Repair Or Replace: 9 Signs Your AC Needs Help

a man holding dirty and dusty air conditioner’s filte

Repair Or Replace: 9 Signs Your AC Needs Help

We all know Singapore is hot and humid all year round. The constant high temperatures make air conditioning more of a necessity than a luxury. Air conditioning is practically an essential feature in modern offices, shopping malls, and even homes. In fact, nearly all private residences and most public housing units are equipped with aircon systems. 

With so much dependence on air conditioning, dealing with it when it malfunctions can be frustrating. This article is here to empower you with knowledge of the 9 common signs that your air conditioner needs attention and to guide you to emergency air conditioner repair services in Singapore.

When It's Blowing Warm Air

When you feel warm air coming out of your air conditioner, there is a high chance that there’s an issue with the compressor. It could also be because there is a problem with the duct, pulling in air from outside instead of from the compressor.

In times like these, you are advised to contact a professional to get your air conditioner repaired.

You Hear Weird Noises

It is common for your air conditioner to make low-level sounds. That just means everything is working the way it should, but once you start hearing unusual noises, it's time to get it repaired.

Some of the sounds you might hear include rattling or buzzing sounds. If you hear that, it means that something is loose in your air conditioner unit. Whistling or grinding noises, however, may indicate something more serious.

 While some sounds could be attributed to minor issues such as loose belts or vibrating components, they could also indicate a more critical malfunction, like motor failure. Prompt attention from an expert can help identify and address the root cause, ensuring optimal performance and preventing potential damage.

When it Starts Smelling Bad

If your air conditioning unit starts giving off musty or mouldy smells, it means mould is growing somewhere in the system. It can spread quickly in your home and cause your loved ones to get ill, but if you start noticing a burning smell, there is a high chance that there is some issue with the wiring or insulation around the unit. Repair services will be needed for this issue, but if the problem persists, you may need to replace the whole unit.

When There's Little To No Airflow

It is common for your air conditioning system to show reduced efficiency or little to no airflow, indicating a potential problem. This can be caused by a clogged air filter or a broken motor. Issues with the compressor could also be a contributing factor. It's important to call a professional to repair your air conditioning unit when experiencing these issues.

When The Thermostat Isn't Working

The thermostat serves as the central control unit for your air conditioning system. It sets the desired cooling temperature and monitors the system's performance. If your air conditioner fails to turn on or cycles on and off rapidly for short durations, it could be due to inaccurate temperature readings or faulty communication between the thermostat and the air conditioner unit. In such cases, you may need to seek emergency air conditioning repair in Singapore or consider replacing your unit.

When Repairs Get More Frequent



It might be time to consider replacing your air conditioner altogether, especially if the repairs are becoming frequent and expensive and your system is nearing the end of its expected lifespan (typically around 10-15 years). A new air conditioning unit will likely be more energy efficient, saving you money on your utility bills in the long run. Plus, a modern system will likely run quieter and provide more consistent cooling throughout your home.

Excessive Humidity

Your air conditioner’s job is to remove any excess humidity in your home. High humidity indoors can worsen allergies and asthma, making your home unhealthy. Even with your air conditioner running, if you feel the air is too muggy, call a professional right away to tackle the problem before it impacts your family's health.

When You Notice Water Leaks

Your air conditioner cools your home using a special coolant (refrigerant). As it does its job, it also creates moisture (condensation). Normally, this moisture drains away and doesn't cause any problems.

But if you see water leaking or pooling around your air conditioner, that's a sign something's wrong. Leaks can damage your home, so it's important to call an air conditioning repair person right away. They can fix the leak and keep your home cool and dry.

When Your Electric Bill Is Higher Than Usual

Your electric bill might be higher lately even if you haven't been using more electricity overall. The reason could be your air conditioner.

If your air conditioner isn't working as well as it used to, it might have to run all the time to keep your home cool. This extra running uses much more energy, which is a higher cost on your bill.

There are ways to fix your air conditioner, but sometimes it's cheaper to just get a new one. A brand new air conditioner will be more efficient, so it won't use as much energy, and your bill will go down.

When To Call A Professional

While preventative maintenance can extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system, eventual repairs may become necessary.  Having a qualified and reliable repair technician readily available can minimise downtime and ensure your comfort.

Should your troubleshooting efforts prove unsuccessful, consider seeking assistance from 81 Aircon, Singapore’s one-stop solution for any service and repair. Contact us today to find out how we can help with your emergency aircon repairs in Singapore.


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