A lot of users think that leaving the air conditioner unused for months or even one year will not cause any problems. However, not using air conditioners for a long time will not only influence the cooling effect but also damage the machine itself in many aspects. This article will clarify the reasons and come up with some maintenance tips.

 

I. Potential problems

 

1. Compressor aging, poor lubrication

 

The compressor is the heart of the air conditioner; not using it for a long time will lead to lubricating oil sedimentation and oil film tearing. It will add more friction when starting the air compressor and damage the spare parts inside, even burning the compressor.

 

2. Parts getting damp and rusty inside

 

Both the indoor and outdoor units include metal parts. If not used for a long time without moisture prevention measures, the PCB board and fan motor will get damp and age due to the humidity in the air.

 

3. Dusty filter with breeding bacteria

 

If there is no regular cleaning, the filter will accumulate dust, pollen, and even mold. Not using it for a long time, the air conditioner will be the warm bed for the bacteria. Dirty air will be blown into the room when staring.

 

4. Unseen refrigerant leakage

 

If the air conditioning system has a slight leakage of the refrigerant and is not used for a long time, then it will not be detected timely. Once we go back to use it and find it does not cool, the compressor is already damaged.

 

 

II. Suggestions to maintain an air conditioner without using it for a long time

 

Shorten operation each month

• • It is recommended to turn on the air conditioner for 10-15 minutes every month, even in the non-using seasons. It keeps the compressor, fan, and electric circuit in an active condition.

 

Completely clean the filter and panel

• • Before turning the air conditioner off, it is necessary to clean the air filter and the machine itself to avoid accumulation of the dust and bacteria.

 

Keep a dry environment

• • It is suggested to use dehumidify mode for a period before turning off the AC units to keep the machine dry inside, particularly during the rainy season and in humid areas.

 

Cover the outdoor unit well

• • If the air conditioner is not in use and will be exposed to direct sunlight or rain for a long time, we can use a mask or canvas to cover and protect the outdoor unit and avoid aging.

 

 

III. Tips before reactivating the air conditioner

 

• Clean or change the filter.
• Check the battery and the power supply.
• Supply the power for 2-3 minutes before starting, avoiding voltage surge.
• If poor cooling or a strange smell occurs, please contact the professional team for help.

 

Air conditioners are not meant to be left idle. Not turning them on for long periods of time will damage the machine. Only if we turn it on regularly, clean the filter, take moisture-proof and dust-proof measures, and take such easy steps can we extend the lifespan of air conditioners and ensure safety. The regular maintenance should be a concern, particularly in South China and other tropical countries.

 

An air conditioner is different from cellphones that can be replaced while broken. Most people think, "It can be used as it is still blowing air." In fact, old air conditioners not only consume more electricity and perform poorly in cooling effect but also influence our health. Check the 5 obvious signs below to see if you need to change to new air conditioners.

 

1. Loud noise/Smelly smell

 

Starts like a tractor? Air blowing with a strange smell and humid?

These are signs of aging, going moldy, and the motors abrading inside of the air conditioner. Being exposed under such conditions would lead to health problems, such as headaches, throat discomfort, skin sensitivity, and respiratory illnesses. This should be a concern for households with kids and the elderly.

 

2. Higher and higher electricity bill

 

Same operation habit, but higher and higher costs every month?

The old air conditioners have high power consumption and low efficiency, particularly the non-inverter model. It operates at full speed and obviously consumes more power.

New inverter models could adjust the power consumption according to the ambient temperature, saving energy and keeping silent.

 

 

3. Worse and worse in cooling (heating)

 

Not working after turning it on for a while? Low airflow, slow cooling?

This would result from the compressor aging, refrigerant leakage, the vent blocking, etc. If it doesn't work after times of fixing, then it shows the deep decrease of the performance; it's better to replace it with a brand-new air conditioning unit.

 

4. Malfunctions occur frequently, and it's endless to fix all

 

Not operating today, water leakage tomorrow, and loud noise the day after tomorrow.

If the air conditioner had been repaired 3 times in a year, the charges could afford a new one; then there is no need to fix it. --"Out with the old and in with the new".

 

 

5. Long period (10+ years)

 

The lifespan of air conditioners is normally 8-12 years.

If your AC has been used for 10 years or even longer, then its energy efficiency ratio, cooling effect, and durability are not as good as before, although it could still work.

New inverter air conditioners have a 30% higher energy efficiency ratio; they are more energy-saving and cost-effective in the long run.

 

Replace or not, it consumes health or wealth.

If you have 2 or more similarities with the above, then do not hesitate now. It's time for you and your family to replace it with a more energy-saving, more silent, and healthier air conditioner.

 

Ceiling cassette air conditioners (also known as ceiling mounted air conditioners) are widely used in residential and commercial circumstances. But if air supply is not reasonable, then "dead corners" are easily formed, which influence comfort and energy efficiency. Below are tricks to optimize the air supply and avoid dead corners:

 

I. Optimize the angle and speed of air supply

 

1. Adjust the angle of air outlet reasonably

 

In summer, for cold air, it should face downward 15° -30° to strengthen the coverage of lower cooling.

In winter, for warm air, it should face horizontally or a bit upward, utilizing the rising hot air to achieve even heating in the whole room.

 

2. Adjust the wind speed and swing mode.

 

Using the auto swing function (up/down, left/right) to achieve dynamic circulation and break the static airflow layer.

Moderate wind speed could avoid a sense of strong wind or weak wind in some areas, which are created by too close or too far air supply.

