Signs your system needs professional aircon maintenance

  • Australia, Americas
  • Residential
  • FAQ’s & Tips

Discover the key signs your air conditioner needs servicing. Avoid costly AC repair with professional aircon maintenance in Australia.

When the weather heats up in Australia, your air conditioner becomes more than just a comfort, it is a necessity. Regular aircon servicing and timely air conditioning maintenance help avoid costly Air Conditioner repair and keep your split system service running at peak efficiency. Below are the most common signs your unit needs professional aircon maintenance, plus what to do next.

  • Poor cooling or heating performance

If your air conditioner struggles to reach the set temperature or takes ages to cool/heat rooms, clogged filters, or failing components may be to blame. Inefficient cooling usually means the unit is working harder than it should, which increases running costs. In Australian homes, heating and cooling can account for a significant share of energy use, so loss of performance matters.

What to do next

Book a professional check to test refrigerant levels, inspect coils, and clean filters. Cleaning and replacing clogged filters can reduce energy use and improve comfort.

  • Unusual noises

Rattling, banging, squealing, or grinding sounds usually point to loose parts or worn components. Left unchecked, these noises can turn a minor fix into a major Air Conditioner repair.

What to do next

Turn the unit off and schedule a technician to prevent further damage. Early intervention keeps repair costs down and extends system life.

  • Higher energy bills

If your electricity bill climbs without a change in usage, reduced system efficiency is a likely culprit. Because heating and cooling can represent 20 to 50 percent of household energy use depending on climate zone, loss of efficiency quickly shows up on your bill.

What to do next

Ask a licensed technician to service the unit. Optimising coils, fans, and filters reduces the workload and helps stabilise running costs. Simple steps like filter cleaning are proven to lower energy consumption.

  • Bad odours

A musty smell often signals mould or mildew in the indoor unit. A burning smell can indicate electrical faults that need urgent attention. Both issues affect performance and indoor air quality.

What to do next

Do a quick visual check of filters and book a professional service. For homeowner guidance on safe DIY cleaning tasks and when to call a pro, see CHOICE’s maintenance tips for Australian households.

  • Water leaks

Some condensation is normal, but visible water pooling around the indoor unit points to a blocked drain line or another fault. Water damage to walls, floors, and furniture can follow if you ignore leaks.

What to do next

Switch off the unit and arrange a service. A professional can unblock drains, check pans, and rule out refrigerant issues quickly and safely.

  • Short cycling

If your system turns on and off more frequently than normal, it is short cycling. Thermostat faults, low refrigerant, and airflow problems are common triggers. Short cycling raises energy use and accelerates wear.

What to do next

Have a technician diagnose the root cause. Fixing airflow restrictions or sensor issues usually restores stable operation and cuts waste.

  • Reduced airflow

Weak airflow from vents suggests a clogged filter, blocked duct, or a failing fan motor. Rooms take longer to cool, you run the system longer, and costs rise.

What to do next

Replace or clean filters first. If airflow remains poor, book a split system service to inspect ducts, fans, and coils. Cleaning or replacing filters is a proven way to reduce consumption.

FAQ: Professional aircon maintenance in Australia

  • How do I know if my air conditioner needs servicing?

Look out for poor cooling, unusual noises, water leaks, bad odours, higher bills, short cycling, or reduced airflow. These are strong signs your system needs professional air conditioning maintenance.

  • How often should I book aircon servicing?

For most Australian homes, plan a split system service yearly, ideally before summer. Keeping filters clean and maintaining the unit helps cut energy use and maintain performance.

  • Can I do air conditioning maintenance myself?

You can safely clean or replace filters and gently clear dust from accessible panels. Leave coil cleaning, electrical diagnostics, and any refrigerant work to licensed professionals. CHOICE outlines what is safe for homeowners and what requires a pro.

  • What happens during a professional aircon service?

A technician will inspect, clean, and test key components, check refrigerant levels, verify electrical safety, and confirm proper drainage and thermostat operation.

  • Is professional aircon maintenance worth it?

Yes. Regular servicing prevents breakdowns, improves energy efficiency, and supports healthy indoor air quality. Given the share of household energy used for climate control, efficiency gains can be meaningful.

Conclusion and next steps

Ignoring warning signs usually leads to higher costs and uncomfortable days at home. Scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance and prompt Air Conditioner repair when needed keeps your home at a comfortable temperature, your bills manageable, and your system running longer. If you have noticed any of the signs above, book professional aircon servicing today.