What To Do if a Window Air Conditioner Has No Drain Hole? – Temperature Master
Whether you have a new window air conditioner or a hand-me-down, they can be tough to maintain when they get older, especially if you’re new to taking care of them. For those who have one, yours may not have a drain hole, which leaves many people wondering what they should do.
If your window air conditioner has no drain hole, ensure it is supposed to. After that, clean it or consider getting it repaired. Try to refrain from creating a drain hole yourself, as it will void any warranty on the unit.
Let’s take a closer look at why your window air conditioner may not have a drain hole and what you can do to repair it if needed.
Why Can’t I Find a Drain Hole on My Window Air Conditioner?
You may not find a drain hole in your window air conditioner if it is plugged, rusted, or dirty. A new unit won’t be dirty or rusty, but if your unit has been used for a while, you may be dealing with a blocked drain hole.
Start by thoroughly cleaning your window air conditioner to ensure the drain hole isn’t blocked by rust or debris. This can happen with units after they have been used for a while because a lot of water passes through the hole. With the unit sitting in your window, there is always a chance that dirt or debris can make it inside the unit.
If you do find that the drain hole is blocked, then you should take the time to clean it thoroughly and see if that helps it drain properly.
Rusting is also natural when dealing with water and metal parts. So, make sure you are cleaning your unit regularly to avoid rusting as much as possible.
If your unit does happen to rust, there are ways to get rid of it. For instance, white vinegar is an effective solution, although it must be soaked in the liquid to work properly. There are also sprays that help break down rust. Whichever method you choose, eliminating rust can help your unit work better and let you find the drain hole.
Another possibility is that your drain hole may be plugged. This often happens for units that hold and reuse water rather than draining. These units are mostly window air conditioners that work without draining, which we will talk about later.
If your drain hole is plugged, clogged, or nowhere to be found, it may be tempting to drill a new one. This isn’t recommended as it will ensure your unit is no longer covered under warranty. It is best to return your unit to the manufacturer or get it repaired.
Do All Window Air Conditioners Have Drain Holes?
Not all window air conditioners have drain holes. In fact, most modern units don’t come with one. These units work by reusing the water they would otherwise get rid of.
Traditionally, window air conditioners have drain holes that allow the water to drain, but most units made today do not. That’s because manufacturers have found a way to put the water to good use.
The water falls into a tray where it is stored until it is needed. Once it is needed, it’s slung onto the condenser.
This way, not only does the water keep the unit from overheating, but it also allows an otherwise wasted component of the design to be recycled.
Most modern units still have a fail-safe drain hole located on the side of the unit. However, it’s commonly plugged as these units are not meant to drain. So, your unit may have a drain hole, but it could be plugged in until it is needed.
Where Is a Drain Hole Located on a Window Air Conditioner?
The drain hole is located on the bottom of traditional window units and the side of modern units. The location varies depending on the drain hole type. When all the water needs to drain, the hole will be on the bottom of the unit. Otherwise, it will be on the side to prevent the unit from flooding.
As discussed, older units are meant to drain excess water from inside the unit. So, this requires a drain hole on the bottom of the unit.
Otherwise, there would be water sitting in the unit until it rises high enough to drain.
On more modern units, you’ll find the drain hole on the side of the unit. Modern window air conditioners will collect the water in a pan and reuse it to keep the system from overheating. So, the drain hole is on the side in case the pan overflows with water.
Having the drain hole on the side makes sense for modern units as they reuse the water, but it’s important that you know where the drain hole is located. If your unit were to overflow, water would come out of the drain hole. So, you should place something under the hole to catch any excess water if it is going to drip inside of your window.
Whether it’s a modern or traditional setup, the drain hole will be small on any window air conditioner. They usually don’t produce enough water to require a large hole. Because of this, it can be hard to find the drain hole, especially if it’s clogged, covered, or rusted.
So, keep your eyes open for a small hole on the bottom or side of the unit, and make sure it stays clear so the unit can drain properly.
Final Thoughts
If you have trouble finding the drain hole on your window air conditioner, you’re not alone. Not only are these holes hard to see, but they may also be covered in rust and debris from use over time.
