Without even taking machinery apart, it’s a warning sign when visible parts of the system don’t look quite right on the surface. Are parts loose, missing, blocked or one can see obvious leaks? Also, take a look at the occupants or products being cooled… are they suffering because the air con is not maintaining the optimum temperature?
There could even be an issue with the thermostat itself so have a look at the display for anything unusual. Unusually loud, or different (squealing, grating, grinding) noises during operation can mean that fan motor bearings are starting to fail, the belt has come off or there’s a partially blocked condensate pump.
Increased refrigerant noises
Increased refrigerant noises (like hissing or gargling) coupled with reduced performance may indicate the system has refrigerant flow issues - potentially a refrigerant shortage or faulty valve. Damp machinery? Moisture leaks or pools of water, no matter how small, could signal danger. It could be a refrigerant leak, which is serious and needs immediate attention from a qualified engineer.
Less worrying would be a fault with the draining of condensation, resulting in small water puddles. This does need fixing as can lead to issues like fungi/mold but is unlikely to be an emergency situation. Unusually hot or cold surfaces also indicate that the AC or ventilation is not happy. The air con or ventilation is not meant to be smelly, so take note if it starts to produce unpleasant odors. It could be an acute problem or it could be old age.
Well-Maintained system
Even a well-maintained system can eventually reach a point where it needs a strip down
Over time, even a well-maintained system can eventually reach a point where it needs a strip down, deep clean, and sanitization of internal components and airways that are not normally accessible during routine servicing. This can help to improve airflow, efficiency, and performance that may have been gradually declining over the years. A burning smell should never be ignored, however, indicating damaged wires for example.
The other sense they haven’t mentioned is taste, but they don’t recommend tasting any part of an AC or ventilation to check that it’s working! However, as obvious as it sounds, a major clue that the system is malfunctioning is simply when one discovers there’s no cold air, distinct lack of consistent air flow or power.
Blocked air filters
It may not be so obvious if it happens gradually over time due to blocked air filters, blocked condenser, or a refrigerant shortage - all things that should be regularly checked by an engineer. It can be hard to know if the system has a temporary glitch, a serious fault, or is being affected by external influences (power, wifi, drainage, weather for example) but with regular servicing and preventative maintenance from Adcock one is more likely to nip potential problems in the bud.
One can also benefit from the fast response 24/7 call out team, every day of the year. If one senses there’s a problem with the AC or ventilation then there probably is, but don’t panic – the sooner the user contacts Adcock the sooner they can get it running safely and smoothly again.