Melbourne’s summers can be harsh, with long stretches of sweltering heat and sudden bursts of humidity. To ensure your air conditioner is ready to handle the season, it’s important to have it serviced before the first heatwave hits. Many homeowners and business owners don’t realise their unit is struggling until it fails on a 40-degree day. Knowing the warning signs can help you take action early and avoid costly emergency repairs.
Image: An image of a technician checking an air conditioning unit in a Melbourne home.
1. Weak or Uneven Airflow
If your air conditioner isn’t producing strong, consistent airflow, it’s often a sign that something is wrong inside the system. This issue forces the unit to work harder than necessary, reducing its efficiency and increasing energy costs. Left unresolved, poor airflow can put unnecessary strain on major components, leading to breakdowns during the hottest days of summer.
Common causes of weak airflow include:
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Clogged or dirty air filters restricting circulation
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Blocked or leaking ductwork
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Faulty fans or failing motors
2. Unusual Noises
A healthy air conditioner should operate with a steady, low hum. If you begin to hear rattling, grinding, or squealing noises, it’s a strong indicator that parts within the system are loose, worn, or malfunctioning. These sounds rarely disappear on their own and tend to worsen with time, increasing the likelihood of sudden breakdowns when your unit is under heavy demand.
Listen out for:
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Grinding – possible motor or bearing failure
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Rattling – loose screws, bolts, or fan blades
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Squealing – worn or misaligned belts
3. Strange Smells
Strange odours from your air conditioner should never be ignored. A musty smell is often linked to mould or bacteria growing inside the system, which can impact both performance and indoor air quality. A burning smell, on the other hand, may point to electrical problems that could pose safety risks if left unchecked. Calling a licensed technician ensures these issues are identified and fixed quickly.
Odours may signal:
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Musty smell – mould, mildew, or bacterial growth
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Burning smell – overheating electrical components or wiring faults
4. Warm Air Instead of Cool
One of the clearest signs your air conditioner needs servicing is when it blows warm or room-temperature air instead of cooling. This not only leaves your space uncomfortable but can also point to deeper problems like refrigerant leaks or compressor failure. Acting early means your system can be repaired before summer’s peak demand leaves you without relief. Our residential air conditioning services will test your system to see if it needs re-gassing.
Possible causes include:
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Low refrigerant levels from leaks
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Faulty compressor or motor failure
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Blocked or dirty condenser coils
5. Higher Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed a sudden spike in your energy bills without a significant change in usage, your air conditioner could be the culprit. When systems are dirty, clogged, or underperforming, they consume far more electricity to deliver less cooling. Regular servicing helps your unit run at peak efficiency, saving money and extending its lifespan.
Warning signs include:
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Rising bills even when your usage hasn’t changed
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Longer cooling cycles
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System running constantly without adequately cooling your home
Image: An image of a remote controlling the temperature of an air conditioning unit.
6. Leaks or Moisture Build-Up
Noticing water pooling around your air conditioner, or signs of moisture on the unit itself, is a warning sign you shouldn’t overlook. While small amounts of condensation are normal, excessive leaks or dampness usually indicate a deeper issue that needs urgent attention. Left untreated, this can lead to damage to your property, mould growth, or complete system failure.
Common causes include:
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Blocked drainage pipes – preventing condensation from properly flowing away.
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Refrigerant leaks – a serious issue that reduces cooling efficiency and can harm the environment.
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Internal damage or corrosion – leading to water escaping from where it shouldn’t.
If you spot any unusual leaks, it’s best to arrange a professional service as soon as possible to diagnose the source and prevent bigger, more expensive repairs.
Commercial and Residential Air Conditioning Servicing in Melbourne
GT HVAC & Electrical specialises in both commercial and residential air conditioning servicing across Melbourne. Whether it’s keeping a busy office cool or ensuring your family home is comfortable, our licensed technicians deliver expert maintenance, repairs, and installations.
Book Your Service Before Summer Arrives
Don’t wait until Melbourne’s first heatwave to find out your air conditioner isn’t working properly. By booking a service now with GT HVAC & Electrical, you’ll enjoy peace of mind, lower running costs, and reliable comfort all season long.
Contact us today to schedule your Melbourne air conditioning service and stay cool this summer.
