Air conditioners in Australia work across hot summers and cold winter mornings. These systems stay active for most of the year and often operate without maintenance until a problem appears. That delay causes performance to drop, energy bills to rise, and long-term damage to develop inside the unit.
Ignoring early warning signs leads to poor cooling, loud operation, and potential health concerns. Servicing your system before it fails helps avoid breakdowns, reduces energy waste, and keeps indoor conditions comfortable.
Here are five signs your system needs servicing.
1. Reduced Airflow from Vents
A clear sign of trouble is weak airflow, especially when the unit is set to high. This often means filters are blocked, internal coils are dirty, or there’s a fan issue. Air conditioning systems rely on steady, unrestricted airflow. When air passes through clogged filters or blocked ducts, performance drops sharply.
If you find yourself increasing the fan speed regularly to feel cool, or if some rooms never reach set temperature, the system may be working harder than it should. Over time, reduced airflow leads to overheating of parts, motor wear, and increased energy use.
Left unresolved, this can shorten the life of the system and lead to costly repairs.
2. Fluid Leaks or Water Drips
Fluid near the indoor or outdoor unit is a sign the system needs attention. Water may leak due to clogged drain lines or tray overflow. In some cases, refrigerant leaks may occur, especially in older systems or those with damaged coils.
Leaks should not be ignored. Water can stain walls, damage nearby furniture, and lead to mould. Refrigerant leaks are more serious — exposure is harmful, and the system cannot operate safely without correct pressure.
Leaks are often caused by blocked drainage, cracked piping, or poor installation. Refilling refrigerant alone will not fix the issue if the source of the leak is not addressed. A technician should inspect the system to prevent further damage.
3. Unusual Noises During Operation
All systems make some noise during normal use, but new or loud sounds can indicate a fault. Rattling, buzzing, or grinding sounds are early signs of mechanical wear.
A rattling sound may come from loose fan blades or internal screws. Buzzing can signal an electrical issue or failing capacitor. Grinding often points to motor or bearing wear.
Ignoring these sounds leads to motor strain, fan damage, or short cycling. If left running in this state, the system can overheat and shut down completely. Early inspection helps avoid permanent damage and extends system life.
4. Strong or Unpleasant Odours
When a unit produces a foul smell during operation, it often means there is bacterial growth, mould inside the system, or a dirty filter. Air conditioning units pull air through filters, and if these filters are saturated with dust and moisture, mould develops.
Odours spread through the house quickly and affect indoor air quality. In homes with asthma, allergies, or children, this creates serious health risks. Air conditioning systems that produce musty or damp smells should be checked immediately.
Smells may also point to stagnant water in the tray, a blocked condensate drain, or dead pests in the ductwork. Servicing removes build-up, clears blockages, and restores safe airflow.
5. Higher Electricity Bills with No Change in Use
If power bills are rising but your usage hasn’t changed, the air conditioning system may be running inefficiently. Dirty coils, blocked filters, or low refrigerant pressure make the unit work harder to maintain temperature.
This extra strain increases run time and power draw. A system that used to cool in 10 minutes might now take 20, doubling electricity use without any extra benefit.
Even brief daily use of an inefficient system can raise bills significantly. A clean, serviced unit runs in shorter cycles and reaches set temperatures faster, reducing overall cost.
How Often Should You Service Your Air Conditioner
Air conditioners used in summer and winter should be serviced once per year. This ensures airflow is maintained, refrigerant levels stay stable, and electrical parts are safe. For systems in constant daily use, filter checks every three months are also recommended.
If the system is near the coast or in high-humidity areas, servicing may need to be done more often. Salt and moisture lead to coil corrosion and fan damage if left untreated.
Why Ignoring These Signs Leads to Costly Repairs
Each of these signs starts as a minor fault. Ignoring them forces the system to work under stress. Fan motors burn out, compressors overheat, and electronic controls can fail under repeated load.
In most cases, servicing early costs far less than emergency repairs or full system replacement. Cleaning filters, testing pressure, flushing drains, and inspecting electrical connections help maintain the unit’s lifespan and reduce the need for callouts during summer peaks.
Hogan Hot Water & Air Conditioning Advice
If you’ve noticed weak airflow, strange sounds, foul odours, or leaks from your air conditioner, book a service now. These signs don’t fix themselves, and delays only lead to more damage and higher costs.
At Hogan Hot Water & Air Conditioning, we inspect, clean, and test every part of your system. With more than 20 years of industry experience, we service split systems, multi-splits, and ducted air conditioners across a wide range of brands.We check airflow, coils, drainage, and electrical parts to keep your home comfortable and safe across all seasons. Don’t wait for a breakdown — contact us today to book your service and restore performance before the weather changes.