What to do if the split system leaks into the room: causes of breakdown and ways to solve the problem

A split system is a technique that maintains a comfortable room temperature. Therefore, any breakdown is a real test for the owners. A particularly unpleasant situation arises when the split system leaks into the room - you will learn what to do in such a situation from the article.

We will tell you all about the causes of leaks in climate control equipment and ways to combat the breakdown. The article we have presented discusses situations with a banal blockage of the drainage channel and serious technical problems. Taking into account our recommendations, you will be able to promptly eliminate or prevent an emerging problem.

About the main faults

It is not recommended to fix any breakdowns yourself. If you do the repair yourself, and then problems arise, the manufacturer will most likely refuse the warranty.

If there is poor cooling in the room

This is usually due to the following reasons:

Weak power.
The appearance of internal damage.

Sometimes it happens that the power of the air conditioner is not enough to maintain the temperature in a particular room. An example is due to a sharp change in the climate in which the operation is carried out. The average temperature range is from -7 to +40 degrees. These are the main indicators that apply to all devices.

In other situations, the problem is related to internal failures of the device. It is recommended to immediately seek technical service; it is also difficult to solve something on your own.

Short cycle unit

At first the device is turned on, but it stops working literally after 15-20 minutes.

This problem has several reasons:

Dirty radiator.
Failed thermostat.
Broken control board.
Problem with settings.

External radiators are subject to various mechanical damage and stress, especially in the summer. When foreign objects get inside, the entire system begins to overheat. Because of this, all work stops. The problem is eliminated by flushing the radiator with water and strong pressure. This will help eliminate other air conditioner problems.

After refilling, a refrigerant imbalance may occur. It is enough to measure the operating pressure of the compressor to understand how severe the problem has become. If an overload occurs, the excess liquid is simply disposed of.

Condensate leakage from the indoor unit

This is also one of the signals of faulty equipment. This may happen due to a clogged condenser tube.

The repair involves performing several simple steps:

Turning off the air conditioner. You have to wait 10 minutes.
Disconnecting the plastic drain tube.
Cleaning and drying.
Returning the structure to its original position. This often helps if the air conditioner is broken.

Broken or broken connections

There is usually a pipe between the drain hole of the tray and the drainage tube. Sometimes it can crack, break off or fly off the tubes. This is a flexible hose that is held on with clamps or latches.

Open the air conditioner cover and look on the right and left sides (depending on the installation option) at the condition of the pipe. If the problem is in it and it is from it that water flows, it needs to be changed.

Solution

Don't look for an original pipe - you'll just waste your money . At any plumbing store or market, buy one of the same diameter and secure it with ordinary plastic zip ties.

If the old pipe was secured with clamps, wrap them or the pipe itself with fum tape. Then put on a new one.

Air conditioner drain pipe in the indoor unit.

Fan

Some errors are indicated by indicators on the device's electronic display. Most often, during such breakdowns, the system turns on for a few seconds, and then immediately turns off.

The following are the main reasons for what is happening:

Faulty capacitor in the electric motor.
Breakdowns in the motor.
Broken fan blades.

In any situation, the problem can be easily solved by replacing the failed part.

The impeller changes in the following sequence:

Removing the front protective grille.
Unscrewing the nut that secures the fan.
The electric motor pulley is released from the impeller.
Using a new impeller on a pulley.
The reverse procedure is used when assembling parts.

When replacing a fan motor, it also requires a few simple steps:

De-energize the system, remove the front protective grille.
Unscrewing and removing the nut securing the entire fan.
Disconnect all electrical connections.
Unscrewing the motor itself, completely disconnecting it.
Putting on a new spare part.
Assembling and securing parts using reverse order.

A certain procedure remains the same when replacing the starting capacitor:

De-energizing the system.
Disassembly of the outdoor unit.
Unscrewing the fixing bracket.
Disconnect all wires.
Replace with a new starting capacitor.
In reverse order, the parts are assembled and secured.

The fan repair procedure will require about an hour of free time. The urgency and scope of repairs, the characteristics of the fan itself determine the total cost of the work.

Automatic diagnostics

Factory defects, poor installation and improper operation are the main reasons why the internal parts of the air conditioner fail prematurely. There is practically nothing that can be done about a manufacturing defect; in the other two cases there is a chance to improve.

Inscriptions on the display and blinking lights will help you find out in time that certain problems have arisen.

In an air conditioner, they usually talk about breakdowns of the following nature:

Broken thermistor, resulting in no additional temperature control.
Problems with the directional valve.
Problems inside the fan.
Voltage surges at the outdoor unit.
Exceeded parameters related to energy consumption.
Problems with the cable or circuitry due to communication.
Lack of overvoltage protection.
The work goes on both heat and cold at the same time.
Malfunction in the thermistor of the external part.
Faulty internal thermistor.

The instructions provide a precise definition for those who are interested in deciphering the appearing codes and designations. This allows you to quickly determine what exactly happened.

But not every code has a decryption for users. Most of the information is handled by technicians belonging to a particular service center.

Compressor and clutch problems

If the radiator on the external unit is clogged with dirt, this part of the structure may overheat. Heat removal becomes more difficult and the load on the device increases. The pressure level in the lines requires a separate check. Excess refrigerant must be released if the reading is higher than normal.

Never rule out the possibility that the fan on the external unit has become faulty. Clogged capillary tubes are another common cause of later problems. Replacing one of the tubes often solves the problem.

There are other signs that indicate breakdowns in this part:

Compressor failure to start when .
Presence of oil leaks on the compressor.
Compressor drive belt creaking.
Extraneous noise.
Decreased performance.

Complete compressor replacement and repair are complex operations, so it is recommended to immediately contact specialists.

But noise can indicate both problems in the compressor and malfunctions in the drive. The pulley bearing is most likely the source if the noise is heard even when the device is turned off.

