Reverse cycle air conditioners can be an absolute year-round climate-controlling godsend to your home. Not only do they keep you comfortably chill during the sweltering summer heat, but they also keep you warm during the chilly winter months. However, there are times when your air conditioning system might not deliver the warm air you expect.
If you’ve ever felt your reverse cycle air conditioner not heating as it should, the frustration and confusion would no doubt be palpable. Several factors can cause this issue, whether you have ducted air conditioning or use split systems throughout your home.
From dirty air filters to incorrect mode settings, getting your head around these potential problems can help you identify the cause and restore your AC unit to its prime working condition.
Because it’s all about making sure your home stays cosy and warm when you most need it to be.
Why Your Air Conditioning Unit is ONLY Blowing Cold Air
When you have your reverse cycle air conditioner on in winter, and it’s blowing cold air instead of the cosy warmth you need, this could be for any number of reasons:
- Incorrect mode settings: Your air conditioner may be set to cooling mode instead of heat mode. Hey, mistakes happen, right? Check the air conditioner remote and switch to heating mode if you need to.
- Clogged air filters: Clogged ducted air conditioner vents or dirty air filters can restrict airflow. This will typically cause your air conditioner to struggle with getting the hot air flowing properly.
- Thermostat issues: A malfunctioning or incorrectly calibrated thermostat can stop your air con from reaching the desired air temperature.
- Defrost cycle: During cold weather, your reverse cycle system might enter a defrost cycle to protect the outdoor unit, temporarily blowing cool air.
Understanding these potential causes can help you get to the crux of why your reverse cycle AC system isn’t heating properly. Let’s look at each of them in more detail.
Incorrect Air Con Settings and Modes
Incorrect settings can easily lead to your reverse cycle air conditioner not heating as it should.
One of the most common issues with air con units is having the system set to cooling instead of heat mode. It’s also possible that the temperature setting on the AC remote or control panel is too low; this might cause the air conditioner to blow cool air instead of warm. You might have the fan mode set incorrectly to circulate the air from your indoor unit without properly heating it.
Luckily, checking these aircon settings is a relatively simple first troubleshooting step. Determine that your reverse cycle air conditioning unit is set to the correct mode and temperature to enjoy the cosy warmth you crave.
Impact of Dirty Filters on Heating Performance
Dirty or clogged air filters can drastically affect the heating performance of both reverse cycle split air conditioners and ducted systems.
When dust, dirt and debris clog up your air conditioner air filters, they experience a weakened airflow. This makes it all the more harder for the system to effectively circulate warm air throughout your home. Not only that, but clogged filters can also put added stress on key components of your air conditioner. What does this mean for you? In short, it means higher energy consumption and larger energy bills. It can even cause your air conditioner to fail prematurely. Which is the last thing you want.
Regularly checking and cleaning your air filters is a must. Especially if you want your reverse cycle air conditioning system to keep providing consistent, efficient and effective heating throughout your home. And that should be the first thing you want.
External Factors Affecting Heating
External factors, many beyond your control, can certainly affect the heating capabilities of your reverse cycle air conditioning system. These can include significant variables like:
- defrost mode kicking in
- ice build-up, and
- issues with the outdoor unit
During winter and other periods of cold weather, air conditioning systems can enter a defrost cycle. This cycle kicks in to stop ice from forming on the outdoor system. This cycle is a necessary one; unfortunately, though, it does temporarily stop the heating and can cause the unit to blow cool air inside.
Sometimes, though, even the most effective defrost cycle won’t stop ice build-up from occurring on the outdoor unit. When it does happen, it can block airflow and reduce efficiency. Mechanical issues within the outdoor unit, such as a malfunctioning fan motor, can also prevent the system from heating your home effectively.
Internal Components and Mechanical Failures
Internal components and mechanical failures can significantly impact your reverse cycle air conditioner’s ability to heat properly. These can include:
- A blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker can completely shut down the system.
- Refrigerant gas leak can also cause the system to lose its ability to generate warm air.
- A broken thermostat or faulty thermostat sensor can cause incorrect temperature readings. This can stop the indoor unit from reaching your desired temperature.
- A malfunctioning fan motor can cause a weak airflow, making it harder for the system to distribute heat effectively.
Regular inspections and timely repairs by a qualified air con technician can help address these issues.
The Need for Professional Assistance and Regular Maintenance
When your AC unit is experiencing a refrigerant leak, a frequently tripping circuit breaker or indeed any other issue that stops you from enjoying its heat setting in winter, it’s important to seek professional assistance from a repair technician. Equally as important is the need for regular maintenance as well.
A licensed air conditioning technician has the skills, tools and overall expertise to diagnose and fix these issues and more. They can check and adjust the system’s settings, clean condenser coils, and ensure refrigerant levels are correct. And if there is a need for a replacement system, they can make qualified recommendations on the most suitable reverse cycle unit for your home.
But it’s also important to maintain the system yourself as well. Regular maintenance will help you identify potential issues early on so you can nip them in the bud before they escalate into more costly repairs down the line. Consistent maintenance also keeps your air conditioning unit running efficiently, effectively saving you money on energy bills. Everybody wins!
Keeping Your Air Conditioning System Heating Efficiently
To keep your reverse cycle air conditioner heating your home efficiently, it’s important to pay attention to both simple settings and more complex maintenance needs.
You can get around many of the common issues that might stop your system from blowing hot air. However, when problems arise that are beyond the scope of even the most adept DIYer, you’ll need professional assistance from a licensed air conditioner technician.
All in all, with proper care and regular maintenance, your reverse cycle air conditioner will continue to provide the warm air you need during the colder months.
Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.