Why is my aircon remote not working?

Aircon remote not working: quick checks

First work out which part is at fault. If the indoor unit will not come on at all, even from its own emergency switch, the problem may lie with the unit or its power, and the guide to an aircon not turning on is the better starting point. If the unit runs but ignores the remote, Daikin says in its remote control guide to check that the batteries are placed correctly and not flat, and that the metal contacts are clean.

1. Check the battery direction. Slide off the back cover and match each battery to the + and - marks in the slot.
2. Fit a fresh pair. Daikin's manual says to replace all the batteries at the same time and not to mix old and new.
3. Clean the contacts. Look at the metal springs and plates. Wipe off dust or grime with a dry cloth so each battery sits firmly.
4. Clear the path. Point the remote at the receiver on the indoor unit. Move anything in the way, such as a curtain, a tall plant or boxes stacked on a wardrobe.
5. Move closer. Daikin's manual gives about 7 m as the maximum transmitting distance. In a long HDB living and dining area, try again from mid-room.
6. Test the display. Press a button and watch the screen. A dim or blank display points back to the batteries.

Lights, curtains and interference

Infrared signals need a clear path, and the room itself can get in the way. Daikin's remote controller manual says signals may not be received in rooms with electronic fluorescent lighting, and that curtains or objects between the remote and the receiver stop it working.

The lighting point is worth testing in flats and condos that still use fluorescent tubes. Switch the room lights off and try the remote again. If the aircon responds in the dark but not with the lights on, mention it to your servicing company or the maker.

Curtains are the other usual blocker. In many bedrooms the indoor unit sits near the window, so a heavy blackout curtain can hang across the receiver. Tie it back and test again before you replace anything.

Aircon remote reset

If fresh batteries and clean contacts have not helped, an aircon remote reset is the next step. Every brand has its own method, so the steps below apply to Daikin remotes only.

Daikin says, in its guide to the remote control, to press the On/Off button for two seconds and release it, press it a second time, then press it a third time to restart. Stand close to the indoor unit while you do this so you can see whether it reacts.

For any other brand, look up that model's sequence in the manual or on the maker's support page. Pressing random button combinations may change settings you did not mean to touch, such as the timer. If your home has units from two makers, keep each manual with its own remote. Our Daikin vs Mitsubishi aircon comparison sets two brands side by side if you are weighing up a new unit.

Using the unit without the remote

You do not have to sit in a warm room while you sort out the remote. Daikin's remote controller manual says that if the remote fails because of its batteries, you can use the emergency operation switch on the receiver, and the unit runs in its previous mode.

Where the switch sits varies by model, so check your manual for its position. The same manual says that if the remote still does not work after new batteries, contact the dealer.

Aircon remote replacement

Some remotes are past saving. Daikin's remote controller manual warns against dropping the remote, getting it wet or pressing its buttons with a hard, pointed object. If yours has been through any of those and the checks above failed, an aircon remote replacement is often simpler.

For its own units, Daikin says in its remote control guide to get a new remote from an authorised retailer or its spare parts centre. Whatever the brand, note the model number on the indoor unit's label and on the back of the old remote, and quote both when you order so the new one matches.

Universal remotes are hit and miss. If you would rather have someone confirm the model or test a new remote, ask one of the aircon services companies in the directory to look at it during a visit. Quotes depend on the job, so ask when you book.

When it is the unit, not the remote

Sometimes the remote is fine and the aircon is the problem. These signs point to the unit:

• The display is clear with fresh batteries, yet nothing happens at any distance.
• The emergency switch does nothing either.
• The indoor unit shows blinking lights.
• The unit turns on but the room does not cool.

Blinking lights usually flag a fault, and what each pattern means differs by brand and model, so look it up in your manual first. If the unit blows air but the room stays warm, the guide on aircon not cold covers what to check next. If the unit is overdue for a clean, compare aircon servicing companies before you book.

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