5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs a Clean

January 17, 2024

If Your AC Smells, Drips, or Barely Cools, This One’s for You

Let’s be real. Most of us don’t think about cleaning the air con until something feels... off. Maybe the airflow’s a bit weak. Maybe there’s a weird smell when it kicks on. Or maybe it’s just not cooling like it used to, and you’re sweating through another Brisbane scorcher wondering why.

Here’s the truth: air conditioners need regular cleaning, especially in humid climates like ours. And when they don’t get it, they start showing signs. You just have to know what to look (or sniff) for.


At Kleen Air, we clean and service hundreds of AC units every year across Brisbane and the surrounds. If your system’s due, you’ll probably spot one of these signs.

Think your air con might need a clean? Let’s take a look.


1. There’s a Funky Smell When It Turns On

You know the one. That damp, musty smell that hits you right in the face. It’s not your imagination. It’s likely mould, mildew or bacteria growing inside your indoor unit.


This usually happens when moisture gets trapped in the system and isn’t cleaned out properly. It’s more than just annoying — it can be bad for your health, especially if you’ve got allergies or asthma in the house.

Pro tip: if it smells like old gym socks, it’s time to book a clean.


2. The Airflow’s Weak (Even on High)

If your AC is blasting on full but barely making a breeze, something’s up. The culprit is usually clogged filters or a dirty fan that can’t circulate air like it should.


Not only does this make the room feel stuffy, but it forces your system to work harder, and that means higher power bills.

A good clean clears out the gunk, boosts performance, and helps your unit run more efficiently.

Let us take the pressure off your AC. Book a proper clean.


3. You’re Not Getting Cold Air Like You Used To

When an air conditioner isn’t cooling properly, it doesn’t always mean it’s broken. Sometimes it just means the coils are coated in dust and grime, stopping the system from doing its job.


We see this all the time. Once we give the coils a proper flush and clean out the internal parts, things cool down quickly.

If your room’s staying warm no matter what the remote says, this could be the fix you need.


4. It’s Leaking or Dripping Water

A little condensation is normal. But water pooling around your indoor unit or dripping down the wall? That’s not good.

It often means the drain line is blocked, which can happen when dirt and sludge build up over time. Left untreated, it can cause damage to your walls or flooring, and nobody wants that surprise repair bill. A clean-out usually sorts it fast.


5. It’s Been More Than a Year (or You Can’t Remember)

Here’s the thing. Even if your air con seems fine, if it hasn’t been cleaned in 12 months or more, it’s probably due. Brisbane’s mix of humidity, dust, and long cooling seasons means our systems cop a lot more than you’d think.


Routine cleaning keeps your air healthy, your system running efficiently, and can even extend the life of your unit.

Not sure when it was last cleaned? We can sort it for you.


A Clean AC = Cool, Healthy Air

Your air conditioner does a lot of heavy lifting, especially in Queensland heat. Give it a bit of TLC, and it’ll return the favour with better airflow, lower energy bills, and cleaner indoor air.


At Kleen Air, we don’t just do surface sprays. We get right into the system — coils, filters, fans, drains — and leave it truly clean.

Ready to give your air con a fresh start? Book your clean with Kleen Air today.

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