The best way to find the drain hole is to clean your unit thoroughly and take the time to inspect it. Remember that not every unit will have a drain hole. So, make sure you check with the manufacturer for details.
Why won’t water draining from my window air conditioner?
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Repair help > Window Air Conditioner repair > Window Air Conditioner symptoms
If your window air conditioner has a drain hole in the back—not all do—and it’s not draining water, clear the drain hole and then clean the base of the unit to get rid of dirt that could enter the drain.
Leveling the air conditioner with a slightly backward tilt may also be necessary when you see your window air conditioner not draining water.
The slightly backward tilt helps drain water flow to the back of the cabinet tray and down through the drain hole.
If you have a drain hose connected to the drain tray, check the drain hose for a clog when you see the window air conditioner not draining water.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER PROBLEM
Clear a window air conditioner clogged condensate drain
Many (but not all) window air conditioners have a drain hole in the back to let condensate water drain outdoors. If the drain hole is clogged, clean the base of unit and clear the clog in the drain hole.
Clear a window air conditioner clogged condensate drain
Find the required part specific to your product.
Level the window air conditioner
The back of the air conditioner should be slightly lower than the front so condensate water drains outdoor. If water drains into the room, reinstall the air conditioner so it tips backwards slightly.
Level the window air conditioner
Find the required part specific to your product.
Symptoms for window air conditioners
Choose a symptom to see related window air conditioner repairs.
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Why won’t my window air conditioner start?
Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad electronic control board, wiring failure, bad temperature sensor
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Main causes: dirty air filter, air conditioner is too small for the room, temperature set too cold, control failure
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Air conditioner condensate drain
Today, air conditioning is a popular item in many homes and apartments.
It is used to cool or heat a room to provide a comfortable environment for the occupants.
However, during the operation of the evaporator of the air conditioner, condensate appears, which must be drained. In the article, we will consider why this is important, what problems can arise if excess fluid is not removed, and how to do it correctly.
Why condensation occurs and why it is dangerous
An air conditioner is an evaporative device that cools or heats the air in a room. In the process of its operation, the refrigerant used, which, in the process of circulation through the refrigeration circuit, changes its physical parameters and its state of aggregation during condensation and boiling. The last process takes place in the evaporator, which in turn cools the air. At the same time, the evaporator heat exchanger on the air side is covered with liquid droplets — condensate (or moisture). Draining excess moisture is an important point for ensuring the quality of the air conditioner.
Excessive moisture in the air conditioner can affect its operation. In addition, bacteria, fungi, mold and other microorganisms that are extremely dangerous for humans develop in stagnant water. All of them can cause diseases of the respiratory system, poisoning. Not to mention the appearance and unpleasant odors.
How to drain condensate
Excess moisture from the split system is removed using a drain pipe. They are smooth and corrugated. Manufacturers recommend choosing the latter, as they are easier to install and much more flexible. Although from the point of view of flushing the drainage pipeline and ensuring its desired slope during installation, a smooth pipeline is more convenient. At the bottom of the air conditioner, under the fan that takes in air, there is a drip tray for collecting condensate. On the side it has a special pipe, to which the drainage tube is attached. The main thing is to make sure that the installation is done correctly so that there are no problems in the future.
The condensate removal process itself can be carried out in the following ways:
- Simply run the drain pipe outside through a hole in the wall. This method is used because of its simplicity — you just need to drill a hole and pull the hose out of the window at the required slope (at least 1 cm per 1 meter of length). However, this option cannot be called correct due to “side effects” — water dripping from the pipe will drum on the window sills of the neighbors below, and this is fraught with accusations on their part. It is forbidden to withdraw the tube in this way according to sanitary standards. In addition, such a design affects the aesthetic sensations and spoils the overall look.
- A more competent and correct option would be to drain condensate into the sewer. To do this, the drain pipe of the air conditioner is connected to the sewer pipe. This can be either a general sewerage system of a building or a specially laid network (in the absence of a common one, for example, in a private house).
