Do-it-yourself split-system repair: the main breakdowns and how to fix them

Split systems are becoming more and more popular every year. With their help, it is possible to maintain optimal air temperature in rooms of various sizes and purposes. They have an affordable cost, and a set of useful functions allows you to use them not only in summer, but also in winter, as an additional heating device.

Such equipment breaks down infrequently. In most cases, it can last much longer than the warranty period. But, in case of improper use and maintenance, breakdowns are inevitable. In some cases, you can repair a split system with your own hands, without using specific tools.

But how to find the cause of the malfunction and fix the breakdown? We will talk about this in our article. We also consider more rare malfunctions and methods of prevention.

The main components of the equipment

It is not possible to repair the climate equipment on its own, without knowledge of all its elements.

We offer to understand what a split system consists of:

• condensing unit (outer);
• evaporation unit (indoor unit).

Each of the blocks contains specific details. The external part of the equipment includes: compressor, condenser, four-way valve, control board, fan, filter, housing.

The inside of the equipment is mounted indoors. A consists indoor unit from: front panel, filters (coarse and fine cleaning), evaporator, display panel, fan, condensate tray, control board.

Air conditioners have a lot of electronics. It makes it possible to control the temperature control process. The boards are made up of several dozen electronic components that are also sensitive to contamination.

Also in the equipment there is a system of copper tubes.Freon refrigerant moves along them. During the operation of the equipment, it is in two states: gaseous and liquid. Therefore, the tubes in differ in diameter.

Diagnostics of faults in a split system

Before you fix a split system, you need to roughly understand where to look for a malfunction. To do this, there are error codes that are displayed on the display of modern technology. If the climate control unit is without a display, an error may be indicated by a flashing LED or sound signals will be heard.

Each manufacturer of equipment has its own codes that indicate malfunctions. To decrypt them, you can use the technical documentation for the equipment. Decryption can also be found on the Internet by entering a model of technology.

Knowing the error codes will help reduce the time to search for damage and try to cope with the repair on your own. But if we are talking about a serious malfunction, then it is advisable to turn to experienced specialists. They know safety precautions and they have instrumentation for diagnostics of equipment.

The table shows some error codes. Modern split systems have a self-diagnosis function, which allows you to more accurately determine the cause and place of the malfunction

Failure number 1 - the system does not start

Most likely in this case there is damage to the electrical cable.

If there is voltage in the network, but the compressor, fans and indicators do not work, then you need to look for the problem in the following places:

• power outlet;
• cable and mains plug;
• power connectors on the control board.

Most often, the reason lies in the lack of voltage, but it happens that the voltage in the network is not enough for the correct operation of the device. Most often this happens due to overload of the house network. If the outlet voltage is about 220 V, then you should ring the power cord with a plug.

This can be done using a multimeter or a simple "dialing". The cable consists of three wires. Damage to one of them can lead to a power outage on the board and other organs of the split system. If the cable is intact, then you need to check the voltage at the point of its supply.

Also, the reason for the lack of power supply to the equipment can be the dead batteries in the remote control, the idle remote control or the power button.

Each malfunction has its own cause. And in order to detect it, you must follow a consistent algorithm of actions. In the diagnosis of electronic and electrical components, multimeters, the best helpers

Breakdown number 2 - dripping water

This unpleasant problem is faced by many owners of split systems. Most often, it indicates a blockage in the drainage pipeline.

The blockage can be of two types:

• mechanical - dirt is clogged in the tubes;
• climatic - it happens in the cold season, when some sections of the pipeline can freeze, as a result of which ice caps form.

Mechanical contamination is extremely rare. In this case, you will need to resort to manual cleaning of the dirt, but you can use a compressor. Access to the pipes of the drainage system is carried out at the place of fluid drainage.

In the second case, you just need to melt the frozen sections of the drainage pipeline. For this purpose, you can use industrial or soldering hair dryers, but in severe frosts this procedure is not recommended.

If your split system does not just drip, but flows into the room, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with more detailed information about remedies a similar problem.

Failure number 3 - bad smell

This indicates a clogged filter. When the air supplied by the fan of the indoor unit has an unpleasant odor, this indicates the beginning of the multiplication of various bacteria on the surface of the contaminated filter.It must be changed immediately so that it does not lead to the occurrence of diseases.