If the compressor refuses to start, they also look closely at several parts of the mechanism:

Clutch.
Relay.
Fuse.

A blown fuse is the easiest to deal with; in case of breakdowns, it is simply replaced with a new one. The electromagnetic clutch is studied next if the previous steps did not produce any result.

As for the compressor itself, there are several reasons for its breakdown:

Reduced refrigerant level.
System clogged.
Complete blockage.

Repairing and replacing a compressor is quite an expensive undertaking, so it is recommended to treat the part with as much care as possible during operation.

When the device turns on and turns off immediately, the reason most likely lies in the sensors - evaporation or temperature. Data from temperature sensors is associated with the operation of the control board. If the system is faulty, there is no information. And the device believes that the current operating mode does not need adjustment for this indicator.

Compressor overheating and shutdown often occur due to fan malfunctions. This usually happens if the rotation speed of the device is less than certain specified parameters.

Dirt and dust may appear in some other parts:

Dryer filter.
External radiator.
Capillary tubes.

In such situations, the compressor stops turning on and working normally.

How to understand that a breakdown has occurred?

First you need to determine where the leak came from.

There are three main locations.

Directly from the indoor unit itself.
Through the blinds of the split system, individual drops or large splashes enter with air flows.
Water flows along the wall on which the indoor unit is located in the room.

Once you determine where the drop occurs, you can decide how to deal with it.

First, do a quick check. You should check the condensate tray; if the leak started during a hot period, when the air conditioner operates for a long time in cooling mode, then this is a completely normal situation. When the container is overfilled, the water will overflow and form a leak. To stop a flood, you just need to drain the water.

Drips are also often caused by dirt on the condensate tray. If it is not cleaned, the dirt can be compressed and form a blockage.

Inspection of the condensate tank during hot weather should be done every few days, since the equipment is working at its maximum capacity at this time, as well as before the onset of cold weather. If the dripping does not stop after this, then a serious equipment failure has probably occurred.

Why does water flow

Several breakdowns lead to the disastrous result of the air conditioner leaking. Let's look at each of them:

In those years when the daytime temperatures do not drop below +30, the cooling system wears out. As a result, the container where the condensate collects becomes overfilled and it flows out.
Don’t think that problems with a split system can only arise in the summer. Problems also occur during cold weather. During freezing, the heat exchanger becomes covered with ice, causing condensation to appear on the housing. Basically, freezing occurs when there is a significant difference between degrees at night and during the day.
The reason why water drips from the air conditioner into the room may also be a broken drainage. As a result, condensate flows in, although it should go out.
A leak may also occur due to the drain hose being positioned incorrectly. Accordingly, the liquid changes direction.
A depressurized circuit can also result in troubles and additional expenses. The result may be weakened pipes through which the liquid functions within the system. In this case, water will not flow in a stream, but condensation will be visible on the body.

The accumulated condensate is immediately visible Source antares-48.ru

And finally, the cause of the leak may be increased pressure inside the circuit. This reason is quite serious, and there is no point in trying to deal with it without the necessary tools and knowledge.

What can you do if the climate control device does not turn on?

If such methods do not bring a positive result, you will still have to seek help from the service center employees, since this may be a fairly serious breakdown, the elimination of which will require experience and special repair equipment.

It would also be a good idea to check the batteries in the remote control, since in hot weather they tend to run out much faster.

For what other reasons can climate control equipment fail? In some cases, ineffective operation of the air conditioner may be due to the presence of other electrical appliances nearby: stove, toaster, kettle, etc. And in this case, it is quite simple to eliminate independent repair of split systems - we eliminate such an unsafe neighborhood and allocate a separate power source for the climate control equipment.

Many models of modern split systems can independently eliminate the problem with drafts using a very useful function - auto-oscillation of the blinds. Being in a horizontal position, the blinds very quickly neutralize drafts, while maintaining a fresh breeze in the room that is pleasant to the body and safe for health.

To avoid all these minor malfunctions, you should promptly and competently carry out repairs and maintenance of split systems. And doing it yourself will not be difficult, since it is done very simply.

What does the law say?

So, the air conditioner of the neighbors upstairs makes loud noises when operating, drips, ruins the windows, antenna and life? And the once nice tenants upstairs refuse to compromise?

In this case, victims have two options:

submit and continue to experience discomfort;
go to court.

At the same time, the probability of winning such a case is quite high, because when making a decision, the court most often refers to the Resolution of the State Construction Committee of the Russian Federation of September 27, 2003 N 170.

And it states that the installation of any equipment, as well as the mounting of advertising materials on the facades of apartment buildings, should be carried out only after receiving the appropriate permission from the Criminal Code.

Information: installing an air conditioner is equivalent to refurbishment of a residential building, since during its installation the external wall of the house is drilled.

Arctic cold in the indoor unit

Sometimes the reason that water flows from the air conditioner may be ice on the evaporator. Open the outer panel of the indoor unit of the air conditioner and inspect the radiator. If there is ice on it, the cause has been found.

In this case, there is so much ice on the air conditioner evaporator that it even froze the filter.

Ice may appear for three reasons:

The air conditioner is set to operating temperature too low;
The room temperature is lower than the operating temperature than the air conditioner and the humidity is high;
There is not enough freon in the line.

Your actions

Turn off the air conditioner and wait until the evaporator thaws. To speed up the process, you can blow it with a regular hair dryer. After this, increase the temperature and use the device.

If the leak appears again over time, the problem is most likely low freon pressure. You won’t be able to fix this yourself, call a professional. At the same time, make sure that the repairman has checked the freon line for leaks and topped up the air conditioner.

The fact is that the refrigerant circulation system is closed. If the pressure drops in it, then it could be broken. But sometimes freon comes out through microcracks in pipes or fittings very slowly and it doesn’t always make sense to seal them.