To avoid unpleasant odors from the sewer system, it is necessary to install a water seal (siphon) at the junction of the drain pipe of the air conditioner and the sewer pipe, and also monitor the condition of the system in order to avoid malfunctions. This option will avoid possible problems and troubles of the first method, provide an aesthetic appearance (tubes can be laid inside the wall), and peace of mind of the owner.
- There is also an option to install a special pump for removing moisture. This method is used if the length of the drainage system is too long. As a rule, for ordinary (domestic) air conditioners, the pump must be purchased separately, but the installation itself is not too complicated. And in industrial devices there are factory pumps. Most often, pumps are mounted in indoor units. The liquid is collected in a special container, from where it is pumped out by a pump.
Drain service
After choosing the layout of the condensate drain system, it must be maintained in a functioning state so that there are no difficulties.
There are a number of malfunctions that may occur during operation, which must be addressed in a timely manner:
- The most common problem is blockage of the hole through which moisture is drained from the special container into the drain tube. This is due to the usual dirt and dust that clogs the hole, settles, penetrates the tube, clogging it. Because of this, the liquid overflows the bath and begins to flow onto the floor and along the walls.
To avoid all unpleasant consequences, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the tube and clean and rinse it in a timely manner. Experts recommend using detergents that contain chlorine, as they do a better job of this task.
- If the air conditioner is turned on for heating in winter, the drain pipe will simply freeze, which can lead to breakage.
To prevent this from happening. It is necessary to turn off the split system in cold weather (at temperatures below 0°C), or purchase a special low-temperature kit that provides heating for the compressor, drain pipe and allows the air conditioner to operate at temperatures down to -25°C.
- Incorrect inclination of the drain tube. If the tube is installed incorrectly, then the water will stagnate and begin to drip into the room.
A slope, however slight, is required along the entire length of the tube to avoid stagnant water.
- The pump has failed. If it breaks, the operation of the drainage system will be disrupted.
Therefore, manufacturers recommend purchasing equipment from trusted suppliers and responsible for installation.
- Too little/too much refrigerant. This can lead to icing of the evaporator and pipes along the entire length. The ice will melt and water will drip onto the floor.
To avoid this, you need to monitor the level of the refrigerant and, at the required frequency (set in the instructions for the air conditioner), contact the service center for refueling.
- Ice may build up on the evaporator if the pressure regulator has stopped working.
This is due to a decrease in the temperature outside, and, as a result, the temperature of the freon.
To prevent this from happening, specialists must conduct regular technical inspections of the split system in order to identify malfunctions in time.
The correct organization of the drainage system for the air conditioner is an important point in its maintenance and a guarantee of reliable operation. We recommend that you trust the installation to specialists and regularly check the technical condition of your split system.
Air Conditioner Frequently Asked Questions
Recently I was surprised to hear that split systems and window air conditioners do not take fresh air from the street. Tell me, are there air conditioners that can not only cool, but also ventilate the room?
Yes, there is. But do not forget that ventilation can be carried out in various ways. You can organize not only the inflow, but also the exhaust air.
This is exactly what a window air conditioner does, removing up to 10% of the air passed outside. If the air-conditioned room is not equipped with double-glazed windows, fresh air will begin to be sucked in through leaks in windows and doors. A more difficult case is the use of cassette and channel-type split systems that allow the connection of an air duct that goes outside. To create a sufficient pressure of fresh air in it, an additional fan is usually used, in front of which a filter and an air intake grille are placed. The only disadvantage of such a solution is that for its implementation it is necessary to have a false ceiling. And, finally, fresh air supply is provided by air conditioners used in large buildings: central air conditioning systems, VRF systems, rooftops.
To what minimum temperature can the air be cooled with a split system?
In most air conditioners, it is limited to a reasonable limit of + 17-18 degrees. But if you are a convinced «walrus» and even this is hot for you, buy a window air conditioner.
It regulates not the temperature, but the intensity of cooling, and therefore it becomes possible to make the air even colder.
