If it’s blowing hot when you want it cold, it’s making noises it’s never made before, or the darn thing won’t even turn on, they’re all extremely frustrating air conditioner problems. But they’re not going to actually affect your health in any significant way – other than driving up your stress! But when you’re spotting the signs that you might have mould in air conditioner units at your place, it’s definitely time to worry.
Did you know your air conditioner could actually be bad for you? If you think about it a little longer, it shouldn’t really be a surprise – because if your air conditioner is pumping out air, how sure are you that it’s pure, clean and healthy?
Why is mould in air conditioner units bad?
If mould or bacteria has started to grow inside your air conditioner, and that air is being efficiently blown all over your home – and that’s not good at the best of times. But if you’re already suffering from allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues, things just got even worse:
Allergies: Even if you’re not seriously allergic to mould spores, they can still make you sneeze, cause your nose to run, itchy eyes and irritated skin.
Respiratory problems: Again, even with no underlying respiratory problems, mould in aircon technology can trigger quite alarming reactions. We’re talking coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath – which are obviously very big deals if you already have health issues.
Infections: All of us, however, are prone to fungal infections if our respiratory systems are exposed to certain types of mould. These infections can affect the sinuses, lungs and all the other systems in our bodies.
Toxic reactions: An alarming number of types of mould produce something called mycotoxins – and, as you can guess, it’s pretty nasty stuff. They can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue – or much worse, unfortunately. And, unfortunately again, plenty of these mould types grow inside air conditioners – including aspergillus, black mould, penicillium and more.
Asthma: There are plenty of studies out there proving that exposure to mould, especially in early childhood but even in adulthood, can lead to the development of asthma – which we all know can be mild to ultimately fatal.
5 signs you need air conditioner mould removal
Are you worried your air conditioner might already be blowing mould spores directly into the respiratory systems of the people and spaces you love? If so, watch out for these 5 common symptoms:
1. The smell
If your air conditioner smells musty, that’s an early sign of air conditioner mould. And if you actually see mould, you don’t need to investigate any further.
2. Stained air filter
Often, it’s your air filter that is growing the mould – and if it’s particularly bad, it may be discoloured or stained. But especially if you can actually see visible dust blowing out of the vents, the problem has become particularly bad.
3. Feeling damp?
If the air is suddenly feeling more damp or humid, start to worry about mould.
4. Allergies
Are you suddenly sneezing, your nose is running, or your eyes and skin are itchy? Oh dear – that could be mould.
5. More serious symptoms
If your symptoms are more severe, like breathing problems, wheezing, coughing, headaches, fatigue, asthma attacks or infections such as those affecting the sinuses, it’s definitely time to investigate if mould in air conditioner units at your place is the culprit.
Mould in aircon? We can help!
But even if your air conditioner is just not working properly, or you have a slight sore throat, the air tastes a little sour or something simply doesn’t feel right, it’s definitely time to figure out if mould could be the culprit.
Need fast, affordable, professional air conditioner cleaning and mould removal? Here at Air Conditioner Repair Service, we don’t just repair air conditioners – we’ll get rid of every last spore of mould by using the latest and most innovative techniques, technologies, products and experience-based expertise. Just want that mould gone – fast? Give Air Conditioner Repairs a shout today.
Do you live in a home in which the ideal air conditioner temperature for one person is a little too chilly or a little too sweaty for the others? At the end of the day, whether some people are wearing a jumper indoors in summer or wearing t-shirts and shorts inside in the dead of winter, the best aircon temperature is about a little more than mere personal preference.
Why does air conditioner temperature matter?
No matter what number on that thermostatic is your personal favourite, there are a few other reasons why knowing the optimal air conditioner temperature really does matter:
Energy efficiency: Like it or not, there is an ideal air conditioner temperature for electricity savings. Obviously, your air conditioner is the most energy efficient when switched off, so it’s important to remember – especially as our energy costs in Australia skyrocket – that the cooler your home is in summer, and the hotter it is in winter, is going to cost you more.
