Resolving Your Spot Cooler Problems

Resolving Your Spot Cooler Problems

You depend on your spot cooler to keep your space comfortable and cool in the Miami heat. As the ideal solution for cooling small spaces, air-cooled or water-cooled spot coolers get the job done delivering a comfortable environment wherever and whenever they are needed. Spot coolers are ideal during an emergency, for keeping your operations running smoothly, and in maximizing production. But what happens when your spot cool won’t turn on or isn’t cooling your space properly? While these issues sometimes mean your spot cooler needs service or repair, you may be able to troubleshoot the issue without having to call in the professionals to help.

Troubleshooting your Malfunctioning Spot Cooler

Before you make the call for service or repair, try these troubleshooting tips:

  • Ensure the power source is connected and functioning properly. You can do so by checking the voltage, as well as the fuse or circuit breaker.
  • Check your unit’s air filters. If dirty, they may simply need to be cleaned according to manufacturer’s direction.
  • Inspect the drain tank to ensure it is fully drained.

Spot Cooler Issues and Causes

When your spot cooler won’t turn on, here are some of the common causes. The most frequent cause is at the power source. Check to ensure power is connected at the terminal or relay board, or the receptacle. Ensure wire connections are connected. A defective part – drain tank switch, control board, relay board, or board fuse – may also be causing your spot cooler to not turn on.

If your space cooler turns on and powers down immediately, there is likely a defect in one of the following areas: the fan motor, the compressor motor, the relay board, or the overload relay.

Should your unit turn on and only remain on for a short period of time, a defective fan motor,  compressor motor, or overload relay could be the reason. In addition, a drain tank filled to capacity or a fan mode set to stop could be the cause.

When water is leaking from your spot cooler, the problem is often associated with the drain tank. A defective or damaged drain tank, as well as an improperly installed one can cause leakage. If the drain pan hole is blocked, leaking will also occur.

For poor airflow from your spot cooler, the most common cause is the fan motor has inadvertently been switched to low or the unit is running without a filter in place. If not, the cause could be a clog in the evaporator, condenser, or spin fin. A defective fan motor could also cause impeded air flow in your unit.

Insufficient cooling from your spot cooler may result from a number of reasons. It is often not noticed immediately because the unit turns on and cool air is emitting from it, but soon you realize it isn’t cooling as effectively. In the greater Miami area this could mean environmental elements are more than your spot cooler can handle and you need a more powerful unit. Another common cause of reduced cooling capability is a clogged air filter or clogged spine fins. If the temperature on the spot cooler is set higher than the room temperature or the thermometer is defective, lack of cooling will result. A leak in the refrigerant or compressor failure could also cause insufficient cooling from your unit.

Should your compressor stop working, there are a number of common causes including a spot cooler set to “fan only” rather than “cool.” Again, if the temperature is set to a temperature higher than that of the room, the compressor will stop working. Should the condensate pump, the compression capacitor, the overload relay, the thermometer, the relay board, control board, or motor be defective, the unit will not work. Missing wire connections or an improperly installed jumper can also cause compressor malfunction.

Is your Cooling Power spot cooler malfunctioning? Call today, we can help!