Lately, I often see advertisements for humidifier-type air conditioners. It is alleged that they are 10 times cheaper than conventional split systems and, unlike the latter, can humidify the air. Could you tell me more about these devices?
I’ll make a reservation right away: climate centers or coolers, sometimes slyly called humidifier-type air conditioners, have nothing to do with air conditioners. At least for the reason that they are not able to maintain the desired temperature in the room. The cooler can temporarily cool the air by 2-4 degrees by evaporating moisture (the same effect can be achieved by waving a wet towel). But after a couple of hours, the humidity in the room reaches 95-100% and the temperature starts to rise again. Soon the room becomes as hot as it was before the cooler was turned on, but in conditions of high humidity, the heat is even harder to bear! Remember what it’s like on a hot day before a thunderstorm.
Nothing to breathe, sweat stream. It is these sensations that will give you a “conditioner” of a moisturizing type.
In our city, shuttles offer air conditioners at half the price of a specialized company. Are sellers really doing this?
I would first ask the shuttle traders about the origin of the goods. If he came from Arab countries, the question disappears by itself. Most likely you are offered «second hand». Such air conditioners are sorted out, repainted and sold to simpletons, who are lacking not only in Russia. The red price for such an air conditioner is 200-300 dollars, since it will never last longer than 2-3 years. In addition, no self-respecting company will undertake to mount such equipment. And this means that you will be left without a guarantee, since it is given by the company that installed the air conditioner.
The windows of our office face north. Tell me, do we need air conditioning?
Only you can determine this.
Do you feel comfortable when it is +25 degrees Celsius and above outside? When the air temperature is high, it will be hot everywhere. Another thing is that with the northern location of windows, much less power is needed to create comfort, and therefore office air conditioning can cost you much less.
Why does it take a few minutes for the air conditioner to start producing warm air in winter when the air conditioner is turned on in heating mode? Sometimes this pause lasts quite a long time and it seems that the air conditioner is slightly cold. Maybe it’s faulty?
It’s all right. Moreover, you can be glad that you got a modern model with «Hot Start» mode. Such an air conditioner, before starting work at sub-zero temperatures, warms up the external unit so that it does not freeze. To do this, it really turns on in cooling mode, only the fans are turned off at this moment, and therefore you can feel the cold only by bringing your hand close to the external unit.
In February, I turned on my air conditioner for cooling and after a while water began to drip from the indoor unit. What am I to do now?
Don’t worry, nothing bad happened. When operating in cooling mode, the air conditioner removes moisture from the air. And if the drainage pipeline is brought outside, then at sub-zero temperatures an ice plug can form in it, disrupting the normal drainage of water. Now it has melted and you can use your split system again. To prevent such situations from occurring at all, it is possible to recommend «warm» drainage. For this, a special cable is used that heats the drainage pipeline up to +5 degrees Celsius.
It happens that on a sunny summer day our air conditioner does not save us from the heat. To cool down, you have to move close to him. Can something be done?
If on the hottest days the air conditioner does not provide the necessary coolness, despite the fact that it works constantly, its capacity does not cover all the heat gains.
In this case, it is worth checking if the filters are clogged, if the windows and doors are closed, if heat-producing devices, such as boilers or toasters, are working in the room. It can be recommended to hang thick white blinds on the windows (heavy curtains will not help!) Reflect heat and light well. If this does not help, you will have to replace the model with a more powerful one.
What filters are installed in air conditioners and what do they protect against?
There are the following types of filters: air electrostatic and coal (deodorizing). Air — a fine mesh that protects our lungs and heat exchanger from dust and mechanical impurities. This filter does not require replacement — it is enough to wash it in warm water or vacuum it. Due to the electrostatic charge, it retains small charged particles, pollen, microorganisms. And finally, the carbon (carbon) filter eliminates tobacco smoke, odors and the smallest dust particles up to 0.0001 mm.
How often should the filters be changed?
It depends on the air pollution in your area. It’s one thing if you live outside the city and quite another if the windows overlook a busy street in the center of Moscow. The need to replace the filters in most air conditioners is indicated by a special indicator. If it is not there, you will have to focus «by eye», counting on a 3-6 month service life. However, there are exceptions — experts told a case when the filter became clogged every two weeks. The reason turned out to be poor-quality imported carpet, from which pile climbed like a dog.