Wear & tear: Obviously, demanding more from your air conditioner than is necessary will also unnecessarily add to your expensive investment’s wear & tear – including repair, servicing and replacement bills.
System performance: The temperature you set for your air conditioner can also impact its performance. If you set the temperature too low in cooling mode or too high in heating mode, your system may have to work harder to achieve and maintain the desired temperature, which can lead to increased wear and tear on the system, reduced efficiency, and potentially higher air conditioner maintenance costs.
Did we convince you that knowing the best temperature for reverse cycle heating and cooling is more important than you thought? Well, the next question is obvious:
What is the optimum air conditioning temperature?
The answer is a little different depending on whether your system is heating up the air or cooling it down because the emphasis is on getting your air conditioner to only work as hard as it needs to. Remember, it’s not a fireplace or a freezer – it’s an air conditioner. Setting your air conditioner to its extreme is therefore something you should only do if the temperature outside is quite similar to that setting.
For instance, if it’s 32°C outside, setting your air conditioner to 30°C won’t ask it to do very much. But if it’s 5°C outside and you request 30°C, you’re basically telling your system to work as hard as it can – indefinitely.
The best temperature for aircon technologies of all types also depends on your local climate, the presence of humidity, and the size and insulation of the space you’re asking to be conditioned. That being said, the ideal air conditioner temperature always depends on whether it’s summer or winter:
1. For cooling
According to Australia’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources, the ideal air conditioner temperature for the cooling mode in summer is 24-26°C. Moreover, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) recommends a maximum of 26°C for commercial spaces, while the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) suggests a target of 25°C.
Why is the ideal air con temp 24-26C? Based on the widely-accepted ‘comfort zone’ for most people, it’s considered neither oppressively hot nor uncomfortably chilly in just about any circumstance.
2. For heating
However, the same Australian government sources declare that 18-20°C is more than sufficient to stay comfortable and warm in the winter – even if you have to wear a jumper. But the same goes for summer, where 24-26°C will probably mean you shed that jumper and wear a t-shirt. Remember, we’re talking here about the ideal air conditioner temperature for electricity savings and the wear & tear of your system.
It’s also important to note that some air conditioner manufacturers may recommend something a little cooler in summer (22-24°C) or warmer in winter (19-22°C) for optimal efficiency, performance and longevity, bearing in mind that there’s always a little wiggle room for your circumstances and preferences.
Need to know more about the best aircon temperature?
And remember: if something goes wrong, you can always rely on Air Conditioner Repair Service. Not only do we repair, install, service, re-gas and clean all types of air conditioners Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and beyond, we know absolutely everything there is to know about how to keep getting the most out of your particular system. For swift local service and a 100% workmanship guarantee, call Air Conditioner Repairs today.
In modern Queensland and Australia, it’s not a stretch to declare that absolutely everyone should be within reach of an air conditioner ‘on’ button. That’s because it doesn’t just cool us down on a hot day (or vice versa), but because leaving your body at an uncomfortable temperature is bad for your physical and even mental health. But if you’re in the market for a new system, the most fundamental choice you’re going to face is between the two most popular air conditioner types: ducted vs split system.
Split system VS ducted air conditioning
Before we do anything else, we’ll need to define those terms:
Ducted air conditioning, which can be either reverse cycle or evaporative, typically consists of a central outdoor unit that feeds a series and network of ducts delivering conditioned air to a home’s various rooms.
Split system air conditioning also has an outdoor unit, but it’s normally situated on the ground rather than the roof. It is then connected to a single indoor unit – although multiple indoor units can be interconnected to create a ‘multi-split’ network serving multiple rooms. Normally, however, the single indoor unit is small, sleek, wall-mounted and ‘smart’.
Split system or ducted? 10 ways to choose
So, is choosing between a split system vs ducted more like choosing between a Mac or PC, or a pair of figure skating skates versus gumboots? Actually, there are plenty of factors to weigh into your decision – so let’s get started:
1. The installation
Because of the customary roof installation, not to mention those ceiling ducts connecting the outdoor unit with the various rooms, the installation of a fully ducted air conditioner is a lot more complex.
