Top AC Problems in Cape Town Homes (and How We Fix Them)

Posted on September 13, 2025September 12, 2025 by Paradigm Cooling

3 min read

Introduction

Cape Town’s climate can be unpredictable—scorching summers, chilly winters, and the occasional humid, windy day. This makes air conditioning systems essential for comfort in homes across Claremont, Wynberg, Tokai, Constantia, and Rondebosch.

But like any machine, ACs develop problems over time. At Paradigm Cooling, we often see the same common issues again and again. In this guide, we’ll break down the top air conditioning problems in Cape Town homes, explain why they happen, and show you how our team fixes them.

1. AC Not Cooling Properly

Symptoms: Warm air blowing from vents, room not reaching set temperature.
Causes:

Low refrigerant levels due to leaks
Dirty filters or coils
Faulty compressor

Paradigm Cooling Fix: We inspect for leaks, recharge refrigerant if necessary, clean coils, and test the compressor.

2. Weak Airflow

Symptoms: Air barely blowing through vents.
Causes:

Clogged filters
Blocked ducts
Fan motor issues

Paradigm Cooling Fix: Replace filters, clear ducts, and repair/replace faulty blower motors.

3. Water Leaks Around the Unit

Symptoms: Puddles near indoor or outdoor unit.
Causes:

Blocked condensate drain line
Frozen evaporator coils
Incorrect installation angle

Paradigm Cooling Fix: Unclog drain lines, defrost coils, and adjust unit positioning.

4. Strange Noises

Symptoms: Grinding, buzzing, banging, or squealing sounds.
Causes:

Loose parts
Worn bearings
Electrical faults

Paradigm Cooling Fix: Tighten or replace components, lubricate motors, and test electrical systems.

5. Bad Smells from the AC

Symptoms: Musty or burning odours when system is running.
Causes:

Mould in ducts or filters
Overheated components
Electrical burning smell

Paradigm Cooling Fix: Clean ducts, sanitise systems, and replace faulty wiring or motors.

6. Unit Turning On and Off Frequently (Short Cycling)

Causes:

Oversized system
Thermostat malfunction
Dirty coils

Paradigm Cooling Fix: Recalibrate thermostats, deep-clean coils, and adjust unit settings.

7. High Electricity Bills

Symptoms: Unexpected increase in Eskom bills.
Causes:

Inefficient old units
Poor maintenance
Refrigerant leaks

Paradigm Cooling Fix: Recommend inverter AC upgrades, perform maintenance, and fix leaks.

Local Case Study

A Claremont family noticed their 8-year-old AC wasn’t cooling and electricity bills were climbing. We replaced the unit with a new inverter aircon, cut their energy use by 35%, and restored comfort during summer heatwaves.