A flap that won’t open will disrupt a split air conditioner’s airflow. But why would a split AC flap refuse to open? You can blame the following:
- An electronic glitch can disrupt the flap, especially if a power outage occurs. According to Daikin, the flap can stop in the open position if a defect cuts the power supply while the flap is open. You expect the flap to close once the power supply resumes. However, the flap can stick in the open position because of a glitch. The same thing may happen if a power outage occurs while the flap is closed.
- Check for obstructions. Moving parts in electronic devices are vulnerable to obstructions. Split air conditioners are exposed to the same dirt and debris that litters your home. That dirt and debris can settle in the hinges, preventing the flaps from opening.
- Split AC flaps are more likely to stick in the closed position when you neglect them. If you routinely forget to lubricate the hinges, don’t be surprised if the flap stays closed or partially opens.
- This video from Raza Refrigeration shows an interesting example of a swing flap that doesn’t work because of broken hinges. In this case, the flap is always open. The AC is designed in such a way that the flap falls open when the hinges stop working. If your split AC has the opposite configuration, and the flap usually falls closed, broken hinges will prevent the component from opening.
- The flap mechanism is bent or broken. If you have the skill, disassemble the split AC to inspect the motor. Is it worn out? Are the gears broken?
- You can’t rule out faulty wiring. Like glitches and obstructions, faulty wiring routinely disrupts electronic devices. Faulty wiring can refer to broken or worn-out conductors and loose connections. Keep in mind that air conditioners vibrate. Those vibrations can worsen because of obstructions, bent fan blades, defective compressors, etc. Those vibrations can interfere with an air conditioner’s internal connections.
- Is the air conditioner new? How does the flap ordinarily open? Some consumers expect the flap to open automatically when the manual instructs them to press the swing button on the remote controller. Have you pressed the button? If you have, but the flap hasn’t responded, is the remote working? Do the other functions respond when you use the remote? Remotes can fail because of a bad circuit board, depleted batteries, and organic wear and tear. Keep in mind that remote controllers have a limited lifespan. They don’t last forever.
- Are you sure the flap is actually closed? Some split AC flaps are programmed to open partially. For one reason or another, they won’t open fully. Check the manual to confirm this theory. Does it mention the angle at which the flap should open?
- Keep the air conditioner’s age in mind. For all you know, you must open the flap manually. Again, it helps to read the manual. It will educate you on the flap’s workings and the best way to open and close the component. Some flaps may stay closed because the mode you selected requires the flap to stay closed. Take the time to understand the unit’s various programs.
How To Fix Split AC Flap That Is Not Opening?
You can ignore a flap that stays open, but the same can’t be said for a flap that stays closed. After all, the flap directs the air. Without it, the split AC won’t control the room temperature in the way you want. You can apply the following solutions:
1). Maintenance
If the flap is jammed because of dirt and debris, you should clean it. But that is a short-term solution. Obstructions form because of poor maintenance. All Purpose Air Conditioning encourages consumers to service their units every 12 months.
The best option is to hire an expert because they can take a more comprehensive approach that involves accessing every corner of the split air conditioner. But if you don’t have the money to hire an expert, you can perform some basic tasks yourself, such as cleaning the vents and replacing damaged filters. Sometimes, wiping the external shell can make all the difference in the world.
2). Vibrations
Like the jammed flap, tightening loose connections is a short-term solution. You should do it all the same, but the problem will arise again in the near future if you permit the vibrations responsible for the loose connections to persist. You can experiment with one or more of the following solutions:
- Install a vibration pad. The vibrating unit will rub against the pad when the compressor runs. Some air conditioners come with vibration pads, but they can wear out, forcing you to secure a replacement.
- Check the screws and bolts. If the air conditioner is noisy, the screws and bolts are probably loose. Technicians typically identify and resolve this issue while servicing the unit.
- If the compressor is defective, you should consider replacing it, especially when it produces a buzzing sound.
- Clean dirty filters.
- Add soundproof blankets.
- Remove foreign objects.
- Fix broken fan blades.
3). Reset
Perform a reset to resolve electronic glitches. Most split AC units don’t provide reset buttons. But you can achieve the correct result by depriving the device of power for several minutes. If you suspect a glitch but the reset has not worked, troubleshoot the circuit board. Replace it where necessary.
4). Replace The Broken Flap
If the flap is broken, you should consider replacing it. If the hinges are stuck, lubricate them. If the gears have obstructions, remove them. This assumes that you’ve eliminated damaged wires as a potential culprit. Don’t hesitate to replace torn wiring. Exposed conductors are a fire and electrocution hazard.
5). Check The Remote
Use the remote to open the flap. If the remote won’t work, replace the batteries, circuit board, or the remote. You can also try manually opening the flap. Make sure you’ve followed the instructions in the manual detailing the procedure for opening the flap.
If all else fails, consider replacing the split AC. These appliances have a lifespan of fifteen to twenty years.