In Darwin, a working air conditioner isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for surviving the intense heat. Split-system air conditioning (AC) units are great at keeping your home cool, but like any machine, they need regular maintenance to keep them in great working order. Ignoring small problems can turn a minor hiccup into a major headache, leaving you sweating in the wet season or overheating in the dry.

The good news is, there are some clear signs your AC needs a service before it breaks down completely. Catching them early can save money, stress, and a lot of uncomfortable evenings.

Performance and Efficiency Changes

One of the first signs that something is off is a change in how your AC performs. If it’s taking longer to cool your home, or the air doesn’t feel as cold as it used to, that’s a warning you shouldn’t ignore. You might notice the system running almost constantly, but the temperature barely drops. This could mean that you’ve got dirty filters or clogged coils on your hands. Luckily, these are all things that a quick service can fix.

Another hint is a spike in your electricity bill. If your usage appears to be higher than usual but your lifestyle hasn’t changed, your AC might be working harder than it should just to deliver the same cooling. It’s like running a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. Something will give eventually.

Unusual Sensory Indicators (Sounds & Smells)

Pay attention to what your AC sounds and smells like. Strange noises, such as rattling, hissing, or banging, are a red flag. Sometimes, loose parts or debris inside the unit can be culprits causing the racket and ignoring it can lead to more serious damage.

Smells are another clue. A musty or burning odour when you turn the AC on is not normal. Mustiness often comes from mould growing in damp areas like coils or drip trays, while a burning smell could signal an electrical fault. Either way, these aren’t smells you want to pretend you didn’t notice, and you definitely don’t want to be masking them with air freshener. They need professional attention, fast!

Visible Issues and Leaks

If you can see ice forming on or around the indoor unit of your AC, that is a clear sign that something is wrong. Ice usually means the unit is not moving air in the way it should, or the air is not flowing through it properly. Either way, it needs checking.

Water on the floor or around the unit is another signal that something isn’t working properly. That water usually comes from the small pipe that extracts moisture. If that pipe is blocked or the part that moves the water is not working, the water will spill out. Even a small puddle can cause damage to floors or walls, so do not ignore it because you’ll have more issues on your hands, such as mould and foul smells, among others.

Also, look at the vents and the area around the unit. A little dust is normal, but if the vents are covered in dirt, the air cannot move well. When the air cannot move, the AC works harder and wears out faster. Think of trying to breathe through a pillow — it is hard for you, and it is hard on the AC too.

If you see ice, water, or a lot of dirt, call a qualified technician to have a look before the problem gets worse.

Keep Your Cool with Regular Servicing

Split-system ACs are reliable, but they aren’t invincible. If you notice any of those performance issues, weird noises or smells, or visible issues, it’s time to call a professional. Regular servicing keeps your system running efficiently, prevents breakdowns when you rely on your AC the most, and extends its life.

At Florance Electrical, we help keep homes in Darwin cool and comfy. We check your split-system AC, clean it, and make sure everything is working properly. We fix little problems before they turn into big, expensive headaches. A well-looked-after AC uses less power, costs less, and keeps you feeling cool when the weather heats up.

Book a service today and keep your home perfectly chilled, no matter what the wet season or dry heat throws at you.