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May 20th, 2024

Worried about your air conditioner? You’re not alone. Air conditioning issues can rear their head in a wide variety of ways, and it’s very important that you take action as soon as these signs first arise. 

When well-functioning, an air conditioner offers excellent climate control and comfort. However, like all devices and equipment, they still need regular upkeep to perform at their best. This is why we’ve compiled a quick list of the top 5 signs your air conditioner needs immediate repair.

Keep reading to find out what these signs are and how to get professional help!

Why are Air Conditioning Repairs so Important?

We rely on air conditioning systems almost every day. From relaxing at home to commuting to work, visiting the movies or enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, these systems allow us to stay comfortable in a variety of different weather conditions.

On average, most existing air conditioners have a shelf-life of between 15-20 years. Unfortunately, much like the cars we drive, these units are still vulnerable to technical, electrical, and functional faults. So, whether you own split systems, evaporative coolers or ducted reverse cycle, every owner should always be proactive and stay on top of air conditioning issues. 
For starters, this approach can save you a significant amount of money, be it in the form of lower power bills or the often hefty costs associated with getting an air con system replaced. Faulty heating and cooling systems may also cause damage to your property. We will cover this further in our section on leaks and puddles.

The Top 5 Signs

First things first, if your air conditioner doesn’t turn at all, contact a local heating and cooling specialist as soon as possible. However, there are many other key signs that your air conditioner needs immediate repairs or, at the least, needs to be checked by a licensed and qualified HVAC technician. 

While the following signs aren’t the only indications of a faulty AC system, they are certainly worthy of your attention!

Our top five signs are:

  1. Unusual Odours and Smells
  2. Strange Noises and Sounds
  3. Higher Power Bills
  4. Leaks and Puddles
  5. Poor Temperature Control

Noticed any of these issues? Give us a call and we’ll turn up with a solution in a swish. Our licensed technicians can perform a thorough air conditioning service for an affordable price. Reach out to us now to arrange an inspection!

Unusual Odours and Smells

Foul or strange odours are never pleasant, but in this case, they can also be a serious cause for concern. This is even more relevant for newer split systems and ducted systems that come with excellent air purification technology. Therefore, if you own a new system and strange smells start to waft through your property, reach out to a professional straight away. 

Here are some of the smells/odours that you may come across:

  1. Musty: Indicates the presence of mould or mildew within the system, which can lead to health issues if not addressed promptly.
  1. Burnt/Electrical: Suggests potential electrical problems within the HVAC unit, which could pose a fire hazard if left unresolved.
  1. Rotten Egg: This can signify a gas leak, which is extremely dangerous and requires immediate attention to prevent health risks and explosions.
  1. Chemical or Pungent Indicates the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials or cleaning products, potentially causing respiratory irritation.
  2. Sewage: Could indicate a blockage or leak in the sewage system, posing health risks and requiring plumbing repairs.

Strange Noises and Sounds

Much like strange odours, the audible signs are also a common indicator that something has gone awry. These sounds may appear as soon as you turn the air conditioner on, or when the system is struggling to perform at certain modes and temperature settings. If these sounds are persistent, there’s no better time than now to contact a local heating and cooling team. 

Let’s give some practical examples of the sounds you might hear for each type of air conditioning system:

Split Systems

  1. Hissing/Whistling: Indicates a refrigerant leak, common in split systems due to potential issues with the refrigerant lines or connections.
  1. Clicking/Tapping: Could signify a faulty relay or electrical component, often heard when the compressor tries to start.
  1. Banging/Clanking: Indicates loose or damaged parts within the compressor or other mechanical components, potentially caused by wear and tear.
  2. Buzzing/Humming: Suggests electrical issues such as loose wiring or a failing motor, which can occur in both indoor and outdoor units of split systems.

If you’re looking for reliable split system air conditioner service Maroondah Services offers expert care to keep your unit running smoothly and prevent costly issues.

Ducted Systems

  1. Rattling/Vibrating: Indicates loose ductwork or components within the ducted system, which can result from poor installation or wear over time.
  1. Whining/Screeching: This indicates issues with the blower motor or fan belt, which are common in ducted systems due to the presence of multiple air handling units.
  1. Thumping/Bumping: Can signify debris or foreign objects lodged within the ductwork, causing disruptions to airflow and creating noise.
  2. Gurgling/Sloshing: Indicates issues with the condensate drain line, often heard when there is a blockage or improper drainage, which is more prevalent in ducted systems due to their complexity.

For expert ducted air conditioning services trust Maroondah Air Services to keep your system efficient and your home comfortable year-round.

Portable and Window Units

  1. Sizzling/Popping: Indicates issues with the refrigerant or compressor, commonly heard in portable or window units due to their compact design.
  1. Squealing/Grinding: Indicates issues with the fan or motor, often heard when there is excessive wear or misalignment in these components.
  2. Humming/Buzzing: Suggests electrical issues such as a faulty capacitor or compressor, which can occur in both portable and window units.
Portable and windows air conditioning unit

Higher Power Bills

Although power bills are on the rise in Melbourne, a major spike in your monthly or quality figure could indicate that something is seriously wrong. Unless someone at the property has been using the AC unit to an excessive degree, this is another common sign that it requires immediate repairs or maintenance. 