 

 

II. Design of air inlet/outlet

 

3. Rational layout of air outlet.

 

4-way cassette air conditioners should ensure that the vents are not blocked by lamps, beams, columns, etc., avoiding local short circuits.

2-way cassette air conditioners should avoid the vents facing walls directly.

 

4. Keep a distance between air inlet and air outlet

 

Ensuring there is enough distance for air circulation, preventing "short-circuiting air supply" (the air outlet returns directly to the air inlet).

The air inlet should be set in the middle of the room or close to the crowd activity zone, improving air circulation efficiency.

 

 

III. Coordination of environmental and spatial factors

 

5. Coordination of indoor decorations

 

Avoid large home appliances, curtains, etc., that block the airflow path.

Utilizing the reflection surface (such as the ceiling) to help the airflow division evenly.

 

6. Divide the control system by areas.

 

For large spaces, we suggest using multiple air conditioners for zoned air supply and with temperature control probes. It helps to prevent overcooling in the center and overheating in the corners.

 

 

IV. Actual operation and maintenance

 

7. Clean the filter and air vent regularly

 

Blockage will seriously affect the air supply effect, resulting in weak airflow and uneven heating and cooling.

 

8. Adopt an intelligent control system

 

Combined with temperature sensors, variable frequency compressors, and intelligent wind speed regulation, it could dynamically adjust the air supply to achieve balanced cooling/heating.

 

We are a professional ceiling cassette air conditioner manufacturer in China. If you have any problems with how to choose an air conditioner, please contact us for help. We'd be happy to cooperate!

 

Central air conditioner or split air conditioner, it is a common topic in home decoration. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages and are suitable for different needs and scenarios. The following is a comparison from many aspects:

 

1. Room size

 

Central air conditioner

• It is applicable to large houses, villas, and commercial spaces.
• It can cover multiple rooms and is suitable for large areas that require unified temperature control.
• It is concealed for installation and suitable for families pursuing high-end decoration effects.

 

Split air conditioner

• Applicable to small and medium-sized houses, with each room installed independently.
• Each air conditioner is controlled independently, suitable for use scenarios with personalized needs.
• The initial installation cost is low, suitable for users with limited budgets.

 

 

2. Cooling/Heating Capacity

 

Central air conditioner

• High power, suitable for multiple rooms at the same time.
• Even cooling/heating, small temperature fluctuation, high comfort.

 

Split air conditioner

• Good cooling/heating effect for a single room, fast startup.
• Suitable for single-room use, but low energy efficiency when multiple air conditioners are used at the same time.

 

3. Installation and Space Requirements

 

Central air conditioner

• The installation is complex and requires advance planning in conjunction with the decoration (such as ceiling design).
• Hidden installation, high aesthetics, but high requirements for the building height (about 25-30 cm reserved).

 

Split air conditioner

• Easy to install, each room is designed independently.
• It does not affect the structure of the house, but multiple external units may affect the appearance of the exterior wall.

 

 

4. Energy and Operation Cost

 

Central air conditioner

• High energy efficiency, especially variable frequency models, are more energy-efficient when used in multiple rooms at the same time.
• The initial installation cost is high, but the energy consumption is economical in long-term use.

 

Split air conditioner

• The energy consumption of a single unit is low, but the overall energy efficiency is low when multiple units are running at the same time.
• The initial installation cost is low, but the long-term operating cost is high.

 

5. Appearance and decoration matching

 

Central air conditioner

• Hidden design, integrated with the overall decoration, high aesthetics.
• Suitable for modern simple and high-end decoration styles.

 

Split air conditioner

• The appearance is visible (wall-mounted AC, floor standing AC), which may affect the overall decoration style.
• The new model has a strong sense of design and can meet some decoration needs.

 

6. Noise

 

Central air conditioner

• The main unit is placed outdoors, and the operating noise is low.
• The indoor air supply is quiet, suitable for users who are sensitive to noise.

 

Split air conditioner

• There is noise in both indoor and outdoor units, especially in old models.
• The quiet performance of high-end split models is gradually improving.

 

7. Initial cost and maintenance

 

Central air conditioner

• The initial installation cost is high (usually 30,000-100,000￥, depending on the size of the apartment).
• The later maintenance cost is high (such as cleaning pipes and maintaining the main unit).

 

Split air conditioner

• The initial cost of a single unit is low (about 2,000-15,000￥/unit), and the total cost depends on the number of rooms.
• Easy to maintain, and a single unit failure does not affect the use of other rooms.

 

 

8. Comprehensive Pros and Cons

 

Type	Central air conditioner	Split air conditioner
Pros	High power, wide cooling range, suitable for  large rooms	Affordable, space-saving, suitable for small rooms
Cons	Large floor space, high price and energy consumption items	Limited cooling range, low power

 

9. Suitable Crowd and Scenario Advice

 

Central air conditioner

• Suitable for large houses and families who focus on beautiful decoration and comfort.
• Suitable for scenarios where multiple rooms and multiple users are used at the same time, such as villas, offices, etc.

 

Split air conditioner

• Suitable for users in small houses or single rooms.
• Suitable for scenarios with limited budget or short-term use, such as renting a house.

 

10. Suggestions

• If the budget is sufficient and the decoration effect is high, choose a central air conditioner.
• If you pursue economy and practicality and the house area is not large, choose a split air conditioner.
• The choice between the two mainly depends on the house area, budget, decoration plan, and usage requirements.

 

We are professional air conditioner manufacturer with 30+ years experience; if you have a specific room type or budget requirement, please tell us, and we can further recommend a suitable solution for you!