Maintenance of a Split Air Conditioning System

Why does not my split air conditioner cool properly?

An air conditioner is designed to transport heat. In cooling mode, the heat from, for example, a living space, is supposed to be released to the environment outside. This heat transfer works most effectively when the heat exchanger surfaces, visible as "fins" on the devices of air conditioners, are clean, the fans are operational, and the refrigerant level in the air conditioner matches the manufacturer's specifications. We assume here that the air conditioner is in good working condition.

Over time, the fans not only move air but also dust and dirt to the heat exchangers. These contaminants lead to a deteriorating heat transfer on the heat exchanger fins.

If the indoor unit of the air conditioner is dirty, it cannot absorb heat adequately, and the cooling performance of the air conditioner decreases. Therefore, the filters on the indoor unit of the air conditioner should be regularly checked for contaminants.

• Air Conditioning 
• Indoor Unit Filter 
• Heat Exchanger
  
   

It is also advisable to clean the heat exchanger fins with water and special cleaners (disinfectants) from time to time. This eliminates unpleasant odors and keeps the heat exchanger surfaces clean.

CAUTION: Cleaning should only be done when the air conditioner is turned off!
 

When the fins are dry, it's best to start by using a vacuum cleaner to remove coarse dust particles (it is IMPERATIVE to ensure that the fins are not damaged or bent!). If no dust particles are visible, you can use a conventional spray bottle, such as an empty glass cleaner bottle or similar, to wet-clean the fins. To remove unpleasant odors from the air conditioner, use special cleaners/disinfectants designed for air conditioning units, which are available online for approximately €30.

Once the cleaning/disinfection of the indoor unit has been completed, you should also check for contaminants on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Many particles, such as dust, pollen, and sometimes even paper, are drawn in by the fan of the outdoor unit.

Over time, these particles clog the fins of the outdoor unit, preventing air from passing through the heat exchanger. The air conditioner will no longer cool effectively!

The consequences are: 

• Increased power consumption
• Loss of cooling capacity
• Increased wear and potential compressor damage due to overheating
• Air conditioner failure
• Air Conditioning Outdoor Unit Contamination

CAUTION: Cleaning should only be done when the air conditioner is turned off and disconnected from power!
 

Here, too, you should first use a vacuum cleaner to remove coarse dust and dirt particles. After this is done, you can wet-clean the heat exchanger fins with water, either using a spray bottle or a standard cleaning spray with a fine spray pattern. Care should be taken to avoid damaging or wetting electrical components such as the fan or electronic parts. After cleaning and a short drip-drying time, the air conditioner can be put back into operation.
 

Why is water dripping from my air conditioner?

Air conditioners inevitably dehumidify the indoor air, leading to condensation on the fins of the indoor unit. This collected condensate water is caught and drained via the condensate tray located beneath the heat exchanger coil.

In the best-case scenario, the water can freely drain and be discharged. If that's not possible, for example, because the drainage point is above the indoor unit, a condensate pump is used. These pumps collect the condensate water in a small container and pump it to the nearest drainage point.

If condensate water is leaking from your fully functional air conditioner, it may be due to the inability of the condensate water to drain freely, or the condensate pump, if installed, may be faulty. In this case, you should inspect the condensate tray under the coil at the indoor unit for contaminants. If contamination from dust and dirt can be ruled out, you should check and potentially flush the drainage path. If a condensate pump is installed in your air conditioner, it should be inspected for dirt and functionality. In ceiling-mounted air conditioning units, a condensate pump is always installed.