A sudden spike in your utility bills is alarming but will be temporary if you contact the professionals and get a licensed technician to carry out an inspection. Of course, we’re mostly referring to periods that fall outside the regular peak times of usage (such as the height of summer).

So, what may be the cause of these higher power bills? Let’s explore a few common examples:

  1. Dirty or Clogged Filters: Restricted airflow due to dirty filters forces the system to work harder, increasing energy consumption. Regular filter cleaning or replacement improves airflow and reduces power usage.
  1. Refrigerant Leaks: Low refrigerant levels lead to longer cooling cycles and higher energy consumption. Repairing leaks restores system efficiency and reduces power usage.
  1. Faulty Components: Worn-out or malfunctioning components result in inefficient operation and increased energy consumption. Repairing or replacing faulty parts improves efficiency and lowers power bills.
  1. Poor Insulation or Ductwork: Leaks or inadequate insulation cause cooled air to escape, making the system work harder. Sealing leaks and improving insulation enhances efficiency and reduces energy consumption.
  2. Improper Sizing or Installation: Inefficient operation due to incorrect sizing or installation leads to higher energy usage. Proper sizing and installation optimise performance and reduce power bills.

Leaks and Puddles

Noticed leaks, puddles, or a build-up of liquid near any of your air conditioners components? While a little condensation is normal and generally nothing to worry about, anything more significant can be cause for concern.

Whether these leaks and puddles appear inside the property or near the outdoor condenser units, we recommend that you get your system checked as soon as possible. One of key reasons for this is that leaks may be caused by blockages in pipes or ductwork, which can then lead to more significant damage.

Here is what each issue may mean for you:

  1. Leaks: Excessive leaks near air conditioner components may indicate blockages in pipes or ductwork, potentially leading to water damage within the property if not addressed promptly.
  1. Puddles: Significant puddles around the air conditioner suggest a potential issue requiring inspection, as they could indicate leaks in the system or improper drainage.
  1. Ceiling Damage: Weathering damage on ceilings near air conditioner units could signify leaks or condensation problems, which may compromise the structural integrity of the ceiling if left unattended.

Found worrying refrigerant leaks or puddles at your home? We are the leading experts for air con repairs in Melbourne’s East. Whether you need assistance for gas heater replacement in Bayswater or Box Hill air conditioning, our team is always ready to lend a helping hand!

Poor Temperature Control

Ideally, your air conditioner (whether wall mounted, portable or ducted), will be able to seamlessly shift between different temperature settings and provide optimal comfort. When they struggle to do so, or are simply blowing out hot air instead of cool, chances are your system needs to be repaired. 

Some older air conditioners, for example, struggle to operate when the outside temperature is too high. Generally, this is a sign of problems with the condenser unit of the air compressor. It may also mean that there isn’t a sufficient amount of refrigerant liquid in the system.

Here are practical examples of these issues:

  1. Inconsistent Cooling in Different Modes: If your air conditioner fails to maintain consistent cooling across different modes (such as cooling, heating, or fan-only modes), it may indicate issues with the thermostat or compressor, requiring professional attention.
  1. Ineffective Sleep Modes: If the air conditioner’s sleep mode fails to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night, it could indicate problems with temperature calibration or airflow regulation, necessitating adjustments or repairs.
  1. Failure to Match Set Temperature: When the air conditioner struggles to reach or maintain the set temperature, it suggests issues with temperature sensing, thermostat calibration, or airflow regulation. This may require recalibration or repairs to ensure accurate temperature control.
  2. Blowing Hot Air: If the air conditioner blows out hot air instead of cool air, it could indicate problems with the compressor, refrigerant levels, or airflow obstruction. Immediate inspection and repair are necessary to restore cooling functionality.

Why You Should Always Contact the Experts

Air conditioning systems are not only complex but also positioned in hard-to-reach areas. This ultimately makes DIY repairs very difficult. In addition, there are serious safety risks that come with attempting to fix these problems yourself. Put simply, you should leave it to the professionals.

Only heating and cooling specialists have the required training, licences, knowledge, skillset, and equipment to carry out a thorough inspection of your air conditioning system. After this, they’ll provide an accurate assessment of the situation at hand and then provide a quote on the costs needed for repairs.

expert electrition repair air conditioner

Organise an Air Conditioning Service in Melbourne

When it comes to your air conditioner, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Whether you’ve noticed strange noises and odours, or refrigerant leaks and inconsistent cooling, our experts can carry out a detailed air conditioning service and determine the best course of action. 


Welcome to Maroondah Air Services, where our award-winning team offers high-quality air conditioning service, repairs, and maintenance in Melbourne. You can contact us today to speak to an expert on the right air conditioners for your home, save money on your energy bills and keep your family comfortable, no matter the weather!

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