With summer approaching, is your air conditioner ready?
If your AC unit isn’t cooling as it should or hasn’t been serviced in a while, read on to find out what you need to do to get ready for the upcoming heat.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The importance of maintaining and servicing your AC unit
- 5 signs your air conditioner needs air con service or air con repair
- Troubleshooting tips for air conditioning issues
- How often to schedule air con service
- What professional air con service includes
- How to know if your air conditioner needs to be repaired or replaced
- Maintenance tips for your air conditioner
The Importance of Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
Along with keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, maintaining your air conditioner is important for keeping the air in your home healthy.
Regular maintenance and professional servicing can extend the lifespan of your AC unit and increase its efficiency and performance.
Without regular maintenance, dirt and debris can accumulate in the unit. Over time, this dirt buildup will decrease efficiency and damage the internal parts.
If dirt and dust accumulate in the coils, internal parts, filters, and fans of the unit, you will likely experience:
- Decreased efficiency
- Lack of proper cooling or heating
- Higher power bills
- Expensive repairs
- Frequent repairs
- Reduced lifespan of the unit
- Reduced air quality
5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Servicing
The sooner a problem is recognised and repaired, the better. Pinpointing a problem right away can reduce the cost of repairs, get you comfortable again sooner, and prevent further damage to your AC unit.
It is important to know the common signs that you need air-con service or air-con repair.
By addressing these problems as soon as possible, you can prevent small issues from turning into major, expensive problems.
Here are 5 signs you need air con service or air-con repair.
1. Insufficient Cooling or Heating
One of the biggest warning signs that your split system AC unit needs repair is insufficient cooling or heating.
If you notice the split system unit struggles to keep the room cool or provides uneven cooling or heating, this may indicate a faulty compressor, clogged air ducts, or refrigerant leak.
Check the filters in the unit to make sure they are clean and not clogged with debris. If the air filters are clean and the unit is still failing to cool sufficiently, contact a professional aircon service technician.
2. Odd Noises
Do you hear rattling, squealing, or grinding sounds coming from your AC unit?
Odd noises coming from an air conditioning unit often point to a mechanical issue, such as a faulty fan belt, motor issues, or components that have worn out.
You can do a bit of troubleshooting for unusual air conditioner noises, but this situation almost always requires professional evaluation.
If you notice odd noises, inspect the unit for any visible damage and contact a professional air con repair technician. Trying to fix complicated mechanical issues without the necessary equipment or training can further damage your AC unit.
3. Leaking Water
Is there water leaking around your air conditioner unit?
If so, this requires immediate attention. Water leakage is likely a sign of a frozen evaporator coil, condensate pump issues, or a problem with the condensate drain line.
When ignored, water leakage can lead to further damage to the unit or promote mould growth.
Check your air con unit for any visible obstructions or blockages in the drain line. If you can clear these blockages it may resolve the issue.
However, when in doubt, it is best to seek professional air con repair to ensure the problem is fully resolved and to prevent damage to your unit.
4. Poor Airflow
An air con unit that is blowing weakly or seems to have restricted airflow may indicate a blowing fan issue, obstructing vents, or clogged air filter.
First, make sure your air filter is clean. If necessary, replace the air filter. Remove any blockages that may be obstructing proper airflow.
If the problem remains, contact a professional air con repair technician.
5. Frequent Cycling
Does your split system air con frequently turn on and off before it completes a full heating or cooling cycle? This issue is known as short cycling.
Thermostat problems, a clogged or dirty air filter, or an insufficient refrigerant charge can all cause short cycling.
To troubleshoot this issue, replace the air filter if needed and double-check your thermostat settings. If you still notice short cycling, contact a professional air con repair technician.
Troubleshooting Tips for Air Conditioner Issues
If you notice split system air conditioning problems, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Inspect and clean all air filters
- Replace the air filter if necessary
- Inspect any visible components
- Check for blockages in the drain line
- Check the thermostat settings
- Clean the vents and clear away any obstructions
If you perform these troubleshooting steps for your AC unit and are still experiencing problems, it is best to contact a professional air con repair technician.
What Does Professional Servicing an AC Unit Include
Professional air con service is a key way to keep your AC unit working as it should. It can also help maximise your unit’s lifespan.
We recommend professional air con service at least once every 12 months for your AC unit.
Although it will vary based on your unit’s condition, model, and age, you can most likely expect the following checks as part of a professional aircon service:
- Thoroughly clean the air filters
- Clean the condenser coils
- Analyse the inside ducts and perform repairs, if necessary
- Ensure the control system is operating correctly
- Make sure the refrigerant levels are where they should be
- Check for proper airflow
- Replace batteries in the control pads or remotes
- Ensure there are no splits or cracks in the electrical wiring
- Replace any missing screws or bolts, if needed
- Inspect all duct connections
- Ensure all functions of the air conditioner unit are working properly
Learn more about getting your car air con serviced: Click here.
How to Know Whether to Repair or Replace an Air Conditioner?
Even with regular maintenance and servicing, all AC units will eventually need to be replaced.
It can be tough to determine whether your air conditioner needs repair or replacement, but here are 6 signs you likely need to replace your air conditioner:
- Your unit is not energy efficient (check the star rating)
- Your unit is overly noisy or making odd sounds
- You see water leaks around the unit
- The unit breaks down often
- Your unit cannot effectively cool a room
- Your AC unit is more than 10 years old
When in doubt, contact our professional air con service technicians. We’ll diagnose any problems with your AC unit and determine whether it can be repaired or if a replacement is the most efficient option.
Related Reading: Signs You Need to Replace Your Split System
Air Conditioner Service Perth Homeowners Can Trust
Have air conditioning problems? Talk with our professional air con service technicians today.
With the upcoming change in season, now is an ideal time to have your air conditioner serviced to make sure it’s ready to handle the summer heat.
We recommended getting AC units professionally serviced at least once a year.
Is your AC unit experiencing issues? Or has it been over a year since it’s been serviced?
Contact our professionals at Air Cond Installs WA to talk about our split system repair Perth home and business owners have come to know and trust.
