7 Common Air Condition Problem and How to Fix Them

Nothing’s worse than a faulty air conditioner on a blistering Adelaide summer day! Whether it refuses to turn on, struggles to cool your space, or makes unsettling noises, air conditioning issues can be incredibly frustrating. But before you sweat through another scorching afternoon or rush to call for air conditioner repair in Adelaide, you might be able to fix the problem yourself.

This ultimate guide breaks down the most common air con problems and provides practical, easy-to-follow solutions. From strange noises to major leaks, we’ll cover it all so you can get back to enjoying cool, refreshing air!

1. Your Air Con Unit is Unplugged

Believe it or not, one of the most common reasons an air conditioner stops working is that it’s accidentally unplugged. It sounds too simple, but it happens more often than you think!

How Do I Fix an Air Conditioner When It’s Unplugged?

• Check the power cord – Ensure it’s securely plugged into a working power outlet.
• Inspect for loose connections – If the plug is loose or damaged, it may not be supplying power.
• Test the power outlet – Plug in another appliance to check if the socket is functioning.
• Check the power switch – Some units have a separate switch that needs to be turned on.
• Inspect the power board – If using an extension cord, make sure it’s not faulty.

If everything is plugged in properly and your unit still won’t turn on, you may have a bigger issue on your hands.

2. Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On

Nothing is more frustrating than pressing the power button and getting zero response. If your air con won’t start, here’s what to check:

How Do I Fix an Air Conditioner That Won’t Turn On?

• Reset your circuit breaker – A tripped breaker can cut off power to your unit.
• Check the thermostat settings – Ensure it’s set to ‘cool’ and at the right temperature.
• Look for faulty wiring – Damaged or disconnected wiring can prevent power from reaching your air con.
• Inspect the remote control – Sometimes, a dead battery in the remote can be the problem.
• Check for overheating – If the unit overheats, it might have an automatic safety shutdown.

If none of these solutions works, it might be time to call an expert in air conditioner repair Adelaide to inspect the unit.

3. Aircon Not Blowing Cold Air

If your air con is running but not cooling, something is definitely wrong. This issue is one of the most common and can stem from several factors.

How Do I Fix an Air Conditioner That Doesn’t Blow Cool Air?

• Check your thermostat – Make sure it’s set to the right temperature and cooling mode.
• Clean the air filters – Clogged filters block airflow, making cooling inefficient.
• Inspect refrigerant levels – Low refrigerant can cause the system to blow warm air instead of cool.
• Look for dirty evaporator coils – If they are covered in dirt, they won’t absorb heat properly.
• Ensure vents are open – Blocked vents restrict airflow and reduce cooling efficiency.

4. Your Air Conditioner’s Filters or Coils Are Blocked

Dust, pet hair, and other debris can accumulate on filters and coils, reducing efficiency and increasing energy bills.

How Do I Fix an Air Conditioner with Blocked Filters or Coils?

• Clean or replace air filters – This should be done every 1–2 months.
• Vacuum the evaporator coils – A gentle vacuum or coil cleaner can remove dust buildup
• Keep vents unobstructed – Blocked vents restrict airflow and cause poor cooling.
• Schedule regular maintenance – Prevent buildup by having your system serviced annually.

5. The Thermostat of Your Air Con Is Out of Place

Your thermostat is the brain of your air conditioner, and if it’s faulty or incorrectly placed, your air con won’t function efficiently.

How Do I Fix an Air Conditioner with a Dislodged Thermostat?

• Ensure the thermostat is mounted correctly – If it’s hanging loose, reattach it properly.
• Keep it away from heat sources – Avoid placing it near windows or lamps, as this can affect temperature readings.
• Replace the batteries – If your thermostat runs on batteries, low power can cause malfunctions.
• Calibrate the thermostat – If it’s misreading the temperature, recalibrating it may help.

6. Refrigerant or Water Leaking

Leaks, whether water or refrigerant, are a clear sign that something is wrong. A refrigerant leak can prevent cooling, while water leaks can cause structural damage.

How Do I Fix an Air Conditioner That Leaks Water or Refrigerant?

• For refrigerant leaks, call a professional – Handling refrigerant without proper training can be dangerous.
• Check for clogged drain lines – A blocked drain line can cause water buildup and leaks.
• Ensure the unit is level – An uneven air conditioner can cause water drainage issues.
• Inspect for frozen coils – If coils freeze, they can cause excessive condensation when they thaw.

7. Your Air Conditioner Has Blown Circuit Breakers & Fuses

If your air con keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it’s likely drawing too much power.

How Do I Fix an Air Conditioner with Blown Circuit Breakers and Fuses?

• Reset the breaker – If it trips again, there’s an underlying issue.
• Look for electrical issues – Faulty wiring or overloaded circuits could be the cause.
• Unplug other appliances – Too many devices on one circuit can overload it.
• Check for short circuits – Damaged wiring or a malfunctioning compressor can cause short circuits.

When It Comes to Your AC, Prevention is Better Than Cure

Your air conditioner is your sanctuary against the sweltering heat—but what happens when it fails at the worst possible moment? The truth is, neglecting routine maintenance can lead to costly breakdowns, leaving you sweating both from the heat and the repair bill. Instead of waiting for disaster to strike, take control with these essential preventative measures:

Swap Out Dirty Filters Regularly

A clogged filter forces your AC to work overtime, reducing efficiency and driving up energy costs. Replacing it frequently ensures clean, cool air and extends your system’s lifespan.

Schedule a Professional Tune-Up Annually

Don't wait until your AC stops working! An annual inspection by a seasoned expert in air conditioner repair in Adelaide can catch minor issues before they escalate into expensive headaches.

Keep the Outdoor Unit Debris-Free

Leaves, dirt, and clutter can suffocate your system, reducing airflow and efficiency. Regularly clear the area around the unit to keep it running smoothly.

Ensure Unrestricted Airflow

Blocked vents and dirty ducts force your AC to work harder, leading to uneven cooling and higher energy bills. Keep them clean and free from obstructions for optimal performance.

Listen for Warning Signs

Strange rattling, hissing, or grinding noises? Unusual sounds are often the first sign of trouble. Addressing these early can save you from a full-blown system failure.
A little prevention goes a long way—stay ahead of AC troubles and enjoy uninterrupted comfort all year long! If you’ve tried everything and your air con still isn’t working, it might be time to call an expert in air conditioner repair Adelaide. Don’t suffer through the heat—get your air conditioner fixed today!

FAQs About Air Conditioner Repair Adelaide

What is the life expectancy of an air conditioner?

Most air conditioners last between 10–15 years with regular maintenance.

What is the most common AC repair?

Refrigerant leaks, dirty filters, and thermostat malfunctions are the most common.

Why is my AC running but not blowing cold air?

It could be due to low refrigerant, dirty filters, or incorrect thermostat settings.