Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs a Professional Repair

Posted on September 19, 2025September 18, 2025 by Paradigm Cooling

3 min read

Introduction

An air conditioner is one of the most valuable appliances in Cape Town homes, especially in the Southern Suburbs, where summers can be blazing hot and winters surprisingly chilly. But like all machines, your AC will eventually show signs of wear and tear.

The key to avoiding costly breakdowns? Recognising early warning signs and calling in a professional before the problem worsens.

At Paradigm Cooling, we’ve identified the most common signs that your air conditioner needs professional repair.

1. Weak or No Airflow

If your AC is running but barely blowing air, you may have:

Blocked or dirty filters
Faulty fan motor
Obstructed ducts (for ducted systems)

This is a clear sign that professional servicing is needed.

2. Warm Air Instead of Cool

When your AC blows warm air, common culprits include:

Low refrigerant levels
Dirty condenser coils
Compressor problems

This issue is especially common during Cape Town summers when systems run at full capacity.

3. Strange Noises

Banging, rattling, or buzzing sounds are never normal. They could indicate:

Loose parts
Worn bearings
Electrical issues

Ignoring these sounds can lead to total system failure.

4. Bad Odours

Musty smells often mean mould growth inside the unit, which is common in damp Southern Suburbs homes during winter. Burning smells may point to electrical faults—an urgent safety hazard.

5. Water Leaks

Aircons naturally produce condensation, but if you see water pooling around your unit, it may be due to:

Blocked drain lines
Frozen evaporator coils
Leaking refrigerant

6. Frequent Cycling On and Off

Short cycling strains the system and increases electricity costs. Causes include:

Oversized units
Dirty coils
Faulty thermostat

7. Higher Electricity Bills

If Eskom bills suddenly spike without an obvious reason, your AC may be overworking due to hidden issues.

What You Should Do (Before Calling a Technician)

Check thermostat settings
Clean/replace filters
Inspect outdoor unit for obstructions

If the issue persists, call a professional.

Local Case Study

A Tokai homeowner called us about rising bills and weak airflow. We found a clogged filter and low refrigerant levels. After servicing and topping up refrigerant, the AC cooled efficiently again, and their monthly bill dropped by 18%.

FAQs

Q: Can I fix my AC myself?
Basic cleaning is fine, but repairs should always be handled by a licensed technician.

Q: How quickly can Paradigm Cooling respond?
We offer same-day service across Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs.

Q: Is it better to repair or replace my AC?
If the unit is under 10 years old, repairs are usually cost-effective. Older systems may need replacing.