Air conditioning breakdowns in Cameroon: common causes and practical solutions
In Yaoundé, as in Douala, air conditioning runs almost all year round. It is therefore subjected to considerable strain: constant heat, dust, humidity and, above all, frequent power cuts. As a result, breakdowns often occur more quickly than in temperate climates.
In this article, you’ll discover the most common causes of air-conditioner breakdowns in Cameroon. You’ll also learn what simple steps you can take before calling a technician, and when it becomes essential to call in a professional.
How an air conditioner works, in a nutshell
An air conditioner operates via a closed circuit containing a refrigerant. This refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and then discharges it outside via the compressor and condenser. The cooled air is then returned to the room via the evaporator.
Two types of device dominate the Cameroonian market:
The split air-conditioner, comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. It is found in the majority of offices and homes.
A monobloc or portable air conditioner is more economical, but often less effective in the long run when it comes to tackling localised heat.
Whichever model you choose, it is essential to select the correct size. An air conditioner that is too small for the room has to work constantly. As a result, it breaks down more quickly.
The most common air-conditioning faults in Cameroon
1. The air conditioner does not restart after a power cut
This is the most common fault in this area. After a load shedding event or a sudden power cut, the appliance will not switch back on, or it will display an error code.
Usually, a voltage fluctuation has tripped the circuit breaker or damaged the circuit board. Start by checking the circuit breaker associated with the appliance. Then, wait a few minutes before restarting it, to allow the compressor to stabilise.
If the air conditioner remains silent, the circuit board is probably burnt out. In this case, only a technician can diagnose the problem and replace the component.
Preventative tip: install a surge protector or a UPS upstream of your air conditioner. This equipment provides long-term protection for your electronic devices against mains-related power surges.
2. The indoor unit is no longer cooling properly
The unit is working, but the air coming out is still lukewarm or even hot. In most cases, the filters are clogged with dust, which is particularly prevalent during the dry season.
Clean the filters with lukewarm water, then leave them to dry completely before refitting them. If the cooling does not return, the refrigerant level may be too low due to a leak. This work must be carried out by a qualified refrigeration engineer, as the refrigerant is a pressurised gas.
3. The air conditioner is leaking water
A puddle appears beneath the indoor unit, or water is dripping down the wall. This is usually because the condensate drain pipe is blocked, often by dust or small insects.
Switch off the appliance, then clean the drain pipe using a small, soft brush. Also check that the outdoor unit is still properly sloped to allow water to drain naturally. If the leak persists, it may be an internal seal issue, which should be dealt with by a professional.
4. The outdoor unit is making an unusual noise or vibrating
A slight operating noise is normal. However, a metallic noise, a clattering sound or severe vibration indicates a mechanical fault.
First, check that nothing is obstructing the external fan; leaves, plastic bags or insect nests can easily build up outside. Also check that the unit is securely fixed to its mounting. If the vibrations persist despite this, the compressor or an internal bearing is likely to be the cause. In this case, a service call is required as soon as possible.
5. An unpleasant smell is coming from the appliance
Ambient humidity encourages the growth of mould and bacteria in poorly maintained air-conditioning units. This problem becomes significantly worse during the rainy season.
A thorough clean of the evaporator, the condensate tray and the filters will usually sort out the problem. You should also make sure to run the air conditioner regularly, even outside periods of intense heat. This prevents moisture from building up in the system.
6. The air conditioner switches itself off whilst running
There are several possible causes for this sudden shutdown. Firstly, the compressor may have overheated due to an outdoor unit that is poorly ventilated or installed in direct sunlight without sufficient clearance. Secondly, there may have been a drop in voltage in the local electricity supply.
Clear the area around the outdoor unit, then allow the unit to cool down before restarting it. If the unit keeps switching off despite the area being properly ventilated, have a technician check the power supply and the compressor.
7. The remote control has stopped working
Often, the problem is simply down to the batteries, which are particularly sensitive to heat and humidity. Replace them before carrying out any other checks.
If the air conditioner still does not respond despite having new batteries, check the distance and angle between the remote control and the receiver. As a last resort, the problem may be a fault with the infrared receiver on the indoor unit, in which case the part will need to be replaced.
Preventive maintenance: the key to minimising breakdowns in Cameroon
The local climate requires a more frequent maintenance schedule than in temperate regions. Cleaning the filters every four to six weeks will therefore prevent the majority of the breakdowns mentioned above.
Furthermore, a full technical inspection once or twice a year can help identify a developing leak or a worn-out part before a complete breakdown occurs. Finally, installing an inverter remains one of the most cost-effective investments for extending the lifespan of your air conditioner in the face of recurring power cuts.
When should you call in a professional?
There are some tasks that anyone can carry out: cleaning the filters, clearing the area around the outdoor unit, and replacing the batteries in the remote control. However, any work involving the refrigerant, the compressor or the electrical wiring must be carried out by a qualified technician.
At Œil-sûr, our Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) division handle the design, installation and maintenance of your air-conditioning systems in Yaoundé and throughout the rest of Cameroon. A prompt response minimises damage and extends the lifespan of your equipment.
Key takeaways
- Power cuts and voltage fluctuations are the main cause of air-conditioner breakdowns in Cameroon.
- Dust and damp mean that maintenance is required more frequently than in a temperate climate.
- Some problems sort themselves out – such as cleaning filters or clearing the outdoor unit. Others, however, absolutely must be dealt with by a professional, particularly anything to do with the refrigerant or the compressor.
- A UPS and regular maintenance remain the best safeguards against recurring faults.
FAQ
Why does my air conditioner break down after a power cut?
A power cut followed by a sudden return of power often causes a voltage spike. This spike can damage the circuit board or trip the appliance’s circuit breaker.
How often should filters be cleaned in Cameroon?
In dusty urban areas, cleaning every four to six weeks is recommended, compared with every few months in a temperate climate.
Does a surge protector really protect my air conditioner?
Yes. It stabilises the voltage supplied to the device and absorbs voltage spikes caused by power cuts, thereby significantly reducing the risk of electronic failure.
Can I repair a refrigerant leak myself?
No. This gas is dangerous to handle without the appropriate equipment. Only a qualified refrigeration engineer can locate the leak and repair it safely.
How much does an air-conditioning repair call-out cost in Cameroon?
The cost varies depending on the fault, but a simple diagnosis usually starts at around 15,000 to 50,000 FCFA, excluding replacement parts.
Is your air conditioner showing signs of wear and tear?
Don’t let the next power cut damage it for good.
Our Œil-sûr technicians operate in Yaoundé and throughout Cameroon to diagnose, repair and maintain your air-conditioning system.