Dirt in the tray

Condensation accumulates in any indoor air conditioner unit. It falls into a special tray, from which it goes into a drainage tube. If moisture drips from the indoor unit, or the air conditioner generally spits water, the tray is most likely clogged.

Dust and dirt can get into the drain container, and if the split system is installed in the kitchen, grease. They gradually fill the spaces and there is no room left for water. If the air conditioner spits water, this is a sure sign that this is the cause.

Solution of the problem

You need to open the air conditioner cover and look at the condition of the tray. If there is a lot of dirt in it, take it out and clean it. Sometimes you will have to remove the front panel to do this, but this is not difficult - you will only need to unscrew a few screws.

If the tray cannot be reached (it is hidden behind a radiator or fan), then arm yourself with an old toothbrush and detergent. The main thing is to avoid dirt getting into the drain hole.

The air conditioner works, but does not cool - this is often called the most common symptom

First of all, you need to make sure that the air conditioner is configured correctly and all operating conditions are met!!! To understand at this stage where to move next, you need to find out whether the compressor is working.

When working, it should “buzz” and vibrate a little:

if the compressor works, then the reason is most likely a lack of refrigerant (freon). To make sure of this, you need to check the pressure (connect pressure gauges). In most cases, leakage occurs in the connections of copper pipes at the indoor and outdoor units. There are only 4 such connections that need to be checked and, if necessary, leaks repaired (poor-quality rolling or a cracked nut as in the photo). Often, oil remains in the “sore spot” and dust sticks to it. Read the signs of freon deficiency in a separate article.
If the compressor does not start, then without special preparation it will not be possible to eliminate the problem. Because there can be many reasons. The main ones are: the compressor starting capacitor does not work;
compressor power contacts are burnt out;
temperature sensors are faulty;
the compressor itself has failed;
damage to the control board.

Water leaking from the air conditioner is an equally common situation.

The reason for this phenomenon often lies in a clogged drainage tray or drainage hose. It is necessary to disassemble the indoor unit and thoroughly clean the drainage system. To do this, you can read the detailed instructions on “how to clean an air conditioner.”

I have come across air conditioners with defects in the condensate collection system. Water periodically flows from the block due to imperfections in the design. I will not “fire” the models. In this case, it is difficult to find the cause. You have to disassemble the indoor unit and, during its operation, study how the condensate drains. And as luck would have it, it is precisely at these moments that the drainage system functions normally!

Freon evaporates in the wrong place

Inside the indoor unit there are copper tubes through which freon circulates. If a crack appears in them, it begins to evaporate. At the same time, its temperature can drop below -40 degrees.

At this temperature, moisture in the air crystallizes and settles on different parts of the indoor unit. Over time, it accumulates, heats up and begins to melt. In this case, drops of water fall past the tray and the air conditioner begins to flow.

It is difficult to determine this problem on your own, it is better not to risk it and call a specialist. If none of the solutions described helped you, contact a specialist. You can find it using a specialized service for selecting masters . He'll definitely figure it out.

Suspicious noise

There can be several reasons why the air conditioner is humming. Perhaps this model is not designed for such increased loads, so the hum indicates wear on the compressor.

Also, if you do not clean the external unit from dirt in time, then dust and dirt will settle unevenly on it. This is especially true for fan blades. Due to contamination, they become unbalanced and prone to breakdown, so a constant hum is heard. You just need to clean the fan or replace it with a new one.

If you hear a clicking sound, this indicates a malfunction of the automation or internal parts.

Gurgling sounds indicate that air has entered the drainage system and condensate is not draining.

The solution is to straighten the tube at the desired angle to free the system from air.

Sometimes a hum occurs due to poorly secured parts. It is necessary to tighten all parts, fasteners and connections more tightly.

Reasons for the appearance of water from an air conditioner indoors

There are many reasons that cause a split system to leak, so it is worth considering each of them more carefully.

Temperature difference

Sometimes drops from the air conditioner can appear due to a banal difference in temperature outside and inside the room. At low outside temperatures, condensation turns into ice, and in the morning it melts and leaks in the form of drops.

Solving this problem is quite simple: you should insulate the sector in which the heat exchanger is located.
For such purposes, you can use ordinary glass wool. After completing the insulation work,
the problem with leakage will end.

There may be several options here.

Depressurization

Another reason why drops of water appeared indoors after a certain period of use may be weakening of the outlet pipes.

or their depressurization. What to do in this case? You can cope with the problem yourself; to do this, just follow these steps:

carefully tighten the nuts of the underwater pipes;
coat them with sealant to make the connection more reliable.

Problems with the drainage system

In some cases, the air conditioner leaked due to dust clogging

filtration systems. Both the tube itself and the hole through which the condensate comes out can become clogged. There's nothing wrong with that. Today there are a huge number of ways to clean such a system. Blowing, mechanical cleaning, or washing with solutions that contain special chemicals can be used.

Ideally, it is worth disassembling the entire system to clean each of its elements: pan, drain container, tube. But not everyone will be able to cope with proper assembly after cleaning, so it’s still worth inviting a specialist so that there are no unnecessary parts left.

Refilling the system with freon

Under normal operating conditions, refrigerant must be recharged no sooner than 18 months after purchase. This is due to the natural property of freon to evaporate. Evaporation occurs at pipeline joints or through microcracks in the material.

The container with the refrigerant must be in the same position from the start of work to its completion. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a stable position of the container and the optimal length of the hoses

But the need to refuel the system may arise earlier. The following events can lead to this:

mechanical damage to the pipeline;
factory defects - failure of automation in production;
non-standard installation of a split system - increasing the length of communication pipes;
carrying out system repairs without subsequent refueling - for example, replacing a compressor.