2. Upfront cost
Unit-plus-installation cost for ducted systems can quickly start to nudge $10,000, while a split system setup will save you at least half of that amount – and probably much more than that, to be honest.
3. Ongoing cost
Generally, it’s no surprise that running a full ducted system will cost more, although evaporative units are very cost-effective. Modern zoning systems also mean you have quite a lot of control over how your system delivers its air within your home, but it’s no stretch to surmise that running a single split system is definitely cheaper.
4. Effectiveness
Cheaper, yes, but your single split system will only heat a moderately-sized area or a single room. To make your whole house cosy, a fully ducted system is recommended.
5. Noise
While noise used to be a relevant factor, modern technology keeps chipping away at this issue no matter which air conditioning type you choose. In fact, if your ducted or split system is bothering you in the noise department, it’s probably well overdue for a service either way.
6. Aesthetics
Within a home, the only real sign of your ducted system is the modest vents in the ceilings – and the look usually implies that you’re in a fully decked-out modern home. By the same token, a modern split system is sleek and futuristic-looking, but it comes with a less attractive outdoor unit. Ducted systems, on the other hand, normally tuck the outdoor unit away on the roof.
7. Suitability
For a multi-storey home, it’s going to be difficult running those ducts downstairs – so the solution may be ducted upstairs and split systems below. Ducted, meanwhile, requires sufficient roof space, while a split system needs a suitable place both on the wall and on the other side of it.
8. Longevity
Basically, air conditioner manufacturers offer similar-length warranties on both split system and ducted technologies – although you can generally expect your ducted unit to last longer. As ever, how long your air conditioner system lasts also depends on routine and professional servicing, including regular cleaning of filters.
9. Health
The upside of a split system is that it makes the air cleaner as it works. The downside, though, is that a poorly maintained unit is more likely to start spreading bacteria and other nasty air around your home – although it’s true that those ducts can get extremely dirty too.
10. Heating
An evaporative ducted system will only cool your home, but apart from that both split systems and ducted systems are fully reverse cycle – meaning they’ll heat as well as do the ‘reverse’.
Ducted or split system: Need to know more?
Need some extra help to choose between ducted air conditioning vs split system for your home, budget & circumstances? Not only can the experienced air conditioning specialists here at Air Conditioner Repair Service help guide your choice, but we can also:
Ducted vs split? We have all the answers right here at Air Conditioner Repair Service, operating across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and beyond. Get in touch with our friendly air conditioning technicians today.
It’s not a controversial claim to suggest that Queensland and Australia are rather hot. Head north and it’s also rather sticky and humid, while the highland climates – and elsewhere – easily dip into below-freezing conditions in the colder seasons. The answer, of course, is a quality modern air conditioner, which these days is considered a must-have all over the region and country. All the fundamentally different technologies and air conditioning types, however, makes selecting the perfect system for your home rather difficult.
But we’re here to help! We install, service and repair so many different types of air conditioning systems all over Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and beyond each and every day, so we’re well placed to demystify the 6 major air con types that you should know about:
1. Ducted
The fully kitted-out Aussie home is likely to have one of the ducted air conditioner types, which is perfect to cool or warm every corner of a larger home. It achieves this with a central unit that delivers conditioned air via vents and holes – known as ducts – in the walls or ceiling and circulates that air with return ducts.
2. Split system
You might call these popular types of air conditioners ‘ductless’, as there is an outdoor unit but typically a single indoor unit that is normally wall-mounted. However, multi-split systems network more than one indoor unit with the same single outdoor compressor, although a standard split system is what you need to cool just a single room or area.
3. Evaporative/reverse cycle
Owners of ducted air conditioners might tell you that their system is either evaporative or reverse cycle – with the former only cooling a house via a clever but simple and affordable process of evaporating water. Reverse cycle, on the other hand, describes any types of air conditioning system that both cools and warms a home – including both ducted as well as split systems. They work by absorbing outside air and then either cooling it with refrigerant gas or doing the ‘reverse’ for heat.
