7 Common Split System Problems in Brisbane (And Solutions)

1. Water Leaking from Indoor Unit

Water dripping from your indoor unit is one of the most common problems Brisbane homeowners face. The usual culprit is a blocked condensate drain. Brisbane’s humidity means these drains work overtime, and algae or debris can clog the line.

You might notice water pooling under the unit or dripping down the wall. The indoor unit may also shut down if it has overflow protection. This problem needs quick attention to prevent water damage to walls and floors.

What you can try: Turn off the unit and check if the drain pipe outside is dripping. If not, the blockage is somewhere in the line. You can try clearing the external drain outlet, but internal blockages need a technician.

When to call a pro: If water keeps leaking after checking the external drain, or if you cannot locate the drain outlet, call a technician. They have tools to clear internal blockages properly.

2. Not Cooling Properly

A split system that runs but does not cool well frustrates Brisbane homeowners, especially during summer. Several issues cause poor cooling. Dirty filters are the most common. When filters clog, airflow drops and cooling suffers.

Low refrigerant from a leak also causes weak cooling. The unit runs constantly but never reaches the set temperature. Outdoor unit problems like dirty coils or failed fans reduce cooling capacity too.

What you can try: Check and clean the filters first. Most indoor units have easily accessible filters that slide or clip out. Wash them with water and let them dry completely before reinstalling.

When to call a pro: If cleaning filters does not help, or if ice forms on the indoor unit, call a technician. Refrigerant leaks and component failures need professional diagnosis and repair.

3. Unit Not Turning On

When your split system does not respond at all, several things might be wrong. Simple causes include flat remote batteries or tripped circuit breakers. More serious issues include failed electrical components or control board problems.

Brisbane storm season can damage outdoor units. Lightning strikes sometimes damage electrical components even without obvious visible damage. Power surges can destroy circuit boards.

What you can try: Replace remote batteries first. Check your switchboard for tripped breakers. Try the manual controls on the indoor unit if your model has them. These steps rule out simple causes.

When to call a pro: If the unit still does not respond, or if circuit breakers trip repeatedly when you turn it on, call a technician. Electrical faults need proper diagnosis and safe repair.

4. Strange Noises During Operation

Split systems should run quietly. Unusual noises indicate problems. Rattling suggests loose parts or debris in the fan. Squealing often means worn fan bearings. Clicking sounds might indicate electrical relay problems.

Brisbane storms can blow debris into outdoor units. Leaves, twigs, or even small branches can get caught in fans. Sometimes mounting brackets loosen over time, causing vibration noises.

What you can try: Turn off the system and visually inspect the outdoor unit for obvious debris. Remove any leaves or branches you can safely reach. Tighten any obviously loose screws on the outdoor unit casing.

When to call a pro: For grinding, squealing, or loud rattling noises, call a technician. These sounds suggest component wear or damage that needs professional attention before something breaks completely.

5. Remote Control Not Working

Remote control problems frustrate users. Sometimes the issue is the remote itself. Other times the indoor unit receiver has failed. Interference from other devices or direct sunlight on the sensor can also cause problems.

Many modern splits have WiFi control as backup. If your remote fails but you have app control set up, you can keep using the system while sorting out the remote issue.

What you can try: Replace batteries and check the remote works by pointing it at a phone camera while pressing buttons. You should see an infrared flash on the camera screen. Clean the indoor unit sensor area of dust.

When to call a pro: If the remote tests okay but the unit does not respond, the receiver may have failed. Technicians can test and replace receivers. Sometimes you can buy a universal remote as a cost-effective alternative.

6. Bad Smells When Running

Unpleasant odours from your split system indicate problems. Musty or mouldy smells mean biological growth inside the unit. Brisbane’s humidity creates perfect conditions for mould in air conditioners. Burning smells suggest electrical problems or overheating components.

Mould grows on the indoor coil and in the drain pan. Every time the fan runs, it blows mouldy air into your room. This affects air quality and can trigger allergies or respiratory issues.

What you can try: For musty smells, clean the filters thoroughly. Run the fan-only mode for 30 minutes after cooling to dry the unit and discourage mould growth. Keep windows open for ventilation during this drying cycle.

When to call a pro: For persistent mould smells or any burning odour, call a technician. Mould inside units needs professional cleaning. Burning smells indicate electrical problems that need immediate attention.

7. Constant Cycling On and Off

Split systems should run in steady cycles, not constantly start and stop. Short cycling indicates problems. Oversized systems, thermostat issues, low refrigerant, or dirty filters all cause this behaviour. The unit works harder but cools less effectively.

Short cycling wears components faster and increases power bills. The compressor suffers most from constant starting and stopping. This reduces system lifespan significantly.

What you can try: Clean the filters and ensure the indoor unit has good airflow. Make sure furniture or curtains are not blocking the unit. Check the temperature setting is not too close to room temperature.

When to call a pro: If short cycling continues with clean filters and proper airflow, call a technician. They can diagnose refrigerant levels, thermostat operation, and component issues causing the problem.

Brisbane Climate Considerations

Brisbane’s subtropical climate amplifies certain split system problems. High humidity increases condensate production, making drain blockages more common. The long hot season means systems run for months continuously, accelerating component wear.

Storm season brings its own challenges. Lightning can damage electronics even without direct strikes. Power surges from grid switching affect air conditioners. Having surge protection helps, but sometimes damage still occurs.

Regular maintenance prevents many of these problems. Annual servicing before summer prepares your system for the demanding season ahead. Technicians catch wear early and clean components before they fail.

Common Questions

How often should I clean my split system filters?

Clean filters monthly during heavy use periods. Brisbane summers mean constant running, so monthly cleaning is wise. In cooler months when the system runs less, cleaning every 2 to 3 months works. Clean filters improve efficiency and prevent many problems.

Can I fix split system problems myself?

Simple maintenance like filter cleaning and removing debris is safe for homeowners. Anything involving refrigerant, electrical components, or internal parts needs professional attention. DIY repairs often void warranties and can be dangerous.

What is the most common split system problem?

Blocked drain lines causing water leaks are probably the most common problem Brisbane technicians fix. The humid climate means condensate drains work hard and clog more frequently than in drier regions. Regular cleaning helps prevent this issue.

Get Professional Help in Brisbane

For expert split system repairs in Brisbane, contact AH Air Conditioning today.