The Cold War, or What to do if the air conditioner is not in good condition

Noise when turning on the car air conditioner

Let’s say right away that the climate system is not purely automotive equipment, therefore such equipment is usually not repaired in service centers and service stations.
You can be sure that in the event of a breakdown, restoring the functionality of your car air conditioner will cost you a pretty penny, and the chances of performing repair work yourself are extremely low, even if you consider yourself a car guru. Therefore, when the first signs of problems appear, it is so important to be aware of what caused them in order to take action. prompt solution

Of course, if the air conditioner in the car is noisier than usual, this should be taken as symptoms that indicate problems earlier than others (although in some cases they may not be evidence of problems)

The first thing you need to pay attention to in such situations is where the strange noise is coming from. It can be easy to determine this, especially with the hood raised

Most often, strange sounds are heard from the compressor, which clearly indicates the place where problems should be looked for.

Localizing the fault greatly simplifies the search for the immediate cause of the noise. But this does not always happen: sometimes the breakdowns are partial. The compressor can continue to operate without making noise, and, nevertheless, not create the required freon pressure in the system. There are often cases when the device functions normally, but the seal is broken, and this affects the cooling efficiency. Finally, a common failure is the failure of the bypass valve. In any case, identifying the location where the strange noise is coming from clearly indicates where to look for trouble.

Special abilities

There are a number of special features found mainly in premium models. They are aimed at creating a healthy microclimate, economical energy consumption and ease of system management.

• Air cleaning . The issue of multi-level air purification is receiving increased attention today. Climate control equipment is equipped with fine filters (carbon, electrostatic, ultrasonic, enzyme) designed to remove bacteria, dust, pollen, animal hair and unpleasant odors.
• Ionization . Ionization is the saturation of air with negatively charged particles that have a positive effect on human health. Ionization has an antibacterial effect, removes tobacco smoke, unpleasant odors, and toxic chemical compounds.
• Volume flow . The 3D Auto function makes the blinds work in different directions. As a result, a volumetric air flow is created that reaches the most inaccessible corners of the room. This air supply ensures a constant microclimate and the absence of drafts.
• I Feel . The option is aimed at automatically selecting a mode that is comfortable for the owner. It is based on the analysis of data such as the current room temperature, humidity level and user activity history. Depending on the information received, the device begins to heat, cool, dry the air, etc.
• Night mode . Provides restful sleep for household members. After pressing the corresponding button, the system begins to work more quietly, creating ideal conditions for deep and long sleep. When you select the specified program, the system goes into economy mode.
• ECO saving mode . Allows you to enjoy all the benefits of technology and save approximately 25% of electricity. That is, the climate system will maintain the temperature at a comfortable level, while operating in conditions of minimal noise and economical consumption of energy resources.
• Smart eye .
  The smart eye (motion sensor) is aimed at creating a favorable atmosphere and reducing energy consumption. If the sensor detects the presence of people in the room, the indoor unit will begin to regulate the air direction, preventing the flow from reaching those present. If there is no movement for a certain time (on average 20 minutes), the system switches to economy mode. Video. I See sensor function in Mitsubishi Electric air conditioners
• Warm start . The function will become indispensable in the cool season, when the device works for heating. “Warm start” eliminates the supply of cool air to the room. This is done by temporarily blocking the fan (until the freon reaches the parameters required for heating).
• WiFi. The device can be controlled without using a remote control - via a computer, tablet or smartphone. The function is relevant for devices equipped with a Wi-Fi module. To turn the air conditioner on or off, set the desired temperature and air flow speed, select the mode and position of the dampers, you need to download a special application.

Noise standards

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When purchasing new equipment, a person should not underestimate the level of noise that such devices emit. Sound pressure and vibration, when it exceeds the norm, can cause some inconvenience and adversely affect human health. There are certain sanitary standards that establish the level of what can enter the premises:

• from 7 to 23 the maximum value is 40 dBa;
• from 23 to 7 – up to 30 dBa.

Not everyone has the opportunity to use a device to measure the level of extraneous sound. To get a rough idea, it is worth remembering the sound of a clock ticking - it is approximately 30 dBA. A normal conversation or wind noise is approximately 40 dBA.

