7 Air conditioning warning signs you need a new air-con system

We are starting to have hot days in Brisbane and it’s time to make sure that your air conditioner is working properly before the heat is in full force.

Many common air conditioning problems can be avoided if you service your unit regularly. It’s better to prevent than to cure, right? Even still, problems happen.

If you notice any of the following issues, it’s time to call for maintenance.

Here are 7 air con warning signs and common AC problems you shouldn’t ignore

Aircon warning sign #1: Strange Sounds and Excessive Vibration

Is your air con making strange noises? Strange sounds coming from your air con signify a problem that shouldn’t be ignored.

Sometimes the unit needs to be repaired and other times it must be replaced.

Higher levels of noise and vibration can have many possible causes, from misaligned shafts to damaged mounting pads. Also, high vibration levels can be a consequence of voltage imbalance or damaged motor windings.

If you are unable to find the source of the strange sound, contact CMC Electrical professionals for assistance.

Aircon warning sign #2: Strange Smells

Another warning sign is strange smells that come from your air conditioner. The interior of air conditioners can accumulate dust and other pollutants over time

A rotten egg smell could be the result of a gas leak, which can be dangerous if left unattended.

Immediate action is required if the smell of mould can be perceived. You need to be aware of all the allergic reactions as mould smells can be highly irritating, especially for asthma patients. We wrote about the most common symptoms of contaminated air conditioning in a previous blog article.

Mould is difficult to eliminate and the presence of mould means you have humidity problems.

An electrical or burning smell might suggest something is overheating. Electrical issues can occur with the motor and various other components of your air conditioner. Electrical fires are extremely dangerous, so it’s best to play it safe and cut off all power to the unit and contact CMC electrical as soon as possible to identify the issue.

All of these issues are serious and potentially life-threatening. Do not ignore them or try to troubleshoot the problem yourself. Call a professional!

Aircon warning sign #3: Reduce airflow

Low or weak airflow could be the result of several different issues. The simplest one is a dirty or clogged air filter. Change your air filter regularly especially if the air conditioning runs often.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, then your air-con may have low refrigerant or there might be a problem with the compressor, a frozen evaporator coil or a problem with ductwork.

Aircon warning sign #4: Poor air quality

Dirt, grease, oil, mould, and other impurities accumulate throughout the unit, obstructing air movement and contaminating the air with harmful mould spores over time.

In our previous blog article, we talked about why should you clean your air conditioner this spring. Make sure you read this article to see if your air con needs a professional cleaning done.

Aircon warning sign #5: Air is not cold

If your unit is blowing air that isn’t cold, it’s time to investigate.

First things first: Check your air conditioner vents for airflow. Hot air when cooling suggests a serious problem like a damaged compressor or it could be a problem with the thermostat or the result if a refrigerant leak.

An air conditioning specialist can inspect your filters, valves, condensation drains and coils for obstructions and may have an easy fix. But if your air conditioning system is worn-out and too past its warranty, you may have no choice but to replace your old unit with a brand new one.

Aircon warning sign #6. Rising Energy Bill

It’s never fun to pay bills, but if you notice that your monthly utility costs are suddenly on the rise, don’t ignore it.

An increase in power bills is normal between winter and summer.

Ideally, you should compare power bills from the same month in two consecutive years. Also, make sure that the increase is not caused by higher electricity costs – do not compare the dollar amount, but rather the kilowatt-hour amount. If kilowatt-hour consumption has increased between two summers and there is no clear cause, your cooling systems probably need maintenance.

Monitor your electricity bill, usage habits, and weather conditions if you see your energy cost is growing. If none of these have changed much and your bill continues to rise, your system is most likely not working as efficiently as it could.

Aircon warning sign #7: Your air conditioning system is old

The average age of an air conditioning unit is about 10-15 years.

If your system is 10 years old or more, it is smart to be on the lookout for trouble. Typically, after 10 years of owning a system is a good idea to consider replacing it. According to industry research, the new air-con systems are as much as 60% more efficient than the ones that were made 10 years ago.

Are you experiencing any of the above warning signs?

Here at CMC Electrical, we can help you understand the complexity of the issue that you have identified. Please contact us today on 0405 081 906 and one of our experienced electricians can let you know what’s the best solution to fix it. We serve consumers all around Brisbane and the surrounding suburbs.