Common Repair Issues Solved
Picture this: It’s 38°C outside. You switch on your split system air conditioner. You wait. And wait. But nothing happens. The air’s not cool. In fact, it’s barely moving.
Frustrating, right?
If your split system isn’t cooling like it should, don’t sweat—literally. Before you pick up the phone and book a technician, let’s dive into the most common issues and fixes you can try yourself.
This guide will walk you through key aircon troubleshooting steps, helping you understand what’s wrong and when it’s time to call in the professionals.
1. Check the Basics First—You’d Be Surprised
Before we talk about tools and technicians, start simple.
- Is the remote working? Dead batteries can be deceiving.
- Is it set to “cool” mode? Sometimes it’s accidentally on “fan” or “dry.”
- Is the temperature set lower than the current room temp? If not, the compressor won’t kick in.
Still no cool air? Let’s keep digging.
2. Dirty Air Filters Can Suffocate Your System
When was the last time you cleaned your air filters?
- Clogged filters restrict airflow, meaning your unit has to work harder to do less.
- Over time, this stress can even damage internal components.
- A dirty filter means dusty air, higher electricity bills, and a shorter system lifespan.
Fix It:
- Pop open the indoor unit.
- Remove the filter and wash it with warm water.
- Let it dry fully before reinstalling.
Experts recommend cleaning filters every 2–3 months—more often during heavy usage.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels = No Cooling
This is one of the most common reasons split systems fail to cool.
Think of refrigerant like the blood of your AC system. If there’s not enough of it, your air conditioner can’t absorb or remove heat from the room.
But refrigerant doesn’t just “run out.”
If it’s low, there’s likely a leak.
Warning signs:
- Ice buildup on pipes or indoor unit
- Hissing or bubbling sounds
- Longer cooling times
DIY Alert:
Refrigerants are dangerous to handle and must be managed by a licensed technician. Don’t try to refill it yourself.
4. Is the Outdoor Unit in Trouble?
Your split system has two main parts:
- Indoor unit (what you see)
- Outdoor unit (what does the heavy lifting)
If the outdoor unit is blocked, damaged, or faulty—it won’t cool.
Look out for:
- Debris like leaves or dust blocking the coils
- Loud noises or humming from the outdoor fan
- Signs of overheating or electrical burns
Fix It:
- Gently clean the area around your outdoor unit.
- Ensure at least 30cm of clearance on all sides.
- Never hose it down directly—especially the motor or fan.
Still no luck? The compressor or capacitor could be failing. And that’s not a DIY job.
5. Faulty Thermostat = Wrong Commands
Your thermostat tells the unit when and how to cool.
If it’s faulty or misreading the room temperature, it might not trigger cooling at all.
Signs your thermostat could be to blame:
- AC turns on and off frequently
- Temperature feels inconsistent
- Display is blank or unresponsive
Try resetting it. If that doesn’t work, consider a thermostat replacement.
You could also upgrade to a smart thermostat for better control, energy efficiency, and automation.
6. Electrical Problems That Hide in Plain Sight
Split systems rely on complex electrical circuits.
Even a loose wire or tripped breaker can shut things down.
Here’s what to check:
- Is the power cord secure?
- Has the circuit breaker tripped? (Reset it if needed)
- Any burning smell or scorched wires? That’s serious—turn the unit off immediately.
When to call the pros:
Electrical issues can lead to fire hazards or permanent damage.
Don’t take risks. Call in a licensed split system repair technician.
7. Blocked or Leaky Ducts (Yes, Even in Split Systems)
In ducted split systems, leaks or blockages in the ductwork can:
- Lower air pressure
- Lead to uneven cooling
- Waste energy
If one room is cool and another is stifling hot, this might be why.
Fix It:
Unfortunately, duct problems are hard to locate without proper tools.
A technician will use airflow meters or smoke pens to trace the leak or block.
8. The Unit Is Too Small for the Room
Sometimes, the problem isn’t the air conditioner.
It’s the room.
If your space is too large for the unit’s capacity, it will never cool effectively.
Ask yourself:
- Is this the same unit that cooled a smaller room before?
- Did the room size or usage change (e.g., more people, new appliances)?
- Do you keep doors or windows open while cooling?
In these cases, upgrading your system may be the only real solution.
9. Sensor Issues: Misleading the System
Your AC relies on sensors to monitor airflow and temperature.
If the sensor is misaligned or damaged, it can trick the system into:
- Turning off too soon
- Running indefinitely
- Not cooling at all
It’s a small fix for a big result—but only if you know what to look for.
10. How to Prevent Future Cooling Issues
Prevention is cheaper than repair.
Here’s how to keep your split system running smoothly all year long:
🔧 Preventative Maintenance Tips:
- Clean filters every 2–3 months
- Keep outdoor unit clear of debris
- Book annual servicing before summer
- Close doors and windows when cooling
- Invest in a surge protector to avoid electrical damage
This not only saves you money—but also adds years to your system’s lifespan.
When to Call the Pros at Appliance Fixer
You’ve cleaned the filters.
You’ve checked the remote.
You’ve ruled out power issues.
Still no cool air?
Then it’s time to call Appliance Fixer—Melbourne’s trusted experts in split system air conditioning repairs.
Why choose Appliance Fixer?
- Licensed and insured technicians
- Same-day or next-day repairs
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- High customer satisfaction and fast turnaround
- Genuine parts and quality workmanship
Whether your unit needs a gas recharge, compressor replacement, or complete troubleshooting—Appliance Fixer handles it all.
Don’t Let the Heat Win
A split system not cooling can feel like a summer nightmare. But most issues—when caught early—are fixable.
Sometimes it’s a dirty filter.
Sometimes it’s low gas.
Sometimes it’s just time to upgrade.
The key? Don’t ignore the warning signs.
With the right care—and the right technicians—you’ll be back to enjoying cool, clean air in no time.
Ready to restore the chill?
Don’t wait for a heatwave to act.
Trust Melbourne’s go-to experts—Appliance Fixer.
Call now or
Book online at: appliancefixer.com.au