Quick answer
Most of the problems are one in five, and four of those don't require spare parts. Read the symptoms and determine your situation before contacting anyone.
1. The filter is dirty (most common)
Display: Cooling gradually weakened over the weeks, and the exhaust air was weak.
Solution: Open the front cover, remove the filter, wash it with soap and water, and dry it thoroughly before replacing it. Free and easy to do yourself.
2. The outdoor unit is jammed.
Display: Cooling is weak, especially during periods of extreme heat.
Solution: Ensure the outdoor unit is not enclosed by a wall, cardboard boxes, or plants, and that there is at least half a meter of clear space around it. Clean the dust from the fins with a soft brush while the power is off.
3. Remote settings
The problem: The air conditioner works but never cools.
Solution: Make sure the setting is set to Cool , not Fan or Dry, the temperature is lower than room temperature, and the fan is on Auto or High. More than you might imagine, "malfunctions" are caused by this.
4. Freon deficiency
Symptoms: Ice on the outdoor unit pipes, or weak cooling with a hissing sound.
Solution: You need a technician. Important note: Freon doesn't "decrease" with normal use—a decrease indicates a leak. Any technician who refills your Freon without checking for leaks will likely return you to the same problem months later. Request a leak detection first.
5. The compressor is not working.
Display: The indoor fan is working, but the outdoor unit is completely silent.
Solution: The capacitor may be damaged (relatively cheap repair) or the compressor itself (expensive). Diagnosis is needed.
Quick table: Presentation → Likely cause
| What you notice | The most likely reason | Do you need a technician? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling gradually weakens | Dirty filter | no |
| Ice on the pipes | Freon deficiency/clogging | Yes |
| Water dripping from the unit | blocked drain | Yes (simple) |
| bad smell | Mold in the file | Yes (steam cleaning) |
| The Foreign Office is not working | Capacitor or Compressor | Yes |
| It will be disconnected after a few minutes | Thermal/Electrical Protection | Yes |
| It works and never cools down. | Setting up the remote | no |
Before you call the technician
Prepare this information — it saves you time and prevents overpricing:
- The type and capacity of the air conditioner (written on the indoor unit).
- When did the problem appear, and was it gradual or sudden?
- Last time it was cleaned or maintained.
- Photograph any snow, leaks, or warning lights.
Warning sign of a dishonest technician
If a technician arrives and offers to "refill Freon" within two minutes without checking the pressure or detecting leaks—that's a bad sign. Accurate diagnosis requires measuring instruments and time, not a quick glance.