The external unit is humming

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The most likely cause of the hum is a hum from the compressor. This happens for several reasons:

• lack of oil in the compressor crankcase
• damage to vibration-isolating fastenings, usually drying out over time
• reduction of winding resistance

In the first case, oil should be added to the refrigeration circuit. This is done with a special injector that injects oil through a regular filling port. The oil must be selected according to the freon contained in the air conditioner.

Compressor vibration isolators are easy to change and can significantly reduce the noise level from the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

It is unlikely that it will be possible to increase the insulation resistance, but it is possible to pause the process. The decrease in winding resistance occurs due to the destruction of the insulating varnish layer by an acidic environment, which in turn is formed due to the presence of moisture in the system.

First, you need to make sure that this is really necessary, using an acidity test - a special reagent that changes color upon contact with an acidic environment. We add a reagent to a sample of oil from the refrigeration circuit and look at the color change.

If necessary, you can get rid of acidity by adding additives, the amount of which is calculated based on the amount of freon.

Another reason for the hum is the fan motor and its bearing; the repair is the same as in the case of the internal one - replacing the bearing or the entire motor.

GMT

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April 14th, 2020 in Equipment, Training, Service, air conditioning | tags: air conditioner, Service, Maintenance, buzzing, repair, service

Possible causes of the problem

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As a rule, an air conditioner consists of two components: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, each of which may produce a not-so-normal sound, such as a whistle. It is worth noting that while at home, a person does not notice the operation of the external unit, since the latter is located on the street. But the excessive noise of the indoor unit will be noticeable immediately.

In the indoor unit

Most often, noise in a split system appears after several years of use, especially if periodic maintenance is not carried out. But with its regular implementation, similar problems also arise.

It is very important to identify in time the nature and prerequisites for the occurrence of hissing, whistling or other sound

1. If a whistle or other extraneous sound is caused by the fan not working properly, then most likely this is due to the need to replace the bearing. Often in this case, the operation is accompanied by a roar, and when turned off, the fan immediately stops working. Sometimes when a split system is operating, noise can occur when the fan blades catch on other elements or ice. Most often this happens because the plastic has deformed over time.
2. Sometimes a hum from the device is heard even after the split system is turned off; most often this phenomenon is typical for inexpensive devices of Chinese origin. The cause of the whistle is a malfunction of the transformer, which is best replaced.
3. Sometimes it happens that when the system is turned on, a hissing sound is clearly audible. The design of the air conditioner contains tubes through which the refrigerant moves. Hissing occurs when the tubes become bent or narrowed, which can be caused by debris buildup.
4. Excessive vibration. Sometimes, after a certain period of operation, air conditioners begin to vibrate, so much so that it seems that the fasteners will break off. The main reason for this condition is impeller imbalance, and it can be caused by several reasons. First of all, disturbances in the movement of the impeller can be caused by a banal accumulation of dirt, which is located in uneven layers, and the balancing weight can also fly off.
5. The whistling noise can also be caused by a failure of the drainage pump. In some cases, simply cleaning it will be enough, but sometimes a complete replacement of the element is required. Sometimes a cracking noise occurs when the air conditioner is turned on after a long period of inactivity. The pump works with a bang at first, and then it stops.

In the external block

As already noted, the external unit is installed outdoors, but despite this, its operation is also accompanied by increased extraneous sound and whistling, which often greatly disturbs not only the owner of the air conditioner, but also the people living next door.

There are several reasons for this.

1. Lack of vibration damping pads, which are made of rubber. Such elements are located between the brackets and legs of the device; they ensure vibration reduction.
2. Very often the fastening bolts come into contact with the iron reinforcement of the base, hence the impression that the wall is vibrating. Apart from changing the location, there is nothing more that can be done.
3. Worn compressor. Extraneous and unnatural sounds and vibrations occur after prolonged use.
4. Quite often, an extraneous sound occurs caused by other objects penetrating the grille or the blades clinging to the ice in the heating mode.
5. Very often, extraneous sound is caused by poor quality equipment. Cheap models often have echoes from the elements of the system.

Now the main reasons for the appearance of extraneous sounds are clear. The main thing is to understand that after long-term operation the air conditioner will not function like new, especially if the body is made primarily of plastic. At the first appearance of noise in split systems, you should call a professional who will help you correctly assess all the risks. Attentive attitude, timely diagnostics and service are always a guarantee of long-term and fruitful operation of the equipment.

Icons and signatures on the air conditioner control panel

The control panel contains many symbols and inscriptions designed to add ease of use.

