Air Conditioning Not Working in Perth? Common Problems & Fixes

Nothing is more frustrating than your air conditioner failing on a 40°C Perth day. Before calling a technician, there are several checks you can do yourself. This guide covers the most common AC problems in Perth homes and how to diagnose them.

AC Not Turning On

First check the obvious: is the unit plugged in and switched on at the wall? Check the circuit breaker — AC units sometimes trip their dedicated breaker. If the remote is unresponsive, replace the batteries. Many split systems have a manual override button on the indoor unit for emergencies. If none of these solve the problem, you likely have an electrical fault requiring a technician.

AC Running But Not Cooling

The most common cause of an AC that runs but doesn't cool is a dirty filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow so severely that the system can't effectively cool the air — and in extreme cases, ice can form on the indoor coil. Remove and clean the filter first. If the problem persists, check that the outdoor unit's fan is spinning and the fins aren't clogged with leaves or debris. A refrigerant leak or low refrigerant charge is another possibility, but this requires a licensed technician to diagnose and rectify.

AC Leaking Water Inside

A split system dripping water inside is usually caused by a blocked condensate drain. As the system cools air, moisture condenses on the evaporator coil and drains away through a pipe. If this pipe is blocked, water backs up and overflows. The drain pipe can often be cleared with a wet/dry vacuum. If ice has formed on the unit, this is a separate issue — turn the system to fan-only mode until the ice melts, then check your filter.

Unusual Noises

Rattling usually indicates a loose panel or debris in the outdoor unit. Hissing can indicate a refrigerant leak — turn the system off and call a technician. Grinding or screeching sounds from the indoor or outdoor fan motor suggest bearing failure, which requires professional repair.

When to Call a Perth AC Technician

Call a licensed technician for: suspected refrigerant leaks, electrical faults, fan motor issues, or any problem that persists after basic checks. Attempting to handle refrigerant yourself is illegal without the appropriate licence. In Perth's summer heat, most reputable companies offer priority callouts for residential breakdowns.