7 Signs Your Aircon Needs Repair (Don't Ignore #4)

Aircons Don't Break Without Warning

Most major aircon failures are preceded by weeks or months of warning signs. The problem is most homeowners don't know what to look for — or they ignore it hoping it goes away.

Here are the 7 most common signs something is wrong:

1. Not Cooling Enough

Your thermostat says 18°C but the room still feels warm. Common causes:

• Low refrigerant — the most common reason, usually from a small leak
• Dirty evaporator coil — insulates the coil, blocking heat transfer
• Faulty compressor — the heart of the system, expensive to replace

2. Water Dripping Inside

A little condensation is normal. Water actively dripping or pooling inside means:

• Clogged drain line (the #1 cause) — fixable in 30 minutes
• Frozen evaporator coil — thaws and floods when the unit turns off
• Improper installation angle

3. Ice Forming on the Unit

Ice on the indoor unit or copper lines is never normal while the aircon is running. It means restricted airflow (dirty filter or coil) or low refrigerant. Turn off the unit and call a technician.

4. Strange Smells

This is the one people ignore most:

• Musty/moldy smell — mold growing inside the unit, blowing into your room
• Burning smell — electrical issue; turn off immediately
• Chemical smell — possible refrigerant leak (a health hazard)

5. Unusual Noises

• Rattling — loose parts or debris in the unit
• Grinding — motor bearings failing
• Clicking — relay or electrical issue
• Hissing — refrigerant leak

6. Higher Electricity Bills

If your bill jumped but usage hasn't changed, your aircon is working harder than it should. Common causes: dirty coil, low refrigerant, failing compressor.

7. Short Cycling (Turns On and Off Frequently)

An aircon that runs for 2–3 minutes, shuts off, then starts again is short-cycling. This strains the compressor and is often caused by:

• Refrigerant issues
• Thermostat sensor problems
• Oversized unit for the room

What To Do

If you're seeing any of these signs, book a check-up before it becomes a full breakdown. Our technicians diagnose the exact problem and give you a quote before starting any repair work.