check with your manufacturer if that is the case for your unit before attempting to clean the filter.
AC Still Not Working?
If your AC still isn’t working after basic troubleshooting, it’s time to call in the experts. Luce offers professional services for all types and brands of air conditioners in Singapore, including wall-mounted and ceiling units. From installation and servicing to chemical washes and repairs, we’re your one-stop shop for all aircon needs.
Book an appointment or a free consultation with us today!