In order to prevent this state of technology, it is necessary to carry out dry cleaning of the indoor unit once every two weeks. This applies not only to the outside of the equipment, but also to filters

But replacing such a filter may not solve the bad smell problem. This is due to the fact that pollution can already be on other parts of the indoor module. Therefore, it is highly advisable to wash the main parts or order a comprehensive service.

Failure No. 4 - poor cooling

There are several varieties of such damage. Consider a poor cooling situation to which dripping water is added. In this case, the main reason lies not so much in the clogging of the drainage system as in the clogging of the filters (rough or fine cleaning).

Dust does not settle on the filter cloth, but is deposited on the surface of the evaporator. This prevents the return of cold, which is why the fan and supplies insufficiently cooled air. And water is dripping due to the fact that tubes freeze or dirt gets into drainage. The first case is the most frequent.

To fix this malfunction yourself, you need to clean the filters. So that the canvas does not deform, you need to wash it under a stream of cold or warm water, but not hot. You can use special detergents or disinfectants.

Dust from the pipeline can be blown off with a compressor or vacuum cleaner. More thoroughly, dirt can be removed if the unit is completely disassembled. But, it is not recommended to do this without the proper skills.

In the case where poor cooling is supplemented by turning off the compressor, the reason lies in outdoor unit pollution. If there is a lot of dust, fluff outside the room or is located near a highway, the radiator and condenser will quickly become covered with a layer of dirt. This causes the compressor to overheat, resulting in shutdown.

The best access to the outdoor unit of the split system can be obtained if it is installed on the ground floor or on the roof. In other cases, servicing the exterior of the equipment is problematic

Inadequate cooling causes obstructed air exchange. This can be eliminated by removing all dirt from the fan, radiator and condenser. You can use soapy water and a brush, or you can use modern washing machines, steam generators.

The main thing is safety during the work. Since the compressor and condenser unit is located outside the room, for its cleaning most often you will have to use the services of industrial climbers.

If the compressor runs continuously or with occasional shutdowns, and the cooling is very weak, then this indicates lack of freon in the system. A small amount of refrigerant can be explained by two reasons: its leak due to mechanical damage to the pipeline or natural evaporation.

Since freon is a gas, it tends to evaporate even from inoperative equipment. Accordingly, the correct decision in this case would be to fill the split system with freon of the desired brand. You can find out the brand of refrigerant based on the information in the technical documentation for the equipment.

Freon is sold in special containers. But buying a refrigerant is half the battle. It still needs to be charged into the system, not exceeding the required volume. There are several ways to refuel and all require skills and special tools.

The easiest way is to fill the split system with freon, controlling the pressure in the pipeline. This is done using a manometer. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with self refueling rules freon.

Self-replacement of freon is the most time-consuming process for owners of split systems. To do this correctly, it is advisable to have professional equipment

When the pipeline is damagedthen you need to find the fault.Sometimes for this you will have to disassemble both blocks to find a crack or chip in the tubes. They can be sealed or replaced with new ones if there are a lot of damage and the tubes are in poor condition. After this, the climate device is refilled with freon.

Failure No. 5 - warm air supply

If the split does not cool, but vice versa - it supplies warm air, this indicates that freon boils off before it enters the evaporator. It boils off earlier due to clogging of capillary tubes. A pressure difference occurs, as a result of which the refrigerant gives off the cold to the fan, and the fan delivers warm air.

In this case, the compressor can operate for a longer time or without shutting down at all.

Capillary tubes are made of copper, so they are flexible and susceptible to deformation. This suggests that you need to carry out cleaning activities very carefully

This problem can be solved by cleaning the blockage or replacing capillary tubes. It is easiest to clean the blockage with a compressor. But, the force of compressed air may not be enough, especially if the blockage is complete or they are multiple.

In this case, you can resort to hydraulic cleaning or flushing the pipeline with special solvents. This often helps, but takes a lot of time. It is easier to replace capillary tubes, but this is an expensive service.

Failure No. 6 - hot air supply

When the heating mode is on, when you select the cooling function, only one thing is said: four way valve defective. It is from him that the change of modes depends. Such a malfunction of the split system is rare, and its elimination is possible on its own. You will need to find the valve.

Then you can do the following:

• to repair- in most cases, it simply jams and its work can be resumed;
• replace with new;
• remove from system- Descending it from the equipment will be able to resume the supply of cold air, but will have to sacrifice the heating mode.