• Speed . The Speed ​​button (fan control button) should not be confused with the Fan Speed ​​function. When you press the button, the fan rotation speed changes, and when the Fan mode is activated, the ventilation process starts.
• Auto . It is important to differentiate between Auto mode and Auto fan speed. When you select the first one, the device automatically selects a program (based on the readings of temperature sensors). When you press the impeller rotation speed button with a similar inscription, the system will independently change the speed of the fan movement - Low, Medium, High (weak, medium, strong).
• Swing . The button for changing the position of the blinds (curtains) allows you to change the direction and height of the air flow, preventing direct contact with a person and the occurrence of a draft. If necessary, you can set the dampers to swing rhythmically to ensure even distribution of air.
• Timer . Using a 24-hour timer, you can program your appliance to turn on and off at the desired time. By setting the necessary time and temperature values, you can start a certain mode, for example, 1 hour before arriving from work.

In some models, in addition to the standard daily timer, there is also a weekly timer, which allows you to configure automatic switching on and off of the device for the entire week/month.

• Sleep . The “Comfortable Sleep” function involves creating favorable conditions for rest. When this option is activated, the air conditioner begins to operate almost silently, gradually increasing or decreasing the temperature by 2-3 °C.
• Turbo _ The function is only available during cooling operation. Activating the button entails an increase in power in order to quickly cool the room. The Turbo option reduces the time required to reach the set temperature by 2 times.

Causes of noise from an air conditioner

So why is the air conditioner humming? The problem may lie both in the design features and in the features of the technology’s use. One way or another, an unpleasant sound indicates a system problem.

Overload

Quite often, climate control equipment begins to make loud humming sounds due to overload. This can be observed during peak moments of heat - when the difference between the temperature outside the window and the temperature that the user wants to create in the room is too great. However, this reason is quite rarely the only one in such situations. Usually it is also associated with improper use. Many users make a mistake (or make this mistake intentionally) when choosing climate control devices, purchasing air conditioners with lower power than necessary.

It is important to remember that even if the equipment is designed for rooms with an area of ​​50 square meters, and the area of ​​your room is exactly that, the power may still not be enough. When calculating, do not forget to take into account the number of electrical appliances in the room, the height of the ceilings, the number of windows and the side on which they face

Too long use

This problem is relevant mainly for non-inverter type air conditioners. Many users forget that they cannot work for a long time without a break and give them very heavy loads in the summer. A non-inverter air conditioner cannot operate for several days in a row without affecting the condition of the device.

Clogging

Many users, unfortunately, completely forget to clean their air conditioner filters. The consequence of this is the accumulation of dust and dirt in them, which invariably gets inside the heat exchanger. If this happens, the air conditioner will not only hum, but also work significantly less efficiently. So every user should in any case clean the air conditioner filters at least once a year. This can be done very quickly and without any problems. They are removed in strict accordance with the instructions, cleaned under cold water, then dried and inserted back.

Following this simple rule will get rid of the hum and significantly extend the life of the equipment.

Hypothermia

Another fairly common mistake when using climate control technology is turning on the heating mode when it is too cold outside.

It is important to remember that almost all non-inverter air conditioners can operate if the temperature outside the window does not drop below five degrees Celsius (or even below zero). Inverter technology is more durable and can operate at minus ten or even minus fifteen degrees, but not lower

If the air conditioner starts humming and you find that the temperature regime is disturbed, you should immediately turn off the equipment and then contact a specialist.

It is important to remember that most of the reasons why the air conditioner starts to hum (with the exception of uncleaned filters) cannot be eliminated by the user independently

We distinguish natural operating noise from signs of breakdown

Is your air conditioner making noise? First you need to determine whether this sound is typical of your equipment or is it a sign of a breakdown.

If the equipment has been working for you for several years, you will immediately notice the appearance of new sounds. What if you purchased an inexpensive model, installed it, turned it on, and discovered a strange noise? Either the model is not distinguished by the quality of its build and materials, or it already has some kind of malfunction (malfunction may be caused by errors made during installation). Find out from the instructions what noise level is natural for your air conditioner model. Compare how you feel how the indicated numbers correspond to the noise emitted.

If the noise is uniform and not too loud, it only changes when switching modes (from cooling to heating and vice versa), then everything is in order. If not, call the professionals who carried out the installation. And remember: the warranty on the new air conditioner is still valid.