We live in an old house. Will its wall withstand the external unit of the split system?
Depending on which block? With domestic air conditioners, problems usually do not arise, but with large units of 100 kilograms and more, care must be taken. The worst option is a wall made of facing bricks (with holes) or cinder blocks. However, there is almost always a way out.
I have an air conditioner at home. A friend said that if freon pours out of it, I risk remaining disabled for the rest of my life. Is it so?
For God’s sake, calm down. Your girlfriend is an alarmist. At the next meeting, tell her that freon is contained in a popular medicine — cameton, which she «bravely» splashes down her throat with a sore throat. And in the recent past, he was in all aerosols, for example, hair sprays. Well, if you take grandfather’s ZIL refrigerator … Compared to home air conditioning, it is just a hydrogen bomb!
We have installed air conditioners in our office and now I constantly catch colds, as the cold air is directed directly at me. Tell me what to do?
Easy exit. All modern split systems and window air conditioners have automatic blinds that diffuse the flow in a vertical direction. In order to set them in motion, you need to find the corresponding button on the remote control.
It is usually called «Swing» or «Air flow direction». If you are sitting directly in front of the air conditioner, the air flow must be deflected to the side using vertical blinds (they are located directly behind the horizontal ones). In most models, their position is adjusted manually, however, in some air conditioners of the brands: Daewoo, Daikin, Fujitsu, Fuji, General, the movement of vertical blinds is set from the remote control.
I am going to buy an air conditioner for my home. Tell me, where to put the moisture they give off? Can it be used for housework?
I do not recommend drinking because distilled water is tasteless. And with a clogged filter, it is also harmful, since dust can get into the drainage. In addition, do not forget that moisture is deposited on the aluminum fins of the heat exchanger, and therefore may contain harmful oxides. So don’t be greedy. It is best to bring the drainage pipeline into the sewer and forget about its existence forever.
Water can also be diverted to the street, but then you should take care of heating the drainage pipeline. If this is not done, in winter an ice plug will surely form in it, and water will flow onto your favorite rug. Because of the same danger, do not agree to drain condensate into a jar. Endless puddles on the floor will be provided.
I was about to buy an air conditioner when I found out that they charge 20% of the cost for installation, plus some accessories. In total, they counted 370 dollars, wouldn’t it be too much?
No, not too much. Most reputable firms really charge at least 20-25% for installation. As a consolation, I can report that in Japan and European countries you would be charged two or three times more, up to 70% of the cost of the air conditioner.
My friend works for an air conditioner company. He promised to install the air conditioner for me for only $100. Will I be eligible for warranty repairs?
No, you won’t.
The warranty for the air conditioner is not given by the manufacturer, but by the company that carried out the installation. Therefore, turning to the «craftsman» you automatically deprive yourself of the right to free repairs. Even if a factory defect turns out to be the cause of the breakdown, it will not be possible to repair the air conditioner «for free» or exchange it for a new one. And if a node needs to be replaced, then your friend will not help you.
I want to air-condition my apartment, but I’m embarrassed by the proposed option: external units of split systems hang around the entire perimeter of the wall. Can you put them on the balcony?
Most likely yes. Most modern household split systems allow you to painlessly separate the outdoor and indoor units at a distance of 12-15 meters, for some brands — 25 meters. apartments. In this case, there will be only one outdoor unit on the balcony, and the total length of the connecting pipelines can reach 60-70 meters.
Four companies produce such products: Daikin, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric.
Can I install the air conditioner myself?
It depends on what. If this is a «window», then for God’s sake. Any «handy» man who owns a saw, a glass cutter, and a chisel can mount it. But I strongly do not recommend undertaking the installation of a split system. This is a complex matter, requiring special skills and expensive tools. A kit that includes drills, a gas station, tools for cutting, bending and soldering pipes costs several thousand dollars. If you carry out these operations with what is at hand, the fate of the split system will be sealed. There is only one chance in a hundred that the air conditioner will work with this setting.
