An air conditioner is an essential appliance in our homes and businesses, quietly keeping our spaces comfortable during Melbourne’s hot summer months. However, like all appliances, it can develop problems and need repairs. But how can you tell when your refrigerated cooling system needs repair? We’re here to teach you about the warning signs you need to watch out for, and when to call for professional assistance with refrigerated cooling and heating repairs in Melbourne.
All air conditioning systems use or produce water as a part of the cooling process. This is not normally an issue, but if a part of the system isn’t working correctly, you may notice signs of a leak. These include damp patches on your wall or ceiling, mould growth and a musty, unpleasant smell.
Refrigerated air conditioning produces water as hot air cools in the evaporator. Usually, this water is collected in a drain pan and passes through the drain line into your plumbing system. If the pan is damaged or the line becomes blocked or corroded, then the water can no longer drain effectively and may begin to pool.
These parts should be inspected and then cleaned or replaced by an air conditioning professional.
Refrigerant leaks can be more difficult to notice. As refrigerant is a gas at room temperature, you usually won’t see it pooling or dripping. The most common signs of a refrigerant leak are bubbling or hissing noises, a reduction in cooling effectiveness, or longer-than-usual cycles.
There are a few causes of refrigerant leaks, and most can be avoided with a proper maintenance plan. These include deteriorated seals and valves, broken or corroded pipes, or damage to pipes around the outdoor unit (usually by pets or children playing too close.) These parts can almost always be replaced, and once your unit is regassed, you should see an immediate improvement in the system’s performance.
If your once-quiet cooling system begins to make unusual sounds or starts to smell not quite right, it’s important not to ignore it.
It is completely normal for your air conditioning to make some noises, namely, a few clicks and some fan noises during the start of a cycle, a gentle whooshing while it is running, and a few more clicks during the cool-down phase. However, if your air conditioning is making unusual noises like banging, popping, rattling, hissing, screeching or buzzing, that could be a sign of a problem.
Some common causes include:
While some of these are more minor issues, the best solution is to turn your system off and call a professional for a reverse cycle heating and cooling service.
As for smells, a properly functioning air conditioner should have no discernable smell. If you notice a mouldy, musky or mildew smell, it is possible that there is a water leak in or near the evaporator.
A burning smell could be related to a buildup of dust in filters, or it could be a broken electrical component. If you’ve recently cleaned the filters for the air intake, it’s a good idea to turn off your system and call for a repair. Burning electrical equipment poses a serious fire risk, so it’s better to play it safe!
Contrary to what you might think, ice buildup is a serious problem when it comes to air conditioners. It’s a system designed to cool, so surely ice is a good thing? Not at all!
When your evaporator has a thick layer of ice on it, your system has to work overtime to compensate, which strains the entire system and drastically reduces its effectiveness.
There are two usual culprits for ice buildup – low refrigerant levels or airflow disruptions.
The refrigerant is essential in absorbing heat from your indoor air and releasing it outdoors. When levels are low, the system can’t effectively carry out this heat exchange process, causing the coil to get too cold and freeze the moisture in the air. This can result in ice formation. Low refrigerant levels are usually caused by a leak.
Airflow problems often happen due to blocked or dirty filters. When air can’t flow freely through the system, there’s not enough heat being absorbed. This can cause the coil to cool excessively and freeze the moisture in the air, leading to that dreaded ice buildup. This can be prevented and solved by keeping your filters clean and removing furniture or curtains that may be blocking the air intake vent.
Did you check your recent energy bills and notice a significant increase without any change in your usage patterns? This could be a tell-tale sign that your cooling system is working harder than it should, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and higher energy costs.
A few issues could be causing this spike. The most common and easily solved culprit is a blocked filter. These filters keep dust, debris, and other undesired particles from entering the system. When these filters become blocked or dirty, the system must work harder to maintain an ideal temperature, resulting in increased energy usage.
Worn-out components within the cooling system could also be contributing to increased energy bills. Over time, parts like fans, coils, and compressors deteriorate with regular use, decreasing the system’s overall efficiency. The system then works harder and turns on more often to compensate, leading to a spike in energy usage. Replacing worn parts relieves the stress on the system and can bring your utility bills back down to normal.
If you’ve noticed your cooling system turning on and off more frequently than usual, it may be what professionals refer to as ‘short cycling’. This not only leads to wasted energy but also subjects your system to unnecessary stress, resulting in premature wear and tear.
If your cooling system is short-cycling, it’s important not to ignore the issue. The first step is to check your air filters. If they’re clogged with dust and debris, your system may be working harder to push air through the condenser, leading to short cycling. Replacing or cleaning your filters could solve the problem.
If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, it may be time to call a professional. It’s possible that the problem is more complex, like a refrigerant leak or a faulty compressor—these issues require professional expertise to diagnose and fix.
Your thermostat plays a vital role in the system’s overall performance. It regulates the temperature by turning the system on when the temperature rises and then off when it reaches your optimal indoor temperature. However, when it fails to register the correct temperature or doesn’t work at all, it is an obvious sign of a problem.
If your home consistently feels too warm or too cold despite the thermostat settings, it could be an indication of a faulty thermostat. Another red flag is when the cooling system behaves erratically, with sudden bursts of cold air or prolonged periods of non-activity.
The first step towards fixing thermostat issues is to eliminate simple problems. Make sure that the thermostat is set to the correct mode and the batteries are not run down. You can also search for instructions on resetting your thermostat online. If these checks don’t provide any results or you’re seeing an error code, it’s time to call in the pros. Australian Climate Systems can provide over-the-phone recommendations on other common fixes, and if they are also not effective, we offer quick refrigerated cooling and heating services in Boronia, Camberwell , Healesville and more!
Before choosing to repair your system, it’s important to think about whether or not it’s worth replacing the system instead. Here are the three main factors to consider:
If the repair costs are higher than half the price of a new system, it might be more cost-effective to replace the unit. This is especially true if the system has been operating for ten years or more. Older systems tend to be less efficient than ones made today, and their parts may be harder to find or have been discontinued, which can also increase repair costs.
Much like any other appliance, a cooling system has an expiry date. Generally, systems that are over ten years old tend to have more issues and require more frequent repairs. Not only do these repairs add up in cost, but they also cause interruptions in your comfort, especially during hot summer days.
Minor issues, such as a faulty thermostat or a water leak, can often be repaired without much hassle. However, if the compressor is failing or if there’s significant damage to the condenser or evaporator coils, repairs can be quite expensive. In such cases, replacement may be a better financial decision and also ensures you have a reliable cooling system in place.
A well-functioning refrigerated cooling system is key to maintaining a comfortable living or working environment. By understanding the warning signs and taking action quickly, you can keep your space cool and your energy bills under control. Remember, regular maintenance is the best way to prevent issues and prolong the life of your cooling system.
For professional help with maintenance and repair, Australian Climate Systems is the only team to trust. With over 25 years of experience and fully trained and qualified technicians, we’ve seen it all and solved every issue, so you can be confident in the results we provide. To discuss your concerns or book an appointment for a free quote, contact Australian Climate Systems on 03 9726 4444.