4. Window/floor
Window or floor-mounted types of air conditioning systems cover various technology iterations, but the crucial point is that they are standalone units. Window air conditioners sit conveniently (or inconveniently, depending on your perspective) in a window, and it’s perfect for a small space. Floor-mounted systems, meanwhile, sit on the floor, making them very versatile when outdoor units or the ability to locate a system on a wall are less possible.
5. Portable
Of the different types of air conditioning, portable systems are the simplest – normally because you can pick one up from a ‘big box’ department store, plug it in, and go. It’s usually no more complex than a motor that cools the air, but the more effective models will also include a method for venting any extracted hot air outside. Other ‘self-evaporative’ systems are able to deal with the production of hot air by evaporating it in the form of moisture.
6. Smart
If you have one of the various ‘smart’ air conditioning types for homes, that word normally just refers to its capacity to be operated via an app and its overall connectivity with WiFi and the internet. The result is various forms of ingenious functionality to make life easier and keep running costs down.
Which air conditioner types do you fancy?
Whether you need a version of one of these air conditioning types supplied, installed, maintained, repaired, re-gassed, cleaned or inspected, Air Conditioner Repair Service can help! We know all the types of air conditioning Australia-wide intimately, having helped thousands of Brisbane and Sunshine Coast residents just like you for so many years. To find out now or to book in immediately, get in touch today with the friendliest team of air conditioning specialists right here at Air Conditioner Repair Service.
When your car is due to be serviced, you do it – because it’s too expensive and important a possession to neglect. But do you feel the same way about your air conditioner? Simply by cleaning your air conditioner filter routinely, you won’t just get a longer life and more efficient operation from your critical appliance, but you’ll also be healthier.
Imagine, for a second, that when it’s chilly outside or rather warm, every single breath you take is bad for you. That’s definitely the case if your air conditioning filters aren’t being looked after. After time, all the air passing through the dirty, mouldy, filthy air conditioning filter becomes contaminated and spews germs and otherwise unhealthy air into every square centimetre of your beloved home.
How often should you clean aircon filters? Here at Air Conditioner Repair Service, we recommend a major and fully-professional air conditioner cleaning service at least once a year – but there’s absolutely no limit to how often you should be cleaning aircon filters. Here’s how:
Step 1. Turn it off
Let’s start with the really easy part – because learning how to clean aircon filters doesn’t need to be hard, does it?
Not only will simply turning it off keep you safe, it also means no more dirty air or harmful mould spores are being churned into your home’s rooms while you work.
Step 2. Remove the filter
Finding the air filter AC is no more difficult than opening the main air vent on most units and opening it up, but bear in mind that your particular unit might be housing multiple filters behind multiple vents. In any case, to access your air filters, consult your manufacturer’s manual.
Step 3. Use your hand vacuum
If it’s been a while since you even considered how to clean air conditioner filter components, you’ll find that the dust build-up is quite extreme. To deal with the really chunky top layer, the best method is using a hand vacuum – which at least will get rid of the most harmful and concentrated allergens and contaminants before you do anything else. It will also make Step 4 a whole lot easier.
Step 4. Wash it
Take your dirty air filter and head either to your laundry sink or a suitable outdoor location. If you’re using the sink, rinse your air filter under the stream of water, but do it thoroughly but still gently so as not to damage it. Then it’s just a matter of putting it somewhere appropriate to dry.
If you’re going to be even more thorough outside, you might want to use the garden hose – or even soak it in a container with some warm water and white vinegar as well, for an extremely deep and yet still gentle clean. And don’t forget to rinse!
Step 5. Re-install the filter
Your clean air conditioner filter is ready to be put back where it came from! Make sure the overdue cleaning or the process of AC filter cleaning hasn’t damaged it at all – because it rips rather easily! If it’s all good, put it back where it belongs, but first check whether the expiry date is up because a brand new filter may be in order.
