Various reasons can cause your air conditioner to refuse to heat during winter months, or heat inadequately. While some issues can be resolved independently, others may require professional intervention.
Modern air conditioners, besides cooling in summer, are ideal for providing supplementary heating during winter. Inverter-type units can even serve as the primary heating source when temperatures plummet. However, it’s common for air conditioners to fail to heat properly or not heat at all. Before calling a technician, consider the following:
When Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
If your air conditioner doesn’t respond at all, start by checking the batteries in the remote control, which may fail with the onset of colder temperatures. If the remote is functional but the air conditioner remains unresponsive, try starting it manually using the switch on the indoor unit.
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If the air conditioner still doesn’t respond, verify the outlet’s condition. A tripped circuit breaker could be the culprit. Check the breakers and confirm power to the outlet by plugging in another device, such as a lamp or hairdryer. If everything appears normal but the air conditioner remains inactive, contact a technician.
When Your Air Conditioner Runs But Doesn’t Heat or Heats Weakly
One common issue is when the air conditioner operates but fails to provide sufficient heat. Firstly, check the operating mode of the unit. Each air conditioner can function in either heating or cooling mode, selectable via the MODE switch on the remote control. The heating mode is indicated by a sun symbol or the label HEAT, while cooling mode features a snowflake icon.
Additionally, if the air conditioner is set to fully automatic mode, it may not provide adequate heating. Manually switch to the heating mode. Similarly, if it’s in dehumidification mode, heating won’t occur despite the fan running.
After transitioning from cooling to heating mode, allow a few minutes for warm air to circulate. Adjust the thermostat to a temperature at least five degrees higher than the room’s current temperature to ensure the thermostat triggers.
If the air conditioner starts heating but weakly, inspect the filter for dirt. If heating performance remains insufficient even after cleaning, contact a technician.
Don’t Panic if the Red Light Comes On
During heating mode, the outdoor unit’s defrosting system occasionally activates to melt accumulated ice due to low temperatures. This triggers a pause in the indoor unit’s operation, often indicated by a red light.
The frequency of this occurrence depends on several factors, including outdoor temperature, humidity, and room size. Defrosting typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes, after which the air conditioner should resume normal operation.