Sometimes extraneous sounds are drowned out by operating noise. There is a danger that a problem not noticed in time will lead to a worsening of the situation, and troubleshooting will become more difficult over time. Therefore, it is important to carry out scheduled maintenance to ensure that the equipment is working properly.

The indoor unit is humming

Noises when the air conditioner is on

The main reason for this is the electric motor and bearings of the indoor unit fan.

If these are bearings, then they must be lubricated; if this does not work, they must be completely changed - the bearings that are built into the electric motor are completely pressed out and new ones are installed in their place.

There are non-separable models of electric motors; such motors must be replaced completely assembled.

The motors themselves are also “noisy” - initially of poor quality or with an inter-turn short circuit of the windings, in this case it also needs to be replaced with a serviceable one.

Humming noise when the air conditioner is off

As a rule, this is a quiet source of hum, barely noticeable during the day, but at night it can be heard quite clearly; only completely unplugging it from the socket or using the automatic switch in the electrical panel helps.

The source of this noise is the power transformer.

This element serves to convert the 220 V mains voltage into a lower one to power the electronic air conditioner control board. This phenomenon is usually observed in entry-level air conditioners, but sometimes it occurs even in luxury split systems. The solution to this problem is to completely replace this part with a new transformer or electronic power module; fortunately, the cost is not that high.

Causes of noise in the operation of a car air conditioner

If you find out that the source of new sounds when turning on, operating, and after turning off the climate system comes from the compressor, this may mean several options:

1. If the noise of the car’s air conditioning compressor is heard while the power unit is running even after it is turned off, this means that there are definitely problems with the bearing of the compressor drive pulley. As people say, it “crumbled,” and it is because of this that an unusual hum appears. Complete destruction of the bearing is just around the corner, and this already threatens with very serious consequences, including pulley breakage. There are many car models in which the crankshaft drive is common to several components, including air conditioning. In such cases, a broken belt means a complete stop of the car. If you don’t have “crooked” hands, then you should just wait until someone brings you a new belt and replace it yourself. But most car owners will have to shell out a lot of money to evacuate the car to the nearest car service center, where expensive repairs will occur. But these are not the most unpleasant consequences: due to a bad bearing, the clutch coil can burn out, the integrity of the oil seal can be damaged, which will lead to refrigerant leakage. So, if you hear suspicious sounds coming from under the hood and after turning off the climate system, do not hesitate and change the bearing.
2. Even greater trouble awaits you if, when turning on the air conditioning system, you do not hear a characteristic click when the electromagnetic clutch engages with the rotor shaft. The problem may be the lack of the required refrigerant pressure in the system (more rarely, its excess). The pressure control sensor reacts to such emergency situations by turning off the compressor.

Separately, it should be said about the unusual sounds that appear only when the car air conditioner is turned on. An experienced car owner can judge their origin by the nature of their sound. The most common cause of increased noise levels is contamination of the air filters located inside the main unit. An increase in resistance to the normal air flow of a dirty filter mesh leads to turbulence, which manifests itself in the form of noise. To get rid of it, you just need to remove the filters, clean them thoroughly under warm running water, dry them and put them back in their original place - you don’t need to take the car to a car service center for this. A hissing sound when the car air conditioner is turned on/operated indicates a lack of freon.

Prevention of the problem

To avoid the appearance of extraneous noise during operation of the air conditioner, you need to regularly maintain the air conditioning equipment.

Important! Maintenance should be done before the start of the season and at its end, as well as once during the warm season if the equipment is used intensively.

In addition, it is necessary to call specialists at least once every two to three years so that they can diagnose the entire air conditioning system,, if necessary, top up with freon and inspect the line for damage.

In addition, the cause of problems may be incorrect actions of the user himself. Improper cleaning of equipment and refilling with refrigerant, as well as improper installation - all this can lead not only to the appearance of extraneous noise, but also to damage to the device. It is worth remembering that calling a specialist will cost less than possible repairs, and do not save if you are not confident in your own abilities.

So, gurgling in the air conditioning system is an almost normal sound that rarely leads to fatal breakdowns. But if he is intrusive or suspicious, you need to take appropriate action. First you need to determine why the system began to make gurgling sounds. To do this, you need to identify the place where the noise is heard, and also pay attention to related factors - weather, operating mode, etc. This will allow you to understand what happened to the device and decide how to fix the problem.