Otherwise, you’re all done!
Clean your air conditioning filter with our help
Did you know the only way to guarantee your air conditioner is in the best and healthiest condition possible is by getting it professionally serviced & cleaned? Luckily, Air Conditioner Repair Service can visit your place in a jiffy – whether you’re in Albany Creek, Aspley, Everton Park, Mitchelton, Chermside, Bracken Ridge, Zillmere, and beyond. Our thorough service is backed by a lifetime workmanship guarantee because our qualified air conditioning repair service is quite simply the best in the business. Ready to make a booking? Call the friendly team at Air Conditioner Repair Service right now!
Is it summer but you’re still sweating? It’s freezing outside – and so is your lounge room? That air conditioner not working properly is a worrying and irritating problem that you simply want to fix as soon as humanly possible – but how?
Air con not blowing cold air?
Air conditioner heat mode not working?
Is your unit making strange noises?
Seeing signs of moisture or leaks?
Air conditioner smelling bad?
Power bills suddenly sky-high?
Common air conditioner problems (And what to do about them)
Modern air conditioning is a true marvel, but it’s important to remember that it’s also a highly sophisticated piece of modern technology that sometimes needs a touch of maintenance work, servicing or a swift air conditioner fix. If you’re struggling with air conditioner problems, you just want to know what to do to heat or cool your home again in a flash.
1. Air conditioner not working at all?
You press that ‘on’ button, but literally, nothing happens. The obvious conclusion is that the connection between the unit and the electricity has been lost.
WHAT TO DO:
Check the system is plugged in
Check your switchboard incase a fuse has tripped
2. Filters and/or coils blocked?
Whether your unit is ‘short cycling’ (turning on and off too frequently), smelling musty or simply not working in the way you’re used to, a very common reason for that is poorly maintained filters and coils.
WHAT TO DO:
When were your filters last checked?
When was your unit last serviced?
Get filters cleaned before summer/winter peak seasons
Although relatively simple technology, without a properly working thermostat your air conditioner simply won’t know what the temperature is – and what it needs to do to match your demands.
WHAT TO DO:
Is your air conditioner set to ‘auto’?
Only in this mode will your unit try to get to the temperature you’ve set.
4. Circuit breakers/fuses have blown
Especially if your home or wiring is getting old, blown circuit breakers or fuses are common due to electricity system overloads.
WHAT TO DO:
Check for blown fuses/tripped breakers at the meter box
5. Air con not cooling in summer?
Is your air conditioner working perfectly well to heat up your house when it’s chilly, but still continuing to blow hot air when you’re stinking hot?
WHAT TO DO:
On the control, check you have switched your unit from ‘warm’ to ‘cool’ mode
Typically, cool mode is denoted with a snowflake icon
Check the manual
6. Air con neither heating nor cooling well enough?
If your air conditioner is trying gallantly to perform as it used to, the problem could be the compressor – which is often one of the main components that quits first.
Compressors are expensive, so you might consider a brand new system
7. Outdoor unit dripping water?
While a few drops here and there are quite normal, a bigger problem with air conditioner leaks could be caused by blocked pipes, a clogged condensate pan or a broken pump.
WHAT TO DO:
If the leak is excessive or inside your home, call a technician.
Need your air conditioner fixed in a flash?
When your air conditioner isn’t heating or cooling properly, making strange noises or smells, overheating or generally becoming more of a nuisance rather than a modern technological miracle, Air Conditioner Repair Service can help. No matter the system type, brand, model or age, we provide leading maintenance, repair and full replacement/installation services all across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and beyond. When your air conditioner is giving you a headache, give our friendly and fully-qualified air conditioner service technicians a call today!
How long is a piece of string? That question is about as relevant as the one we’re going to take a deep dive into today: How long do air conditioners last? Well, you could be unlucky and find yourself with a dud unit within the warranty period, or you might get 3 or 4 cool and breezy decades out of the air conditioner you chose. On average, expect to get somewhere between 8-10 and up to 30 years from your system, but there are a lot of factors we need to consider for the most accurate answer. So let’s dive in!:
How long do air conditioning units last?