These are the reasons why there may be a lack of freon in the system. It is worth noting the fact that the refrigerant will evaporate even from equipment that has never been connected to the network

Therefore, you need to take this feature into account and pay attention to the production date of the equipment

On average, the volume of freon in the system is reduced by 8% per year. A significant lack of refrigerant can lead to irreparable consequences: jamming of the compressor and its complete breakdown. Therefore, it is recommended to check the freon level once every year and a half and after each repair.

Stage No. 1 – preparatory work

You need to study the technical documentation of your split system. This is necessary in order to determine what type of freon is charged into the equipment and what is the optimal gas pressure in the system.

Next, based on the information received, you need to buy a refrigerant cylinder. The most commonly used brands of freon are R410A and R407C.

The first type of substance can be used to top up the system without pumping out the remaining freon. The second type of substance can be refilled with a split system only after complete removal of freon residues from the pipelines and compressor.

It is best to get a professional tool to monitor the amount of refrigerant in the system. This will avoid situations of under-filling or over-filling of freon in equipment.

To work you will need the following:

freon of the required brand;
a pressure gauge that will be connected to the cylinder and split system;
wrench of the correct size.

There are several methods for refilling a split system with freon. The most practical method for self-implementation at home is the method of monitoring the pressure in the system. Most often it is used by professionals.

To replace the refrigerant, you will need free access to the outdoor unit. It has two outlets for replacing freon. Gas is pumped and pumped through them.

Stage No. 2 - replacing freon

The procedure for replacing the refrigerant can be divided into the following stages:

Turning on the split system in maximum cooling mode.
Connecting a pressure gauge to the outdoor unit.
Removing residual gas from the system - if necessary.
Setting the cooling temperature to the middle position.
Portional supply of gas to the system, with verification of readings on the pressure gauge with factory pressure readings.
Stopping the freon supply at the moment when the pressure has returned to normal.
Disconnecting the hose and pressure gauge from the manifold.
Tightening the leads for refueling.
Checking the operation of climate control equipment.

If everything is done correctly, the equipment will not need to be repeated for at least another year and a half.

In some cases, some owners of split systems resort to dismantling the outdoor unit. This allows you not only to fill the system with freon, but also to carry out full maintenance of equipment in the room

If there is a need to top up too often, this indicates a refrigerant leak from the system. How to fix this will be discussed below.

Clearing blockages in drainage pipes

The most common and very unpleasant problem that can accompany the operation of climate control equipment is water constantly dripping from the housing and the formation of condensation on the indoor unit of the system. For many owners of split systems, this phenomenon simply causes bewilderment and many questions. However, this problem can be explained very simply - the drainage water supply is clogged. And it must be eliminated without fail, since the consequence of this malfunction is the formation of an ice plug when the external temperature decreases.

Since these are the most basic types of malfunctions, every owner of an air conditioner must know how they can be eliminated as correctly and safely as possible:

To prevent the formation of ice jams, certain preventive measures should be taken. These include heating the drainage pipeline to +6 degrees. And in order for heating to occur as efficiently as possible, a special cable should be used at the installation stage;
In the case of an existing ice jam, you will need to wait for warm weather. Under no circumstances should the split system be operated in cooling mode when there is an ice crust, as this will lead to the burning of the equipment, which can no longer be repaired.

Proper care - we extend the life of your own air conditioner

Many owners of split systems are looking for ways to avoid breakdowns, but competent and timely care and cleaning will be sufficient. High-quality equipment can serve well for many years, but if you do not monitor its condition and do not carry out fairly simple procedures, then the maximum that such careless owners can count on is 2-3 years.

The very first thing you should take care of when purchasing new climate control equipment is the most optimal place for its installation and the correct adjustment of the operating mode. Cooled air should be evenly distributed throughout the entire space, and not directed in a single stream to one point.

You should also periodically check the condition of the filter, which gets clogged from time to time and reduces the efficiency of the air conditioner. In order to correct this situation, you will need to remove the outer cover, remove the filter and rinse it thoroughly. And in this case, repairing the split system yourself is not difficult and will not take much time. Moreover, some models are already equipped with special indicators that allow you to find out about the condition of the filter and the degree of contamination. If it has not been cleaned for a long enough time, then it will not be possible to do without special solutions.

Another important nuance that should be taken care of in a timely manner is the refilling of equipment with freon, which plays the role of a coolant. Without this component, the air conditioner simply will not be able to function. And if the installation of the split system was not done well enough, then a freon leak may occur. As a preventative measure, it is recommended to refill the air conditioner with this coolant once every 1.5-2 years.

Air conditioner maintenance.

An air conditioner is a household appliance that requires special attention - cleaning filters, heat exchangers, and refilling if necessary.

When we buy a vacuum cleaner, we know that effective work is impossible without constant cleaning. The situation is the same with air conditioning, albeit to a lesser extent. We often forget about this or neglect the rules of operation. And we remember this only in the hot heat, when the air conditioner “for some reason” stopped working.

The air conditioner requires periodic cleaning because when it operates, it pushes through itself huge volumes of air that is far from being the cleanest. Indoor air contains dust, hairs, and pet hair. The outside air often contains poplar fluff, which quickly clogs the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit.

Possible reasons

If you don't take care of it, your air conditioner can quickly break down. Water will drip from the housing, it will make noise, the filters may turn black and a foul odor will develop during operation. Errors occur, and while some the user can fix himself, others will require service.

Common causes of air conditioner breakdowns:

Wrong mode selection.
Poor quality installation and incorrect operation.
Inoperative control board.
Inter-unit communication is broken.
The control panel or receiving module is inoperative.
The electric air conditioner is in self-defense, giving an error.

Power problems

This is the most common mistake. Check it with a voltmeter or a special indicator screwdriver, establishing the presence of voltage in the outlet.

If the tester shows the presence of electric current in the network, then check the functionality of the cables in the device itself; the absence of voltage will indicate a faulty power cable that will need to be replaced.

The control panel is broken

Wireless remote controls control the mode using infrared rays (IR), which can be checked for functionality with a regular phone camera.

