Top Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Service Before Summer

Oct 13, 2025

Spring brings more than just blooming flowers and sunny skies; it also signals the perfect time for a thorough spring clean. And while you’re freshening up your home, don’t forget one of the most important systems that helps keep your indoor space comfortable: your air conditioner.

Whether you own a split system or a ducted reverse cycle unit, regular servicing is essential. Not only does it help your system run more efficiently, but it also extends its lifespan and provides better air quality for you and your family.

In this article, we’ll talk about the signs that your air conditioner is due for some TLC. From strange smells to weak airflow, we’ll help you understand what to look out for before the real heat of summer arrives.

Does the AC Need Servicing?

An air conditioner works by moving a refrigerant between two coils, absorbing heat from indoors and releasing it outside through the indoor unit. Along with fans and controls, this cycle creates a cool and comfortable environment. Why even bother maintaining your unit?

> Servicing makes sure that all parts of the AC system are working. For example, clean filters help with better airflow and also cut back the amount of energy required to cool your space.

> Regular maintenance helps prevent wear and tear, so the AC will cool your spaces for years to come.

> You’ll avoid expensive repairs in the long term. Repairing your system early on is cheaper and less complex.

Warm air from the vents

Feeling warm air isn’t bad if your system is reverse-cycle and you’ve put on the heating, but if you haven’t, there could be an issue with the cooling system.

Warm air might clog up due to dirty filters, low refrigerant levels, problems with the AC coils, or even a malfunctioning thermostat.

Why service this? Your AC isn’t circulating enough air, so you won’t be able to cool your house down or feel comfortable during summer.

There are strange noises

In most cases, an air conditioner operates with a low hum as it cycles off and on. But if you’re noticing it’s starting to buzz, rattle, or grind, you’ll want to investigate.

Causes are a failing motor, loose parts moving about, or complex problems with electrical components.

Act quickly, as strange noises might further damage your space.

Strange smells

Unpleasant smells coming from your air conditioning unit impact air quality, but it’s also a massive health hazard if you don’t take care of it.

Burning or musty smells might indicate mould growth, clogged filters, or burnt wire insulation. And poor indoor air quality from a musty AC can result in respiratory problems if you are at risk of allergies or asthma. You want to ensure a healthier, cleaner environment, especially if you’re a family with small children or elderly people.

Constant cycling

Is your air conditioner cycling on and off? There’s a chance it is struggling to keep a consistent temperature, and it is a sign that the system is overworking, which will not benefit you in summer heat.

Why is it so important to get a service for this? Cycling this many times puts unnecessary stress, wear and tear on the system.

Moisture build-up or water leaks

Leaks or moisture around your AC mean something is wrong. Although condensation is normal to an extent, active leakage or water pooling suggests a bigger problem.

Clogged drain tubes, a frozen evaporator coil, a rusted drain pan or refrigerant leaks within the AC system are something to look out for.

When you don’t deal with moisture or excessive humidity, the air conditioner is more at risk of mould, water damage, or structural issues throughout your property. The last thing you want to see is mould in your dry wall!

As for the outdoor unit, it won’t work as well during warm weather and is more prone to defrosting in cold weather.

Higher energy bills

Have you checked your recent energy bill and noticed a significant hike in costs? Your aircon isn’t running as efficiently and is consuming more energy without increasing usage; it is worth looking into it.

Causes? A failing compressor, clogged filters, or something else, so you want to tackle the problem quickly, so you save money on your bills.

How often do you need to service your air conditioner?

TTV Heating and Cooling recommends you do this at least once every 12 months.

That said, the unit plays a role in how often to book one, such as units in dusty environments or older models. It’s best to check your unit’s manufacturer’s manual, as they should have specific recommendations. Here are some other things to consider:

> How often you use the unit (every day versus occasional use)

> If you have allergies or pets

> The type of air conditioning (central, window or portable)

> The environment your AC is in (a moisture-prone area will require more servicing)

When should you replace your AC? If your air conditioner has broken down in the middle of summer, it is very inconvenient–and expensive–to deal with a complete replacement. It’s time to replace your unit when:

> The unit is over 10 years old and has broken down multiple times

> Energy bills are rising, and they aren’t changing in cost

> The AC you own isn’t an energy-efficient model (check how many stars it has)

> There are constant bad smells or noises that you can’t explain

Read: Split System vs. Central Air Conditioning: Which is Better?

What happens during a service? A technician will ensure that:

> Filters have been cleaned

> Fan blade inspected and cleaned if necessary

> Indoor coil inspected and cleaned if required

> Drain lines flushed

> Fascia cleaned (for Wall Split, Cassette, and Under-Ceiling units)

> Grilles cleaned (for Ducted systems)

> Outdoor coil cleaned

> Electrical connections checked for tightness

> Refrigeration system operation inspected

Here are some reliable heating and cooling systems that TTV recommends.

Zena

What are some of the features?

> R32 refrigerant for better energy efficiency

> Ultra compact design (295mm high, 798mm wide and 185mm deep)

> Intelligent infrared human presence that saves energy if a room isn’t occupied for more than 20 minutes

> Built-in Wi-Fi to Daikin’s mobile controller

> Coanda airflow has discharge louvres designed to stream air along the ceiling and provide fast cooling

> Vertical airflow, streaming airflow down the wall and towards the floor for temperature distribution.

MSZ-AP Series

Some of the amazing features of this split system include:

> Quiet operation added to fan speed settings. It’s perfect for the bedroom.

> Dual barrier coating reduces dust and greasy dirt from collecting on the surfaces of the air conditioner.

> Night mode, which reduces the brightness of the operation indicator light.

> R32 refrigerant. It increases energy efficiency!

> Built-in Wi-Fi control for smarter heating and cooling.

> Plasma quad connect air purifying filter.

> Long airflow, which pushes air out further.

For Air Conditioning Repair in Melbourne, Contact TTV!

TTV Heating & Cooling offers scheduled servicing for heating and cooling systems! At Templestowe Heating & Cooling, our scheduled servicing is thorough and meticulous. Each service begins with a comprehensive system performance review, analysing efficiency, identifying potential issues and assessing overall system function. We then proceed to the technical aspects, focusing on element checks and cleaning, filter replacement, and system calibration.

Our expert technicians go the extra mile to ensure your systems remain in peak condition. All our servicing procedures are carried out adhering to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure your warranty remains intact.