It’s certainly possible that if you’re reading this article right now, your air conditioner lifespan is already up and either needs to be thrown out and replaced or at least repaired:
If it’s not cooling or heating
If the airflow is weak
If the temperatures fluctuate
If it makes noises or smells strange
If your bills are suddenly high.
But if your air conditioner unit is still pushing out the cool air, though, you might be wondering just how much longer you might squeeze out of it. Because if it’s gone wrong and definitely needs an air conditioning repair at the minimum, it might be wiser to put that money aside in order to buy a brand new one with all the modern benefits that suit your lifestyle even better.
So how long do air conditioners last in Queensland?
Great question! Unfortunately, though, it immediately poses some quite problematic immediate sub-questions:
Point taken! But if it cost you an arm and a leg and you use it so often for both heating and cooling in many cases – so it’s only natural to worry that it’s about to give up the ghost. Without getting caught in the weeds with the list of questions we’ve posed above, what other critical factors have the biggest impact on the lifespan of your particular system?
1. What’s around it?
If your outdoor unit is near some landscaping or Mother Nature, all those twigs and leaves and other debris are definitely not good for your expensive technology.
TIP: When was the last time you did some pruning?
2. How humid is it?
Visitors to Queensland definitely remark upon the higher humidity than usual – and for good reason! In reality, it makes us Queenslanders crank up the thermostat and make our air conditioner work harder – shortening its life.
TIP: Have you thought about buying and running a humidifier or two at your place?
3. How often do you run it?
When you get a new air conditioner, think of it in the same way you think about your own life – it is limited! So if you keep running it day after day, month after month, year after year, it’s going to conk out sooner.
TIP: Do you close the curtains, draw the blinds and leap into the pool on particularly oppressive days?
TIP: But if you shop around for truly professional and highly-professional support, a carefully tailored air conditioner installation will maximise what the manufacturer intended for their product.
5. Do you get it serviced?
You’ll notice that your air conditioner manufacturer will advise you to maintain and service your unit over time – and as your system ages, this becomes even more important for an air conditioner cleaning, a check for issues, and replacement of consumables like filters.
TIP: Are you overdue for an air conditioner inspection?
Let us help with your air conditioner lifespan
At Air Conditioner Repair Service, we service, inspect and repair the full range of leading air conditioner technology types, brands and models all over Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and beyond. To benefit from a quarter of a century of combined experience in the air conditioner industry right here in Queensland, get in touch with our friendly and skilled team today!
It’s a simple enough question, and common enough that those in the industry hear it just about every single day: What size air conditioner do I need?
So why’s it such a difficult question to get an answer to, then? Well, the most rudimentary air conditioning room size calculator that you can easily find here and there will give you a rough guide as to the power (in kW) that you need for a particular room size based on length x width.
The basic equation is room size (m2) x 150 watts = the appropriate air conditioner size.
But that equation doesn’t at all factor in some absolutely critical aspects such as:
Local region/climate
Ceiling height
Exposure to sunlight/number of windows
Roof material (ie. tiles or tin)
Typical number of people in the room
Room insulation
House construction
Other appliances running in the room
However, correctly sizing an air conditioner for a room then gets even more complicated than that. That’s because the headline power of an air conditioner doesn’t tell you everything about both its performance and its suitability for your particular home or lifestyle. You’ll also need to consider:
Technology type: Especially as our innovation-dominated century rolls on, there’s a lot to choose from. Split system or ducted? Multi-head split system or portable. Reverse cycle or evaporative? And on and on and on.
Brands: Similarly, there’s a long list here – and whether you go for Panasonic over Fujitsu, Daikin over LG, or Brand X over Brand Y, the brand you choose doesn’t just differ in reputation and price but:
Quality
Quietness
Performance
Reliability
Ease of use
Value for money
Functionality.
