What To Do If Your Air Conditioner Is Constantly Breaking Down

There’s nothing worse than having your aircon conk out when you need it most. One day it’s blowing cold air like a champ, the next – it’s wheezing, leaking, or worse, not turning on at all.

If this sounds familiar, you’re probably wondering: why does this keep happening, and what can I actually do about it?

Let’s walk through the most common reasons air conditioners break down again and again – and what steps you can take to finally sort it out.

Start with the simple stuff

Before you assume the unit’s totally cooked, it’s worth checking the basics. You’d be surprised how many service calls come down to something simple.

Have a quick look at:

• The power – Check your switchboard. Maybe the circuit’s tripped.
• The remote – Sounds silly, but flat batteries or wrong settings happen more often than you’d think.
• The filters – Clogged filters can stop airflow and cause the system to overheat or ice up.
• The outdoor unit – If it’s covered in leaves or dust, it won’t be able to breathe properly.

It might sound obvious, but a quick five-minute check can save you a call-out fee.

Listen to what it’s telling you

Your aircon might be trying to tell you something – but you’ve got to know what to listen for.

• Banging or rattling? That could be a loose part or a motor issue.
• A burning smell? Turn it off immediately – wiring or electronics could be overheating.
• Short cycles (on-off, on-off)? It might be struggling to regulate temperature or getting too hot too quickly.

These things don’t usually fix themselves. If you notice anything unusual, best to shut the system off and get it looked at before more damage is done.

Get a technician in (But ask the right questions)

If it keeps breaking down, you’ll want a local electrician or a professional AC technician to take a look. But don’t just say, “It’s not working.” The more detail you give, the better.

Tell them what’s happening, when it started, how often it’s happening, and what you’ve tried already.

While they’re there, don’t be afraid to ask:

• Why did it break?
• Could this have been prevented?
• Is it likely to happen again?
• Would you repair it – or is it time to replace?

A good tradie won’t mind explaining things – they’ll appreciate that you want to understand what’s going on.

Old unit? Might be time to let it go

If your aircon is over 10 or 12 years old and constantly playing up, it might be time to move on.

Yes, repairs might keep it going for now, but older units:

• Use more power
• Struggle in extreme heat
• Are harder (and more expensive) to find parts for

And when you’re calling someone out every few months, the cost adds up.

“Eventually, the cost of keeping an old unit running can exceed the price of a new, energy-efficient system. Replacing it can save you money, time and stress in the long run”, says https://cyberairconditioning.com.au/.

Keep it clean (No, really)

Air conditioners need regular attention – especially here in Australia, where dust, humidity, and even insects can mess with things.

Make a habit of:

• Cleaning filters every month or two during summer
• Keeping the outdoor unit clear of weeds, mulch, and grime
• Checking for mould around vents if your area gets humid

Also, book a professional air conditioning service once a year. It doesn’t take long, and it can pick up early signs of wear before they become big problems.

Don’t wait for the next heatwave

Here’s a tip: if your air conditioner’s been giving you grief, don’t wait until the hottest day of the year to do something about it.

Everyone scrambles to book services during a heatwave, and you’ll either end up waiting days or paying a premium for an emergency call-out.

If it’s acting up now – even on a mild day – take that as your sign to get it checked or replaced. You’ll have more time to shop around and less stress when the next scorcher hits.

Is it the right size?

Not many people realise this, but having the wrong size system for your home can cause all sorts of issues.

If it’s too small, it’ll run flat out just trying to keep up – and eventually overheat or wear out. If it’s too big, it’ll cool too quickly, shut off, then switch on again shortly after. That short-cycling wears it down fast.

If in doubt, have a technician assess whether the size and type of system still suit your space. Maybe the layout’s changed, or the insulation’s been updated. It makes a difference.

Should you repair or replace?

It’s the question every homeowner eventually faces. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here’s a general guide:

Situation	Recommendations
Minor issue + under 5 years old	Repair
Medium issue + under 10 years	Depends - get a quote first
Constant issues + over 10 years	Strongly consider replacing
High power bills + poor performance	Replace for efficiency

Newer systems might seem expensive at first, but the savings on running costs often make up for it within a few years. Plus, most come with solid warranties.

Time to take action before the heat hits

A constantly failing air conditioner is more than an annoyance – it affects your comfort, your electricity bills, and your peace of mind.

Whether it’s an old unit that’s had its day or a maintenance issue that’s gone unchecked, there’s almost always a solution.

Start with a simple check, call in someone you trust, and don’t ignore the signs.

Sometimes it’s a quick fix. Sometimes it’s time for an upgrade.

Either way, you’ll be glad you sorted it before the next hot spell kicks in.