If the control unit is working properly, then its receiving board has failed and service repair will be required.

The air conditioner remote control is broken

The compressor has failed

The first problems for the compressor begin when the filter is clogged; urgent cleaning will be required so as not to contaminate the evaporator.

In addition, coolant leaks will lead to overheating.

Settings error

Modern split systems are equipped with a special self-diagnosis function that determines the optimal operating mode of the equipment. If these settings fail, the air conditioner will not start.

An error code will appear on the display, which can be deciphered using the factory operating instructions.

Fuse problems

Often this protective element does not work after changing the refrigerant in the system. The first sign is that the air conditioner does not respond to control panel signals. During the startup of the air conditioning system, the device emits a specific sound signal in the form of a characteristic click. If you cannot hear it, it is recommended to check the functionality of the plug and the integrity of the fuse.

Operating mode

Violations of the “cold/heat” operating mode are mainly caused by a breakdown of the four-way valve and compressor. In the first option, the device will not be able to operate in heating mode, and in the second option, both modes do not work, while the air in the apartment circulates through it. The remote control display and the information displayed on it can help the user with diagnostics.

Filters

The internal unit of the system, during operation, is capable of passing large volumes of air through itself. Dust and dirt particles remain mainly on the filters and elements of the indoor unit. In order to promptly clean deposits before seasonal operation, the air conditioner filters are diagnosed and cleaned.

Air conditioner filter

The device gives an error

The air conditioner may turn itself off, providing protection by mistake. In this position, as a rule, the indicators on the unit panel blink. When connecting from the remote control, a sound signal appears or the color indication changes. Information about the causes and solutions for each model can be found in the service instructions.

Freon deficiency

This is a pretty serious problem. If there is little refrigerant in the circuit, the air conditioning system cools the room worse, and over time it completely stops turning on in cold mode. Attempting to turn on a household appliance with insufficient refrigerant can cause overheating and damage to the compressor.

Causes of leakage in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner

If you turn on the air conditioner in heating mode, the indoor unit will heat up, and the outdoor unit will cool down. At certain air temperatures at the installation site of the outdoor air conditioner unit, a similar phenomenon will occur - the formation of condensation on the heat exchanger. Condensate draining from the heat exchanger enters the pan of the outdoor unit housing and flows out at a designated point with a fitting, usually in the center of the pan.

At negative air temperatures, condensation does not have time to drain and turns into ice (fur coat), as in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator. In order to get rid of this icing and prevent rupture of the heat exchanger, all air conditioners without exception have a special defrosting function. The defrosting mode occurs automatically; the air conditioner itself determines the required operating time in this mode.

How to remove the air conditioner

To turn it off, the first step is to stop the supply of working fluid, the air conditioner turns off and the already filled fluid is drained from it. After this, you need to disconnect the unit from the network and turn off the drain. Then the tubes supplying the liquid are removed, and the air conditioner is finally removed from the wall. You can read more about this process in the article “How to dismantle an air conditioner with your own hands: instructions, video.”

DIY radiator repair

For this you will need:

powerful soldering iron (at least 250 W);
solder;
rosin;
iron filings;
cryolite;
sodium sulfate;
two activators for flux - lithium chloride and table salt.

To begin with, the air conditioner is dismantled and de-energized. Then the lid is lifted, the filters are removed and about one and a half liters of water is poured over the radiator. If it does not flow out through the drain tube, then there is an internal leak.

After determining the location of the leak, it is dried, cleaned and degreased. In the case of a copper radiator, after treatment with flux, tin is applied, warmed up, and you can start soldering.

If it is aluminum, then an iron rosin substance is applied to the cleaned, degreased and dry (!) surface, and the part where the soldering will be done is rubbed with a hot soldering iron. When the rosin begins to spread, the part is secured in the soldering zone with solder made of tin and lead, with the addition of iron filings.

Checking the compressor's performance

Replacing filters, fixing leaks, or refilling the air conditioner are the first steps when there is a refrigerant leak, darkening of the insulation or oil. But sometimes these measures are not enough, and more thorough diagnostics of the compressor is needed. And based on its results, it may turn out that the compressor needs more serious repairs. For this purpose, there is an express oil diagnostics. To make a sample, you will need a test tube, a hose and a container for liquid. Next you should do this:

turn off the unit;
wait until the oil flows down the walls of the pipeline;
connect the hose with the tap to the service port, and lower the free end into the prepared container;
open the tap and collect the oil;
let the oil settle and pour it into a test tube.

If the oil has darkened and has a burning smell, the compressor has overheated. The reasons could be: refrigerant leak, clogging of the external unit, deterioration of fan airflow, lack of winter kit.

A greenish color indicates the presence of copper salts in the oil. This means that moisture has entered the freon circuit. The danger is that it does not manifest itself at all, and then the compressor fails. Compressor repairs and oil changes are carried out exclusively at the service center.

Repairing air conditioner leaks

In the first reason described, everything is quite simple - you just need to drain the condensate from the container, and then install it in its place, after which the air conditioner will work normally. If the air conditioner begins to leak due to freezing of the heat exchanger, then it is necessary to take measures to insulate it, for example, by covering the equipment with a heat-insulating material similar to glass wool.

If the cause of the air conditioner leak is the failure of the drain pump, then in this case it needs to be repaired or replaced, but, unfortunately, it will not be possible to do this yourself. If the problem is that the drainage hose is not positioned correctly, the hose should be positioned at a slope and should not be pulled up.

Air conditioner leaks that occur in the places where the pipes are attached can be eliminated with your own hands by simply tightening the fastening nuts and carefully treating the places of their contact with sealant. It is worth noting that the nuts should not be tightened very tightly, otherwise there may be a risk that you damage them or strip the threads.