Energy efficiency:Â Yet another factor influencing the right air conditioner for a particular room size is its overall energy efficiency – because it affects just how much it will affect your hip pocket en route to the desired level of comfort. And the way energy ratings are determined is on a long-term scale of a full decade, emphasising the critical intersection of performance versus financial viability.
Features: Depending on all the little extras, air conditioner performance can vary quite considerably. For instance, some modern units have built-in dehumidifiers that can make a room feel more comfortable than the headline temperature actually displays. There are also a range of innovative ‘smart’ features that directly affect performance, as well as varying air filter configurations, turbo cooling modes, timers and so on.
Go beyond the air conditioner size chart
Still confused? Don’t let the apparent complexity get you down, because in many cases the rudimentary equation will roughly determine the size of air conditioner for a room. We then recommend choosing something a little more powerful than the result – because too small means an overworked air conditioner and sweating occupants, while too big just means you’re prepared for anything!
If you still need some guidance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the highly experienced air conditioner specialists and technicians right here at Air Conditioner Repair Service. We’ve worked on every type and brand of air conditioner under the sunny skies of Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and far beyond, so get in touch with our cheerful team today!
Have you traced that drip-drip-drip to your normally trusty air conditioner? In a state like Queensland, in a country like Australia, the sight and sound of an air conditioner leaking can be pretty disturbing – not just because you need to stay cool & snug, but because replacing it will cost you an arm and a leg.
Water leaking from air conditioner?
But first things first: Why is your air conditioner leaking water in the first place? Unfortunately, it’s a pretty long list:
Blocked filter: Your air conditioner features an air filter, and if it gets clogged up, the flow of air is disturbed and can cause condensation that ultimately drips.
Faulty pump: Another common fault is a malfunctioning condensation pump, whose task is to rid the unit of any condensation that can leak and drip.
Leaky condenser coil: When located outside your house, the condenser unit can get dirty and affect the functioning of the coil, compressor and motor.
Clogged drain/condensation line: Debris but also mould is the most common reason for a blocked up drain line, which affects the removal of water from the unit. This is particularly troublesome in tropical climates like Queensland.
Bad installation: Whoever had your air conditioner installed needs to know about the proper configuration for the balance of temperatures within the unit.
Poor maintenance: We recommend regular cleaning but also professional air conditioner maintenance and servicing of your unit – especially the evaporator coil which is prone to rust.
Low refrigerant: Low levels of refrigerant can drive up system pressure, resulting in evaporator coil malfunction and overflowing into the drip tray.
Blocked drains: Your air conditioner may be connected to your home or roof’s drainage system, but if that’s blocked then the collected excess will have nowhere to go.
But we’ll be honest – there are many more causes of an aircon leaking water than that! The really important thing is to listen and learn from the earliest signs of an aircon leak in order to stop it from getting worse – and causing a lot of damage or complete (and expensive) system failure. Watch out for:
Stain marks
Damaged plaster
Bubbling paint
Pooling water.
What’s next for your leaking air conditioner?
If all you’re seeing or noticing is a drip or two now and then, there’s probably nothing to worry about – that’s fairly normal (especially in a humid climate). But if that drip-drip-drip is becoming constant or obviously a problem, here’s what to do next:
1. Check the filters
These should be clean, undamaged and unclogged. With a bit of luck, a thorough rinse could be all they need.
2. Check the pipes
We’re referring specifically to the drainage pipes, which may be blocked – preventing water from efficiently running out in a controlled way.
3. Check the unit/installation
In so many cases, the problem has been caused either by poor installation in the first place, or a lack of routine maintenance causing a problem with the unit that now requires professional attention from your local air conditioning expert.
Air Conditioner Repairs can fix it!
Here at Air Conditioner Repairs, we’ve been cleaning all air conditioner technology types, brands and models across Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond for years. Over that time, we’ve seen just about every type of air conditioner and issue under the sun – so you can be confident our qualified and friendly service team will know exactly what to do. Get in touch with Air Conditioner Repairs today.
Our top-rated air conditioner technicians are ready to help you with upfront pricing and guaranteed workmanship.
