5 signs your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced

It’s likely that your air conditioner has worked hard during the hot summer months and now that winter is just around the corner, you might soon want to turn your AC units on to heat your home. Being able to rely on your air conditioner to make your family comfortable whether you’re hot or cold is something you might easily take for granted. But what happens when you can no longer rely on it?

Just like any other home appliance, your air conditioner needs to be maintained. We compiled a list of 5 signs that help you diagnose if your AC could be in need of a repair or a replacement.

1. Your air conditioner is making strange noises or smells odd

• If you notice an unusual sound coming from your AC, this could be because the fan isn’t working how it’s supposed to. In some cases, a repair might be sufficient, but if you hear a constant rattling or screeching, it could be a more serious problem and a replacement might be necessary.
• Foul odours could mean that the ductwork has become mouldy which can cause serious health issues for everyone in your home. Odd smells shouldn’t be ignored, it’s best to act asap.

2. The AC doesn’t cool or heat as per its temperature settings

• This is one of the most common air conditioning problems. If your unit stops blowing cool or warm air entirely, that could mean that the refrigerant levels are low.

• If your AC doesn’t heat, this might indicate a serious problem, for example, a damaged compressor. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in a professional.

3. The air conditioner is leaking

• A small amount of condensation or water coming from your outdoor unit is normal when it’s in use. But if your AC is leaking or you notice an increase in condensation, it might be time to get it replaced. It’s best to have a professional inspect it for safety reasons straight away!

4. Your energy bill has increased drastically

• One of the biggest indicators that there’s something wrong with your air conditioner is an increased power bill. The best way to find out what’s going on is to undertake an energy audit to find the cause of the increase.
  If your AC is the cause of the large bill, it could be for lots of different reasons such as problems with the condensing coil, old filters or blocked air vents. You might also consider upgrading to a more economical model.

5. Your AC is short cycling

• If your unit switches itself off every now and then or struggles to get started, this is a sign of a malfunction that should be fixed immediately, so your air conditioner doesn’t fail entirely. It may only be a blown fuse, but it could also mean it is time to get your unit replaced.

Notice any of these symptoms? Then it’s time to give us a call!

If it’s been a while since the last time you got your air conditioner serviced, then the post-summer season is the perfect time to book a professional check-up. Give us a call on 1300 712 028 to book a service with one of our qualified HVAC technicians.