Is it time to replace or repair your air conditioner?

Summer is fast approaching, we’re now heading towards warmer weather and longer days, it is important to know that your air conditioner is in fighting fit condition. If you’ve had your air conditioner for a while and it’s not performing at its peak, it’s worth running through our list of symptoms to help you get a diagnosis and may help you decide whether you’d benefit from an air conditioning replacement, or if a repair and service would be sufficient.

Warning signs your air-conditioner has given up the ghost
While some problems can be solved with a simple repair, others are more complex – and there are a few dead giveaways that it’s time to start shopping for a replacement. If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms below, chances are, the problem is past fixing.

Symptom: It’s burning through electricity
With any decent unit, this should not happen – and it’s just not worth wasting time paying bigger bills than you need to. The new Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) will make choosing the most efficient split system for your home easy. It divides the continent into three different climate zones – hot, average, and cold, which allows you to easily identify and compare the energy performance of air conditioners based on the region you live in. The more stars, the more efficient the split system is. So, cut your losses and grab yourself a more economical model.

Symptom: It’s had multiple repairs and its warranty has run out
If your air conditioners has experienced multiple repairs and is well past its prime, chances are you need a new model.

So, when should you call in the repair man?
The good news? There are quite a few issues that can easily be solved with the help of a qualified air conditioner technician. If you’re experiencing any of the below, it’s worth exploring whether it can be repaired.

Symptom: It’s blowing hot air
Don’t despair - this could very well be a broken compressor or a refrigerant leak. Neither are impossible to fix, and the repair job could even cost less than you think. It’s something you’ll want to address ASAP, so we recommend getting a technician out before continuing to use your unit.

Symptom: Unusual odours or weird noises
A change in how your unit sounds could indicate the fan isn’t working properly, that a part has become loose, or that the inside mechanics are clogged with dirt. When it comes to strange odours, you should act straight away – it could mean mould in the ductwork, and that could be harmful to your family.