However, the reasons listed are not all of them, and a situation often arises when the internal unit of the air conditioner may leak, regardless of the equipment included in the system (pipes, pump, etc.). The reason for this may be that some defects may have occurred in the internal heat exchanger, such as cracks or holes, as a result of which some of the working fluid may leak. In addition, quite often the heat exchangers begin to become clogged from the inside, which can also lead to leaks in the air conditioning system.

Thus, as you can see for yourself, some of the malfunctions and problems that may cause an air conditioner to leak and the reasons for this can be eliminated independently, but in some cases. It would be best to seek help from specialists.

One of the most common air conditioner breakdowns is condensate leakage from the air conditioner. Water leaking from under the body of the indoor unit can damage a wall or expensive wallpaper, and if the air conditioner is located above an outlet or household appliances, it can cause a short circuit. There are different reasons, let’s look at them all in order for air conditioners with different drainage systems

What to do if your neighbor's air conditioner is leaking

In apartments of multi-storey buildings, there is often a problem of water draining from the air conditioner of neighbors living on the floor above, and falling onto the outdoor unit of the split system of the neighbors below. Drops can fall into the window, hit the window sill or outdoor unit, beating a “drum roll”.

In this case, you need to talk to your neighbors and ask them to turn the drainage pipe a little to the side. If neighbors refuse to help solve this problem, you can install a protective canopy for the outdoor unit of the split system.

Any malfunctions in the operation of climate control equipment cannot be ignored. If you notice a water leak from the air conditioner, have determined the cause of the problem, but cannot solve the problem yourself, be sure to contact a service center. Experienced specialists will quickly fix problems and resume normal operation of the split system. Timely repairs will eliminate more serious breakdowns, preventing premature failure of expensive equipment.

Should water flow or not?

A split system is a complex engineering design for air conditioning, in other words, a type of air conditioner. It consists of two block parts: internal (evaporator) and external (compress-condensate block).

This technique is capable of not only cooling the air during hot weather, but also heating it in cold weather, until the heating is turned on. The formation of moisture is an indicator of the proper functioning of climate control equipment.

The principle of operation of a split system is based on the fact that freon or a newer version of it, passing through the evaporator, gives off cold to the room and absorbs heat. In cold weather, the opposite happens.

A side effect of this process is the release of condensate, which accumulates and is discharged to the street through a drainage pipe. It is connected to the external unit

But there are still situations when “dripping” signals a malfunction in the equipment.

Where does the water in the air conditioner come from?

First, it’s worth clarifying where, when and why water appears in the air conditioner. It's simple - it's condensate, a product of the conversion of water vapor contained in the air into a liquid state when it is cooled.

Thus, the higher the air humidity level, the more condensation (water) will appear in the air conditioner. For example, even the smallest household air conditioner can dehumidify air up to 1 liter per hour. It is impossible to say exactly how much water will condense in a particular case; it all depends on the humidity of the air, its temperature and, of course, on the desired temperature of the thermometer inside the room.

Maintenance of the water drainage system

For stable operation of the air conditioner, you need to regularly clean the drain pipe. To do this, you can use a pump or an enema to blow out pipes, use household products for cleaning pipes, as well as special brushes for cleaning air conditioners. Check the tightness of the connections between the tubes and their condition. If necessary, seal all cracks with sealing film. Make sure that the outer tube does not bend and secure it against the wind.

To check the permeability of the drainage system, it is enough to pour water into a collection container and monitor the rate of its emptying. Normally, the water should leave the pan within a few seconds.

Reasons for split system leaks

The hotter the summer, the more intense condensation forms. In an ideally working system, it quickly drains from the radiator fins and immediately goes outside the housing through the training tube (to the street or into the sewer).

Let's return to the description of the operation of the split system. With the help of a fan turbine, air from the room passes through the fins of the radiator, the inner casing works like a vacuum cleaner. Everything that is in the “atmosphere” is drawn in and settles on the wet radiator. After a short time it becomes overgrown with flakes of dirt.

Not only does this cause an unpleasant odor, these “rags” prevent condensation from draining. Freezing occurs (ice, snow).

Pieces of dirt fall into the tray and clog the drainage tube. As a result, your air conditioner is leaking along the wall of the room.

Reason No. 1. We follow the chain: dust in the air, dirt adhering to the radiator, condensation retention, freezing, snow formation.
Then the problem grows like a snowball. The air passage grid becomes clogged, the system goes out of mode, and an uncontrolled process begins. The melted water flows down the walls of the housing and drips onto the walls and floor. In addition, this piece of ice can break the fan turbine and housing.
Reason No. 2. The receiving hole of the drainage tube is clogged with dirt. Here you don’t have to wait for the snow to stick: water collects in the bath (naturally), then simply pours over the edge. The warmer the room, the more intense the condensation, and the higher the likelihood of a flood.
Reason No. 3. Blockage in the street part of the drainage pipe. Insects often crawl into this hole: bugs, bees, wasps. Most often, just to drink water, sometimes to build a nest. If a beetle gets stuck in the tube, a plug will form. As a result, the water does not drain away, and then you know.
Reason No. 4. The plastic tube that drains water from the wall of the house could bend from the heat and block the free flow of liquid.
Reason No. 5. Mechanical failure of the tube.
With constant contact with water (plus thermal contrast), the plastic may crack. A trivial leak forms. Additionally, the inner drain tube is somehow connected to the outer hose. The joint is not always airtight, or has lost strength over time.

What's the conclusion? If the air conditioner is leaking, the reason is most likely contamination. Cleanliness is the key to health, not only of yours, but also of the air conditioner.

Why is condensation from air conditioners harmful and dangerous?

On a hot summer night, many heard water dripping. In a panel house, the air conditioner is installed according to a standard design. The main goal of most companies is profit, and the craftsmen are very conservatistic. This means that changes to the project will not be considered by the installer. Most people favor simplicity, and in the vast majority of cases conservatism is justified.