In any case, it is not necessary to contact the master, with the exception of ignorance of safety precautions and the basic elements of split systems.

Failure number 7 - the compressor does not work

There are several reasons for this malfunction. This may be a failure of the compressor itself, a breakdown or loss of capacitance of a capacitor, or a breakdown of a thermal relay.

The compressor plays the most important role in the climate system. The operability of all equipment will depend on its serviceability. Therefore, compressor overheating situations are unacceptable

The most problematic case is failure exactly compressor. This is a rather complicated and expensive device that is very difficult to repair on your own. Even masters will not always be able to help. Repair is possible only when the motor shaft is jammed. It can be wedged and resume work.

Compressor diagnostic methods we reviewed in this publication.

But, more often motor windings burn out - from overheating, vibration, power surges or mechanical stresses. In this case, only replacing the compressor with a new one will help.

You will also have to re-fill the system with freon. The cost of a new compressor with delivery, installation and charge of refrigerant will not be much lower than the cost of a new air conditioner. Therefore, it is wiser to buy a split system.

It happens that the cause of the breakdown is not in the compressor. Any of the capacitors may fail or thermal relaywhich can be replaced. These components are relatively cheap, and no special tools are needed to replace them. The main thing is to correctly identify a failed element and replace it with a similar one.

Starting and working capacitors fail quite rarely. They are widely distributed on sale. The main thing is to choose a component designed for the indicated voltage and having the same capacitance as a damaged capacitor

Capacitors and thermal relays may have “burns” due to poor contact or exposure to voltage surges. Also, capacitors may have traces of bloating or electrolyte leakage.

This is the first sign of a malfunction. If there are no visible signs of damage, then each capacitor check with a multimeter.

Failure number 8 - short duration

If the split system is working properly, but quickly turns off, not reaching the desired temperature in the room, then this indicates failure of one of the temperature sensors.

In the average design there are three of them: in the indoor unit there is a thermistor and one temperature sensor per evaporator and condenser. Failure of one of them leads to such a work of technology. They are easy to check with a multimeter. They are cheap, and only a soldering iron is needed to replace them.

More rare malfunctions

Among these stand out: loss of communication between the blocks, “glitches” of the display panel, failure of one of the fans, breakdown of the control board or inverter module.

Each such malfunction is also solvable. But, they are extremely rare, especially with the proper use of climate equipment. If maintenance is carried out regularly, breakdowns can be avoided for a very long time.

Timely maintenance of the indoor and outdoor units significantly reduces the risk of malfunctions. Good equipment allows you to enjoy a comfortable indoor air temperature for a long time

The average operating life of HVAC equipment without breakdowns is 7 years. A competent maintenance of the equipment allows you to extend this time to 15 years.

How to avoid equipment breakdowns?

Climatic equipment is a complex equipment that needs regular maintenance of technical condition.

To avoid frequent breakdowns, you must follow the basic rules for operating split systems:

1. Clean the filters regularly.
2. Do not switch to heating mode when the air temperature in the street is lower than specified by the manufacturer.
3. Once a year, check the pressure of the freon in the system and, if necessary, refuel.
4. Once a year carry out a full cleaning of two system units. For industrial premises, clean at least twice a year.

If it is not possible to carry out comprehensive maintenance of equipment, then you need to conduct an independent cleaning of the heat exchanger, which is located in the indoor unit, at least once a year.

To familiarize yourself with the features of self-service split systems, please go to this link.

Another important aspect that affects the duration of trouble-free operation of HVAC equipment is its installation. Installation should only be done by specialists. If the installation was not carried out correctly, it may cause unacceptable vibrations and mechanical damage.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

We recommend that you find out the comments of the indoor unit cleaning specialist from the following video:

Self-repair of HVAC equipment is quite real. The main thing is that this does not harm the health and does not damage the equipment even more.

If you have the skills, experience and tools, then you can fix most of the existing failures. But in case of complex malfunctions, it is recommended to contact specialized specialists.

You have a problem with the split system, but you just can not figure out the cause of its occurrence? Ask your questions to our experts and other visitors to the site - we will try to help you deal with the cause of the malfunction.

If you want to supplement the above list of malfunctions or add recommendations for their elimination, please write this information in the comments section.