Aircon FAQs

An air conditioner is an appliance that is used to cool down the temperature in a room by removing the existing heat and moisture from the room and then transferring it outside.

A non-inverter aircon only has two “speeds” – on and off. Every time the compressor is turned on, the energy consumption will surge. An inverter aircon saves energy by controlling the motor speed. This will reduce wasted energy, and will translate to savings in the long run.

A window type aircon combines all of the components into one unit. It is mounted on the wall, with the compressor and condenser hanging outside of the wall.

Meanwhile, a split type aircon is divided into the indoor unit (the blower) and the outdoor unit (compressor) which are connected by a copper tube.

A window type aircon combines all of the components into one unit. It is mounted on the wall, with the compressor and condenser hanging outside of the wall.

A portable aircon also combines all of the components into one unit. The difference is that the whole unit is located indoors. However, the hot air from the condenser is transferred outside of the house through an exhaust tube that vents out through your window.

An air conditioner takes the heat off the room air and circulates it to the room over and over again. Meanwhile, an air cooler pulls fresh air from outside, cools it down, and then blowing it to the room.

A unit’s Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is used to measure the efficiency of that aircon model. The higher the number, the higher the efficiency.

FURTHER READING: Understanding the Energy Label

Air conditioners can reduce the humidity in your room. The dehumidifying effect is a by-product of the refrigeration cycle. When the evaporator absorbs heat from the moist air, it condenses into water droplets. This liquid collects and drains down to the drain pan on the outside part of the aircon.

Here are a few guidelines to follow:
1. Ideally, it should be at a height of 7 – 8 feet up.
2. It should not be under direct sunlight (both indoor and outdoor sides)
3. Not near any heat producing appliances.

FURTHER READING: Where To Place Your Aircon For Better Energy Efficiency

Split type air conditioners should be installed by professionals. Ask your dealer or the manufacturer whether they have an authorized installer.

Most air conditioners are required to have their own dedicated circuit breaker to avoid overloading the existing circuit in the room.

You shouldn’t. Extension cords have a thinner gauge than a permanent house wiring, which means that it can’t handle a higher load of electricity. This can make the cord overheat and be a fire-hazard.

Make sure to have a dedicated outlet and circuit breaker for your air conditioner.

No. Your air conditioner is designed to be exposed to rain. Storms are a different matter though. While the heavy rains won’t damage your aircon, leaves and twigs may get stuck inside of the outdoor side of your unit. Use a special cover (not a plastic bag, as it traps moisture and can lead to rust) when there is a storm coming.

If your aircon’s cooling capacity is too small for the size your room, it will struggle to reach the set temperature, but it probably won’t reach that number because it lacks the cooling capacity to do so. As a result, it never completes a cycle and runs continuously, causing it to overwork – which leads to higher bills and an aircon that is more prone to breaking.

If your aircon’s cooling capacity is too big for the size your room, it will only take a short cycle for it to cool the room. However, the cycle will not be long enough to remove the humidity in the room. As a result, the room will be too humid, making you feel cold and clammy.

The aircon exhaust lever (usually found in window type aircons) can be toggled to be closed and opened; opening it will introduce fresh air to your room, which should be done when you feel that the air is stale (at the expense of a slight reduction in energy efficiency). Closing the exhaust will trap the air inside the room, only to be recirculated by the AC.

You should have it closed most of the time. Only open it when the room has been closed for too long.

Regular servicing can extend your aircon’s life. Aside from cleaning your filters atleast once every three months, you should also schedule an annual maintenance check with your brand’s service center or any third-party aircon maintenance service provider.

Ideally, you should clean your aircon’s air filter once a month. At the bare minimum, you should clean it atleast once every three months.

These may be the reasons why your air conditioner is making weird noises:

Knocking – it may be the condenser or the compressor failing.
Squeaking – it could be the blower or the condenser fan malfunctioning.
Rattling – it could be a loose part or two, or maybe even a foreign object.

There are a lot of reasons why an air conditioner is not producing cold air. It could be a compressor problem or a refrigerant problem, but the most common is a dirty air filter.

A dirty air filter will hinder air flow over the evaporator coils, which may cause them to freeze over, which restricts air flow even more.

If your air filter is clogged with dust, it will hinder air flow over the evaporator coils, which may cause them to become too cold and frost or ice can form on them. This is the ice that gets ejected towards you. Clean your filter!

Yes, it is completely normal! These drips are formed by the humidity in the outside air condensing on the condender. This will usually be caught by the drain pan and be dried off in no time.

An air conditioner’s life can last for a couple of years, but you will note a significant drop in its level of performance through the years. If it gets too inefficient and it starts to affect your bill, strongly consider replacing it.

It is also unwise to repair a really old unit, as you can probably get a newer and more efficient model with the cost of the repair.

FURTHER READING: When To Replace Your Aircon