Wall split system

A typical project involves installing outdoor units strictly one above the other. The external unit of the equipment is protected from rain. There is a visor made of steel and plastic. The sound is heard from drops falling on it.

The loudness of the shot depends on the height separating the two outdoor air conditioner units installed in the neighbors' hallways, and the time depends on the accumulation of moisture in the apartment of the neighbor living on the floor above. The canopy for the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is not equipped with a soundproofing sheet and is not designed to allow condensation to get in (the windows are closed in the rain). As we said at the beginning, excess liquid should drain into the sewer. Plastic pipes are laid under the ventilated facade of the house for these purposes. But our high-rise buildings are not adapted in this regard.

In advertising of new buildings, the option (condensate drainage) is specified separately as an advantage of business-class buildings. Which suggests that the developer understands and is aware of the difficulty. Choosing an air conditioner will soon become easier. Actions come down to assessing a few parameters:

Pipe outlet for condensate drainage

British Thermal Units need to be converted to Watts. The information that a certain amount is required for a certain area is incorrect. Much depends on the conditions, or more precisely, the wall’s resistance to heat loss. In general, follow a simple rule: as much energy is lost in winter, as much energy needs to be replenished in summer. And the value is proportional to the temperature difference. In winter, heat flows out into the street; in summer, on the contrary, it tends to break into the house. The thermal insulation properties of the wall do not change. You need to estimate what the outside temperature is in the summer; take the room temperature from SNiP from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. Then calculate the difference. Let's say it is 25 degrees Celsius. After this, the power is directly proportional, based on the fact that the loss line passes at a constant, known angle. Let’s say in winter, at a temperature outside the window of -25, 2.5 kW of power was spent on heating. The room is +20. Consequently, the difference in temperature, street and room, was 45 degrees. The air conditioner should produce half as much cold. And this is 1.25 kW. This is not consumption, but British Thermal Units reduced to Watts. An important indicator – solar radiation – is omitted from the calculations. Many will have to take the outside temperature not of the air and in the shade, but to assess the condition of the illuminated side of the ceiling. The difference is significant.
Installation options vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. This mainly concerns the maximum length of communications and the height difference between the indoor and outdoor units. This fact is important when choosing installation locations for the outdoor and indoor units. It’s good if the outdoor unit is in the shade or on the northern wall of the building: the temperature is lower and the efficiency of the air conditioner increases. It is ideal to lower the equipment completely into the basement, where the air is cooler - we save electricity. The standard installation includes a specified length of communications. If the value is exceeded, freon will need to be refilled.

We have already discussed the types of refrigerant on the portal. Today R22 is in fashion, it is allowed in the country. In the West they are seriously concerned - due to leaks of this freon, ozone holes appear. We are inclined to trust this, but the cost of R410 air conditioners is steep. As for refueling, experts say: the price is the same. Polyester oil, which is highly hygroscopic, is expensive. Owners of air conditioners with R have to use it. The reasons lie in the operating pressure. Air conditioners with R22 operate at 16 atm, while R410 operating mode parameters are one and a half times higher. It is impossible to convert air conditioners from one type of freon to another.

Here are the three main parameters for choosing an air conditioner.

Cheap installation costs more

Also, the reason that water runs in an apartment or in a room, and not on the street, may simply be poor quality, but also inexpensive installation. The following factors are often highlighted:

The hole was quickly drilled straight, and not at a slight angle, as expected (then the water naturally flows outside, and not into the room).
The drainage tube may become broken due to the use of low-quality materials or simply working in a hurry.
Poor-quality rolling, which caused freon to leak and, as mentioned above, the heat exchanger froze. As a result, melted water flows and ice falls out when the air conditioner is turned off.
The freon pipe is poorly insulated. Because of this, condensation collects and begins to leak.

So cheap installation is more expensive, because the customer will pay first for poor-quality installation, and then for eliminating its consequences. And in many cases, the installation has to be started all over again, and as a result the client will pay two or even three times more! Conclusion - trust the installation of the air conditioner only to specialists from reliable companies to avoid the above problems.

So we looked at the main reasons why the air conditioner in the room leaks, as well as ways to fix the problem yourself. We hope now you know why water starts to drip and what to do in this case!

It will be interesting to read:

Low voltage in the network - what to do
The best air conditioner manufacturers
How to install a fan in the bathroom

How to fix a leak

The method of eliminating a leak directly depends on the cause of the breakdown.

Refrigerant shortage

In this case, freezing of the outer part of the evaporator occurs with further melting of frost after the system is turned off. Usually this problem is accompanied by an atypical sound and a slight blowing of ice.

Damage to the drainage line

Such a breakdown most often occurs during system testing due to poor-quality installation. The cause of the malfunction is mechanical damage to the pipeline. It needs to be replaced - soldering, wrapping with electrical tape and gluing are highly undesirable.

Blocked drain pipe

If the outer tube is not equipped with a mesh, over time it becomes clogged with cobwebs, insect cocoons, dust or dirt. In winter, complete icing may occur. To correct the situation, you need to clean the pipeline with wire or a vacuum cleaner; in cold weather you will have to carefully remove the ice.

Lack of pressure regulator

Most often it occurs in winter, when there is a significant imbalance in the pressure and temperature of the entire system circuit. The heating of the evaporator of the indoor unit decreases, condensation forms and, as a result, ice. As the temperature rises, the evaporator walls thaw and a leak occurs. The solution to the problem can only be the installation of a pressure regulator.

Application of pseudosiphons

Often, when installing equipment to prevent the penetration of unpleasant odors, the drainage pipe is bent. This leads to malfunctions, so the deformed area will have to be replaced, and it is best to use original siphons.

Installation of a drainage line without a slope

As already mentioned, this error occurs when trying to independently install an air conditioner with a gravity outlet. In this case, the indoor unit turns into a large reservoir of water and becomes extremely dangerous for people in the room. To eliminate such an error, it will be necessary to dismantle the entire system and its comprehensive re-equipment.

