Heating and cooling are major players when it comes to keeping your house comfortable. Without proper care and maintenance, your split system air conditioning could suffer from dangerous electrical faults. In this article, we’re taking a look at the 4 most common causes of electrical issues in split systems and what you can do about them.
1. TRIPPING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER
If your circuit breaker trips and causes a power outage in a section of your home, that’s a good thing! It means your circuit breaker is working how it’s supposed to. Circuit breakers trip when they encounter electrical problems that could become dangerous. If your split system is causing it to reset, leave the air con switched off to prevent it from overheating and breaking.
If you encounter this problem, your best option is speaking to your electrician. AC issues can be a simple fix, or they could mean larger problems that will take more than a basic repair.
2. FAILING CAPACITATORS
The capacitator is a crucial part of your air con’s electrical system. These cylindrical electrical components send voltage to the motors and keep them running. Capacitators store charge and regulate your AC’s power. When capacitators are exposed to too much voltage or start to wear down, they can fail.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from inside your split system, there’s a good chance one of your capacitators is failing. Make the call for repairs or you could end up with a permanently damaged compressor or fan.
3. A SUDDEN SPIKE IN ELECTRICAL BILLS
Cooling your home is already a massive contributor to your power bills, and certain issues can make those prices skyrocket. If your electricity bills increase all of a sudden and you think your split system might be overworking, it could be due to:
- A loose wire – when wires become loose over time or from too much use, they can disrupt the power flow to certain electrical parts
- A dirty fuse – fuses need to be kept clean just like AC filters to allow a steady flow of air and electricity to the electrical components
- An incorrect fuse – If you’ve had your AC repaired by someone who wasn’t professional, they may have installed the wrong parts for your unit
- A short in the wiring – wires can short out when they receive more electricity than they can handle, blocking the electricity and causing a fire hazard
4. ISSUES AFTER A STORM OR POWER OUTAGE
Storms can cause minor flooding in ACs, causing their electrical components to stop working after coming into contact with water. Make sure you turn your split system off before checking for water exposure. If your problem was caused by a power outage or lightning, check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If you’re still having problems with your unit, it’s time to call your electrician for repairs.
AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATIONS & REPAIRS IN PERTH
When it’s time to upgrade to a high-quality split system air conditioner, speak to Dr Sparky Electrical in Perth. We’ll make sure your unit is correctly installed so you can avoid these annoying problems in the future. If you need a 24hr electrician in Perth, call 1800 377 727 or find us online.
