Common Air Conditioner Problems & Troubleshooting Tips

With temperatures soaring and energy bills through the roof, a busted AC can turn your home into a sauna.

Many common aircon problems, however, can be sorted with a bit of know-how and elbow grease.

Starting with the basics

Before you start panicking or calling in the Good Maintenance cavalry, take a deep breath and run through these two simple checks. You'd be surprised how often the "problem" is something ridiculously simple:

1. Check your thermostat. Sounds obvious, but you wouldn't believe how many service calls happen because someone accidentally switched it to heat mode or the temperature's set wrong. Make sure it's in cooling mode and set at least 5 degrees below the current room temperature.

1. Have a squiz at your circuit breakers. If your AC breaker has tripped, there's usually a reason, so don't just flip it back on without investigating further.

The air filter (Your AC's bestie)

A dirty air filter is behind lots of aircon problems. When that filter gets clogged up with dust, pet hair, and general household grime, it's like trying to breathe through a pillow. Your system has to work overtime, which leads to a whole cascade of issues. A blocked filter means weak airflow, plus it can cause your evaporator coils to freeze up. When those coils thaw out, you'll end up with water leaking everywhere.

Check your filter monthly during summer when you're using the system heavily. If it looks like it's been through a dust storm, clean it if it's reusable or chuck it and grab a new one. Always turn the system off first, as you don't want unfiltered air getting sucked through while you're mucking about.

The outside matters too

Your outdoor unit (the condenser) needs breathing room. If it's surrounded by overgrown shrubs, stacked with garden tools, or covered in leaves, it can't do its job properly. Keep at least a metre clear all around it, and give it a gentle hose down occasionally to remove built-up dirt and grime.

Inside your house, make sure all your vents are open and unblocked. Moving furniture in front of vents or closing them off "to save energy" actually makes your system work harder, not easier. Air conditioning systems are designed to have consistent airflow throughout your home.

Red flag symptoms for when things get serious

Some problems scream "call a Good Maintenance immediately," and ignoring them can turn a manageable repair into a complete system replacement:

• Your aircon should purr like a contented cat, not sound like a freight train. Banging, clanging, or rattling usually means something's come loose or broken inside. A high-pitched squeal often points to belt problems, while hissing or bubbling sounds could indicate a refrigerant leak.

• While a little condensation is normal, pools of water around your unit aren't. This usually points to blocked drain lines or frozen coils, both of which need professional attention to prevent water damage to your home.

• If your system's blowing warm air after you've checked the obvious stuff (thermostat settings, filter, circuit breakers), you're likely looking at refrigerant issues or compressor problems. Neither are DIY jobs.

Refrigerant leaks are no joke

Low refrigerant forces your compressor to work harder, which can lead to complete system failure. Even worse, refrigerant fumes can make you feel dizzy, nauseous, or worse. If you notice a sweet, chemical smell or see ice forming on your refrigerant lines during summer, turn the system off and call one of our licensed technicians immediately.

Compressor troubles

The compressor is basically your AC's engine. When it starts failing, you'll know about it. Circuit breakers that keep tripping, the unit shaking or vibrating on startup, or dramatically reduced airflow are all warning signs. A compressor replacement can be expensive, so catching problems early is crucial.

Anything involving refrigerant, electrical components, or major mechanical parts should be left to licensed professionals like the team at Good Maintenance. All of our techs hold a valid Australian Refrigeration License and carry public liability insurance for your peace of mind.

Prevention is better than a cure

In our harsh climate, twice-yearly servicing is smart planning. Caring for your air conditioner is about comfort, safety, health, and keeping your energy bills from sending you broke. A little bit of regular maintenance and quick action when problems arise can keep you cool, comfortable, and financially sound when the mercury rises.