When installing the air conditioner, they spoiled the whole interior with a plastic box, in which there are some wires and tubes. Is it possible to somehow correct the situation?
Possible. It is best to pierce the wall and immure the whole economy in plaster.
(It is for this reason that the air conditioner should be purchased at the repair stage). If this is not possible, replace the box with a nicer one.
I heard that when installing a split system, you need to drill the outer wall of the house. Tell me, will it not blow through this hole?
No, it won’t. If the installation of the air conditioner is carried out by professionals, they will provide reliable thermal insulation, since there are plenty of various sealants on the market.
I am moving to a new apartment. Can you tell me if my air conditioner can be installed in a new location and how much will it cost?
Yes, you can. Please contact the installer for this. And you will have to pay only for installation and dismantling, since most of the components can be reused.
I have a bad relationship with my neighbors in the stairwell, who consider me «bourgeois» and «new Russian». They want to sue me, believing that my split system prevents them from sleeping.
Are there any rules restricting the use of air conditioners in apartments?
If you have a working air conditioner, there is nothing to be afraid of. The noise that the external unit of a household split system gives is usually 40-55 dB. And the maximum allowable level set for residential development is 60 dB (A).
When you walk near a building studded with air conditioners, something drips from above. What is this liquid and is it dangerous for the health of passers-by?
There is no reason to worry — this is the most ordinary distilled water that the air conditioner extracts from the air. In its composition, it is close to rain and is absolutely harmless. However, it is at least impolite to put drainage on the head of passers-by — a serious installation company will not do this.
What is «Sleep Mode» and what is it for?
A person likes to go to bed and wake up warm and sleep cool. This cherished dream is implemented by «Sleep Mode» or otherwise «sleep timer».
If you wake up at seven in the morning, you set the timer at half past seven and turn on «Sleep Mode». The air conditioner gradually raises the temperature by 2 degrees compared to the one set on the remote control (comfortable for waking) and maintains it at a given level during the night. At the same time, to reduce noise, the fan of the indoor unit runs at low speed. Then the air conditioner will turn off at the time you set.
How long will your air conditioner last?
Based on foreign practice and statistics on the activities of leading manufacturers (the air conditioning era in our country is just beginning), the life of an air conditioner is 10-12 years and is determined mainly by the service life of the main unit — the compressor. Knowingly incorrect selection of equipment and poor-quality installation, the lack of regular seasonal maintenance by specialists and the constant operation of the air conditioner under extreme conditions can significantly reduce the life of the equipment.
Who carries out warranty service (warranty repair) of the air conditioner?
Warranty maintenance of the air conditioner is carried out only by the company that carried out the installation of the equipment and commissioning. The method of providing a guarantee for an air conditioner differs significantly from the warranty support for audio and video equipment and household appliances. Troubleshooting should be carried out at the installation site of the equipment. If it is necessary to correct a malfunction in the service center, the dismantling of the equipment (no less than the installation) should be carried out only by qualified specialists in order to avoid failure of the air conditioning system.
Can the owner of the air conditioner repair it himself?
Certainly not. Any unauthorized intervention in the operation of the air conditioning system can lead to the failure of one or more key elements of the system and warranty obligations cannot be implemented.
Not to mention the fact that when repairing refrigeration equipment without the appropriate qualifications and special equipment, freon leaks into the atmosphere may occur.
What do I need to do to make sure my air conditioner will work reliably during the summer?
In order for the air conditioning system to reliably cool the air and maintain a comfortable temperature for you during the hot season, it is necessary to invite a qualified specialist to carry out pre-season preparation and equipment checks before the onset of summer (the period of active use). It is advisable to carry out such a check at least twice a year (before and at the end of the summer season of using the air conditioner) or conclude a service agreement with a specialized company. It is also necessary to monitor the condition of the air filters (clean regularly) and the outdoor unit (avoid clogging of the heat exchanger with poplar fluff, foliage, etc.).
If the air conditioner starts to cool the air less intensively than before, what could be the main reason?
