A Perth summer can be brutal. When the temperature soars and the humidity rises, the last thing you want is a malfunctioning air conditioner. Yet, it’s often in the middle of a heatwave that homeowners discover their units are not working as they should be. From strange smells to a complete lack of cooling, these common issues can be frustrating and costly. The good news is that many of the most frequent air conditioning problems in Perth are not a sign of a broken unit, but a sign that it desperately needs a professional deep clean.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the five most common air conditioning problems and explain how a single professional service can provide a simple, effective solution
Problem #1 – Poor Airflow
You turn on your unit, you hear the fan, but the cool air barely seems to be coming out.
The Symptom:
Weak or inconsistent airflow from your vents or unit.
The Cause:
This is almost always caused by a buildup of dirt and grime. In ducted systems, the ducts themselves become clogged with dust. In split systems, the barrel fan and the evaporator coils get caked with dirt, which physically obstructs the flow of air.
The Solution:
A professional deep clean removes all the built-up dirt from the ducts and the internal components, allowing air to flow freely and restoring your system’s efficiency.
Problem #2 – The Foul, Musty Odour
That “dirty socks” or damp smell is not just unpleasant; it’s a warning sign.
The Symptom:
A persistent, musty smell coming from your air conditioner when you turn it on.
The Cause:
This is the most common indicator of mould and bacteria growth. The dark, damp environment of the coils and fan is a perfect breeding ground for these microbes. When the unit operates, it blows these airborne spores into your home, causing the smell.
The Solution:
A professional anti-microbial clean is required. A specialist will use a non-toxic, powerful cleaning agent to kill all the mould and bacteria at the source, eliminating the smell for good.
Problem #3 – The Unit Is Not Cooling Effectively
You’ve set the temperature low, but the room is still warm and stuffy.
The Symptom:
The air conditioner seems to be running, but it’s not cooling the room to the set temperature.
The Cause:
The buildup of grime on the evaporator coils acts as an insulator, reducing the unit’s ability to absorb heat from the air. The system has to work harder and for a longer period to try and reach the desired temperature, which also results in higher energy consumption.
The Solution:
A professional deep clean restores the coils’ ability to absorb heat, allowing the system to cool the room quickly and efficiently, reducing the strain on the unit and lowering your power bills.
Problem #4 – Leaking Water
Finding a puddle of water under your split system is a frustrating and potentially damaging problem.
The Symptom:
Water dripping or leaking from your indoor unit.
The Cause:
Air conditioners create a lot of condensation, which is designed to drip into a drain pan and be routed through a drain line. Over time, mould, algae, and grime can clog this drain line, causing the water to overflow from the pan and leak into your home.
The Solution:
A professional clean includes flushing and sanitizing the drain pan and line, ensuring that the condensation can drain properly and preventing future leaks.
Problem #5 – Strange Noises
A low humming sound is normal, but grinding, buzzing, or rattling noises are not.
The Symptom:
Your unit is making loud or unusual noises.
The Cause:
This can be a sign of a number of issues. In many cases, it’s caused by a fan motor that is straining to turn due to excessive dirt and grime on the fan blades. The buildup can also cause the fan to become unbalanced, leading to a loud, rattling noise.
The Solution:
A professional deep clean will remove the dirt from the fan blades and the motor, reducing the strain and allowing the unit to operate quietly and smoothly.
Final speech about air conditioning problems and solutions
Many of the most frustrating air conditioning problems in Perth are not a result of a broken unit but a direct consequence of a neglected one. A professional deep clean is the most effective and proactive way to address these issues.
It’s a comprehensive solution that not only solves a range of existing problems but also prevents future issues from arising. Don’t wait for a major breakdown in the middle of a heatwave.
Take action today to ensure your air conditioner is working at its peak, providing clean, fresh air and efficient cooling for your home.