In a situation where it is impossible to discharge water outside for some reason, air conditioners with a drainage pump are installed, for example, in basements or underground structures. Such equipment can also leak.

Drainage pump failure - condensate is not completely absorbed. Such equipment must be repaired or completely replaced.

In the event of an unintentional power outage or power surge, a minor leak sometimes appears. Don't worry - when the power supply is restored, the problem is quickly resolved.

How to solve the problem?

Most of the indicated problems can be eliminated only by qualified technicians, who have all the necessary tools for diagnosing refrigeration equipment in their arsenal. Considering the high cost of a special tool, the high probability of error and the danger of some operations, calling a specialist is more advisable than trying to solve the problem yourself.

The group is a team of experienced, qualified specialists. Our specialists work quickly, accurately identify the problem and find the most rational solution. So that you can be sure of this, the company additionally provides a warranty on repaired equipment.

Possible malfunctions and ways to eliminate them

Heating mode does not turn on

Often, users are faced with the fact that the air conditioner does not work for heat even after an acceptable period of time. What is this connected with? There are several reasons why the air conditioner does not turn on when warm:

The air filter system can become heavily contaminated with lint, dust, and debris. All its elements will need to be cleaned;
Sometimes the power supply to the remote control fails. It is worth taking out the batteries for 5 minutes or replacing them with new ones, and then try to start the device again;
If there was a power failure before, you can turn off the power to the split system, and after an hour start it up again, setting the maximum heating temperature;
Failures occur in the control system of the indoor unit, then this is indicated by light indicators on the panel and the system goes into error code mode;
It is possible that the air conditioner is operated for heat in unacceptable temperature conditions of the outside air. Many modern refrigeration machines are equipped with protective algorithms that inhibit the start of the compressor in such situations. You could say this is “foolproof”;
It is likely that the air conditioner does not turn on for heat due to inadequate pressure. It is worth checking its “liquid” and “solid” indicators.

Why does the air conditioner sometimes turn on for warmth, and then suddenly stop blowing and the curtain on the indoor module closes? If the diodes go out and the same thing happens after restarting, then the device is faulty. You need to call a specialist.

Noise during operation

There is also such a problem as the humming of the air conditioner when operating on heat. Where to look for the reason?

This may be normal. Some models are quite noisy;
If the hum is monotonous, then the reason may be a compressor that simply cannot cope with the load, or the evaporator as a condenser does not handle the thermal load. The pressure may be too high. It is worth checking whether the volume of freon corresponds to the permissible values;
Another option why the air conditioner hums when operating on heat is contamination of the filters and the fan of the indoor unit. The device cannot take in a normal volume of air;
There is a possibility that the fan is damaged and is catching on something;
It is worth checking the freon line, as its poor-quality installation causes similar problems. There may be creases and bends somewhere;
It is possible that the air conditioner begins to hum when operating on heat due to insufficient voltage in the network;
The evaporator temperature sensor (on the roll) is responsible for stopping and starting the fan motor of the external module. It may be faulty.

The main reasons why air conditioners do not turn on when warm or hum when heating have been discussed.

Warm air blows instead of cold air

Now another question arises, why does the air conditioner blow warm air when cooling is required? There are many reasons, so it’s worth understanding:

Check if the mode is set correctly;
They look at the degree of contamination of radiator grilles and filters. Air does not pass through, so freon does not cool;
There may be problems with the voltage in the network (it is simply not enough), or the integrity of the interconnect wires is compromised;
Poor installation: lack of evacuation, leak testing and insufficient filling of the circuit with freon can provoke such problems;
If the capillary tube is clogged with debris, warm air may blow from the air conditioner;
Malfunctions of pressure and temperature sensors, compressors or fans also manifest themselves in similar operating features.

When to contact the service center

As can be seen from the above, some problems that caused the leak can be eliminated independently. However, it is necessary to soberly assess your technical skills and knowledge in the field of climate control systems. If you do not have confidence in your abilities, then if a leak is detected in the air conditioner, it is recommended to entrust its diagnosis and repair to specially trained service personnel. It should be kept in mind that most specialists may charge an additional fee for obvious signs of unsuccessful attempts to repair the unit themselves.

It must be remembered that most large manufacturers of climate control equipment have their own official service centers in major cities of the country. Representatives of companies such as LG, Electrolux, Midea, Daikin are always ready to provide their specialists for warranty repairs and periodic maintenance of their equipment.

Why has the air conditioner become worse at cooling?

One of the reasons for poor operation of the air conditioner is the lack of freon or a decrease in its quantity. The freon gas itself disappears sooner or later, and this is quite normal. Therefore, it will have to be refilled once every 2-3 years. But freon can also erode due to a breakdown of the radiator. And although this most often happens in car air conditioners, such breakdowns also occur in ordinary household ones.

The air conditioner may begin to work poorly for various reasons. Therefore, the most important thing is to call the service department and invite an air conditioner repairman to your home. If the equipment is under warranty, you can contact the store for help, where the breakdown will be fixed for free.

What to do to prevent boiler leaks

Leakage can be avoided by timely maintenance of your equipment.

To protect the boiler from corrosion, it should be periodically treated with anti-corrosion agents, which can be found in abundance in any specialized store.

To avoid repairs due to burnout, you should purchase the device only from a trusted manufacturer. Additionally, you should regularly monitor the operation of the boiler to ensure that it operates without overload and does not heat up to the maximum possible temperatures.

To prevent leaks due to high pressure in the equipment, the condition of the valve and pressure gauge should be constantly monitored. When even small faults are detected. They should be eliminated as quickly as possible. Additionally, the diaphragm valve must be checked at least once every six months.

Failure to follow these recommendations may result in equipment breakdown and costly repairs, and in the worst case, the purchase of a new boiler.