There may be several main reasons, for example, a compressor malfunction (the compressor does not turn on and the system does not work for cooling), the presence of freon leaks in the refrigeration system (the compressor starts to wear out), clogged heat exchangers (both external and internal units), malfunctions a thermostat that regulates the temperature and other causes that are less common.
All malfunctions are either related to the failure of the compressor, or can lead to such an outcome, so the only thing to do in this case is to contact the specialists who diagnose and service the equipment.
When is the best time to select and purchase an air conditioner?
As with other seasonal products, the best time to buy an air conditioner is, of course, the off-season, that is, any time of the year except late spring and summer. At such a time, the staff of specialized companies is not so busy with orders and they will help you solve the problem of creating a comfortable microclimate in your home without a headache.
How to choose a company from which to buy equipment such as air conditioning so that your home always maintains a comfortable temperature?
First of all, it should be noted that buying an air conditioner and creating a comfortable microclimate is not the same thing. The key point is the responsibility and professionalism of the company that provides you with air conditioning installation services.
Remember that more than 80% of all malfunctions of such equipment occur during the installation phase. Such malfunctions are not subject to free warranty repair. Trust firms with a strong reputation and many years of experience in the service provision market. Ask for recommendations from those of your acquaintances and friends who have already installed such equipment.
If I buy an apartment that already has air conditioning installed, how do I evaluate this added value and make sure that the air conditioning will work properly?
The most reliable recipe — invite a specialist who can determine exactly when this equipment was produced, how well it was installed, whether the indoor units are well located for your health, in what mode (hard or gentle) it was used, whether regular maintenance of this equipment was carried out how much you can estimate the residual value of this system and many other nuances.
How often should the air filters in air conditioning systems be cleaned?
At least once a month during a period of active use.
Replaceable filters of air conditioners must be changed depending on the degree of contamination (but not less than the frequency recommended by the manufacturers of such filters).
If my air conditioner is equipped with a heat pump (cold-heat system), can it be used to heat the room in winter?
When operating in conditions of negative outside temperature, the efficiency of using air conditioners equipped with a heat pump decreases significantly as the air temperature drops. That is, it is not recommended to use the air conditioner as the main source of heat in the winter season, to put it mildly. In addition, air conditioning systems are produced mainly in countries with a mild winter climate, and the issues of adapting air conditioners to work in harsh winter conditions can be solved by using a variety of additional units that are not included in the basic package. Ask the specialists who will service your air conditioner whether they guarantee stable operation of the equipment in winter conditions.
But in any case, an air conditioner equipped with a heat pump is the optimal solution for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home during the transitional seasons, when, for example, centralized heating systems do not work.
I heard that the air conditioner can maintain the desired humidity. Is it so?
You have been misled. Room air conditioners are capable of dehumidifying the air, but cannot control the humidity at a user-defined level. That is, you cannot pick up the remote control and set its value, for example, at around 50%. However, in everyday life this is not necessary. A person feels comfortable if the relative humidity is between 40 and 60%. It is within these limits that her air conditioner operates in cooling or dehumidification mode. But if the relative humidity of the air is higher in the hot season, this is, to put it mildly, unhealthy. Excess water vapor is the cause of increased sweating (that is, the body tries to allocate additional moisture to cool the skin) and poor health.
I have heard that the air conditioner generates moisture. Where to put her?
Indeed, if the air conditioner is operating in dry and cooling modes, water condenses on the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, which must be removed from the room. Usually moisture is taken out to the street through special drainage hoses. They must have some slope in order for the water to flow by gravity. Otherwise, you will have to use a drainage pump, and this is additional money. But if you live in an apartment building, your neighbors will probably be unhappy with the fact that the condensate will drip on their heads. In order to avoid various excesses, the inhabitants of such houses are advised to discharge condensate into the sewer.
Do not attempt to disassemble and repair the equipment yourself, otherwise you may not be eligible for warranty repairs. Article 18, paragraph 6 of the RF Law «On Protection of Consumer Rights» states that «Defects caused by improper use of the goods are not subject to free elimination.