The air conditioning or heat pump isn't cooling (or heating)

Before assuming it's a fault, it's worth checking the mode, the temperature and the filters. Often the unit is fine and the problem is in how it's set up.

What it means

Air conditioners and air-to-water heat pumps are both heat pumps: they move heat from inside to outside to cool, and from outside to inside to heat. To perform well they need the right mode, a set temperature that actually asks them to work, and good air or water flow.

There are two normal behaviours that look like faults. When it's switched on or the mode is changed, the compressor may take a few minutes to start: this is a protection feature. And in winter, the outdoor unit runs defrost cycles: for a few minutes it stops heating and steam may come out.

Most likely causes

Wrong mode or temperature setting. In auto or dehumidify mode, the unit may cool less than you expect.
Dirty filters. Less air gets through and the unit performs worse. In cooling mode, the indoor unit can even ice up.
Outdoor unit blocked by leaves, dirt or something covering the air outlet.
Low refrigerant or a faulty component: a sensor, a fan or the compressor. That's a job for an engineer.

What you can check yourself

Without tools and without opening the unit.

Check the mode on the remote control. The snowflake means cooling and the sun means heating.
Set the temperature a couple of degrees below room temperature to cool, or above it to heat, and give it about ten minutes.
Clean the indoor unit's filters: they pull out by hand; wash them with water and let them dry before putting them back.
Check the outdoor unit: make sure nothing is blocking the air inlet or outlet.

If it's still the same with the right mode and clean filters, or if you see ice on the indoor unit, switch it off and book an engineer.

If any of these happen, take action before we arrive

If the water heater, boiler or heat pump is leaking a lot of water: turn off the main water stopcock in your home and call us on 871 559 176. That stops the leak and saves you from water damage.

If you smell gas: turn off the gas at the shut-off valve and open the windows. Don't touch any switches or plugs, and call us from outside the property.

If the unit is smoking or getting hotter than it should: switch it off, disconnect it from the mains and call us.

If we come out

What we check and how to stop it happening again

What the engineer usually checks

Refrigerant circuit pressures and temperatures
Possible refrigerant leaks
Sensors, fans and compressor
On air-to-water heat pumps, also the water circuit pressure and flow rate

How to catch it early

With clean filters and coils and the pressures where they should be, the unit performs better and uses less energy. That's exactly what we check during maintenance.

See the maintenance plans

Still not sorted?

Book an engineer and give us the code and the model of your unit. That way we know what to bring.

Book an engineer 871 559 176